Nutrition for people with cancer of the bile ducts and gallbladder

Characteristic of cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer is the abnormal growth and excessive proliferation of cancer cells, so they consume a large amount of the body's energy and at the same time discharge many toxins are harmful to health. Therefore, a healthy diet, science is really necessary to improve the overall health of patients.

How does gallbladder and bile cancer affect eating?

When you have bile cancer, gallbladder cancer, you will find it more difficult to digest fat, and your body will always feel tired and lose weight quickly. Side effects during treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy can also reduce appetite. In addition, gallbladder cancer patients who have their gallbladder removed may increase the risk of complications in the gastrointestinal tract, the most common being prolonged diarrhea.

The nutritional needs of each patient are different. But a good diet must ensure the following principles : help patients feel better, maintain body weight, not lose weight too quickly and increase the ability to withstand the side effects involved. treatment.

A scientific diet helps a lot for people with bile and gallbladder cancer.

Principles of building nutrition regime for cancer patients of bile ducts and gallbladder

1. Protein (protein)

The body needs to be fed protein through food every day to repair the damage and keep the immune system healthy. When not supplemented with protein, the body breaks down fat sources as an alternative fuel. This reduces the patient's ability to recover due to a decline in the immune system. Therefore, people with cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder usually have to supplement more protein than usual, especially after taking treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.

Healthy protein sources include: fish, poultry, lean red meat, eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts, peanuts (peanuts), peas, lentils and legumes soy

2. Lipids (fat)

Fat provides a great source of energy for cancer patients. However, fat consumption requires scientific and reasonable calculations. Because if using bad fats, indigestion fat will aggravate the symptoms of the disease, and promote increased risk of cardiovascular disease or high blood fat.

• Good fat should be eaten : The fats found in nuts and sea fish are healthy alternatives to saturated fat foods, such as red meats and dairy products. In addition, fish oils are also helpful if you have high triglycerides. Besides, people with bile cancer, gallbladder should choose unsaturated fat to prepare food in vegetable oils, such as olive oil, sunflower oil, peanuts .
• Bad fats should be avoided : You should avoid saturated fat foods such as cheese, beef, fried fried foods, skim milk . Trans fats or hydrogenated fats part of canned foods, processed foods, biscuits . can also stimulate the cramps in the right flank.

3. Carbohydrates (powder, sugar)

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body to function. The source of carbohydrates that patients should choose:

• Fruits and vegetables : provide plenty of fiber, protect the body from disease, and reduce the symptoms of cancer that you should eat including: apples, raspberries, pears, broccoli, carrot…
• Cereals : fortified cereals are a simple way to increase dietary fiber intake, such as instead of eating white bread, white rice and low-fiber cereals, you can eat whole-grain bread. , brown rice and oatmeal. Because in these foods not only does the nutritional component not be lost, it also provides more nutrients and more fiber.

4. Water

Cancer patients often vomit due to the side effects of treatment, or chronic diarrhea patients are required to replenish water daily to limit dehydration. Because water is a solvent that helps remove toxins in the body. Through the food you eat, the amount of water will be provided in part, but experts recommend that people with cancer should drink at least 2 - 2.5 liters of water during the day.

5. Vitamins and minerals

The body needs a small amount of vitamins and minerals to support life. Most of them are provided through food. Some vitamins and minerals have also been prepared in the form of oral or infusion supplements.

People with bile cancer, gallbladder should be supplemented with vitamins and minerals.

If balancing between nutrient components will provide enough vitamins and minerals required. But for people with cancer, this will be more difficult. Usually, patients will be recommended to use a multivitamin and mineral supplement. However, you should not arbitrarily purchase and use them, but need specific instructions and instructions from your doctor to avoid overdose.

Food helps deal with diarrhea after gallbladder cutting

If you experience chronic diarrhea after gallbladder removal, you should avoid high fiber foods such as bread, whole grains, dried fruits because they will aggravate the urinary condition. run. However, you can eat foods that are high in soluble fiber, such as bananas and apples, which are good for diarrhea.

List of foods to avoid after gallbladder cutting including : beef, pork, fried and spicy foods, non-skim milk products, solid tea, coffee, chocolate, too much sugar and refined starch .

Being diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, the gallbladder is not easy, because of the persistent treatment process, plus side effects that make the patient's health and spirit go down. To 'recharge' energy for the body to fight against disease, in addition to diet, family members should become psychologists to help patients overcome this stage.