Today I have the honor of sharing a post from a guest blogger- my first one ever! Jillian contacted me and asked if she could share her passion with you, the reader. She has a heart to see cancer patients and cancer survivors thrive in life through the nourishment of the human body. Thank you Jillian for wanting to educate people on how to ward off cancer as well as battle and survive this horrible disease. You can read more about Jillian here.

Healthy Benefits in Diet for Cancer Patients

Cancer is an uninhibited growth of cells within your body and can affect anyone. Your body is full of cells for good health, but sometimes they multiply uncontrollably and can become dangerous. There are various types of cancer, including mesothelioma cancer and colon cancer. Whether you have just been diagnosed, are going through treatment, or are in remission, a diet with good nutrition can have a multitude of benefits.

Cancer itself can have an effect on your taste buds and appetite, which is why good nutrition is so important. Your body can no longer tolerate certain and may not use nutrients in the same manner. It’s important to eat all the right foods before, during and after cancer treatments – even while in remission. A healthy diet will contain protein, nutrients, good carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats.

Healthy proteins are necessary for the immune system while repairing body tissues. Without it, muscle mass may be compromised in order to fuel the body. A cancer patient needs protein to heal tissue in the body and avoid infection. Consider protein sources such as fish, poultry, lean beef, eggs, low-fat dairy, lentils, soy foods, and nut butters. Protein powders can help if you find it difficult to eat these foods. The powder can be added to soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, to provide the much needed protein in the body. Cancer, surgery, and other treatments make your body crave protein in order to fight fatigue and build up your strength.

Fats are important for a rich source of energy. Choose only unsaturated fats to add to your diet, such as olive, canola and peanut oils, as well as safflower, corn, flaxseed and sunflower oils.

Carbohydrates are known to fuel the body and give it the energy it needs for daily living. The best carbohydrates are fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fiber. You may need to supplement your diet with a daily multivitamin. However, this is something to discuss with your doctor so that none of the supplements will interfere with your cancer treatment.

Antioxidants are an important supplementation since they can absorb and work in the body to prevent attacking of healthy cells. Eating a variety of vegetables and fruits can supply you with antioxidants such as vitamins A, C & E, zinc and selenium.

There are many other benefits in eating a healthy nutritious diet as a cancer patient. Aside from fighting off any infection and repairing healthy tissue, proper nutrition will maintain your body weight and give you strength. Cancer treatment is more effective when well nourished.

Your nutritional diet will help you to feel better, heal and recover faster, raise energy levels and strength, and help you tolerate treatments with lower risk of infection and side effects. Keeping up your strength will provide you a better life, recovery, and total prognosis.

Eating a nutritious diet as a cancer patient may be much different than the recommended diet for others. You often hear that fruits, vegetables and whole grains are imperative for good health. In your case, though, chemicals could be altering the way the body absorbs nutrients. Although you are eating all the right things, in proper amounts, the body may still be lacking. You need to build up your endurance and may have to eat some foods not normally recommended, such as those high in fat and calories.

Your needs, side effects, and particular cancer and treatment determine what foods are best for you. Someone with a cancer affecting the mouth or throat may feel best with milkshakes. In such a situation, supplements may be needed to obtain all necessary nutrients and aid in recovery.

Depending on your type of cancer and your stage – whether you were just diagnosed, in treatment or remission, follow the guidelines for proper proteins, fats and healthy carbohydrates in order to benefit from all the nutrients. However, if you have problems eating all the appropriate foods, just remember to enhance your foods with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in order to meet all your nutritional needs. Your doctor and dietician can create the best protein-enriched nutritional diet that meets your particular needs.  A well-balanced nutritional diet can help you feel better while providing a better quality of life.

Newly Published- Check out American Cancer Society’s New Guidelines for eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly