What should cancer patients eat and abstain from?

Eat fish, lean meat, prioritize white meat; Avoid using prepared foods, limit sugar and eat red meat.

According to Dr. Lam Vinh Nien, Head of Nutrition Department, Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, cancer patients need to be provided with adequate nutrition and balanced composition of substances: Protein, fat , sugar powder, vitamins and minerals.

In fact, people with cancer often change their taste and appetite. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy also adversely affects the level of food intake of patients. Many patients restrict certain foods or only eat certain types, this method does not have sufficient scientific evidence to control tumors or prolong life. All of these factors make cancer patients more likely to be malnourished and depleted.

A balanced diet should be established, avoiding eating "extremes" that easily lead to lack of important nutrients.(Artwork: terilynnhaass.com).

Malnutrition affects the course of treatment, and some cases have to be stopped. Malnutrition also reduces the effectiveness of treatment, slows the recovery process of normal cells after each treatment, increasing side effects. Patients also increase the risk of infection, increase the complication rate, reduce the quality of life and death earlier.

Dr. Nien advised to establish a balanced diet , avoiding eating "extremes" that easily lead to lack of important nutrients. Preferably choose lean meat, fish, avoid prepared food . Meat and fish provide essential amino acids, essential trace elements for the body like iron and zinc. Note: White meat should be eaten more than red meat.

Diets for cancer patients should limit foods high in sugar because they are high in calories but poor in nutrients. Choose whole grains. Vegetables provide a variety of vitamins that are good for the body, so increasing the amount of vegetables makes up about half the serving. Can use more fruit juices, pure vegetables.

Families should encourage patients to try to eat even without appetite or wanting to eat. Don't wait until you are hungry to eat, but eat at a certain time of the day. Divide into many meals instead of just 3 main meals. Can add spices and colors to meals to increase appetite.

To limit constipation, drink plenty of water, eat high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, and fruits. When you have diarrhea or vomiting, you need to take up fluids. If you have a sore mouth, dry mouth should choose soft, easy to swallow foods.