By Gijs Starre
As we have previously discussed, it appears as though Marine PhytoPlankton can be extremely beneficial when it comes to patients dealing with various forms of cancers. Just as you may want to consider this supplement because of its nutrients, you are also going to want to incorporate certain foods into your diet. As a matter of fact, diet is a very important part of cancer treatment because it gives the body the proper energy and nutrients it needs while fighting off the cancer and treatments. Here are some general tips to remember which can apply to most cancer patients.
Vegetables and Fruits
There is no question that fruits and vegetables contain highly valuable nutrients. They have carbohydrates and vitamins that are important to a cancer patient. If for example a patient has neutropenia, they should eat vegetables and fruits that are fully cooked. This is because any raw products can have bacteria which can cause issues. An exception to this rule is that the patient can consume a fruit that has a fairly thick layer of skin which should obviously be washed, but includes fruits such as bananas and oranges.
Proteins and Dairy
Sources of protein are also going to be very beneficial to a cancer patient. This includes foods such as chicken, fish, lean meats, and beans. This is because they will help their bones to stay healthy as well as stimulate growth. Proteins can actually also work to repair tissues in the body such as muscles, skin, and bones. More so after certain procedures such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, protein is even more so important to include in the patients diet. As for dairy, you will want low fat products. Some great dairy products to consume include various hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss. Low fat milk that is pasteurized is also good to consume and yogurt that is low fat as well. Some soft cheeses are OK to consume but that is as long as you do not have neutropenia. This does not include any sort of moldy cheeses which will not be good for a cancer patient. Also consider that some cheeses can be contaminated when they are from a deli or are imported from other countries.
Grains
More so whole grains will be ideal for a cancer patient. They are a great place to get carbohydrates which create energy for the body. Some examples include doughnuts, pastas, rice, prepackaged breads, and so on. Cereals are also a great choice so long as they do not contain nuts or fruits. Consider that items which can be contaminated are not expectable options such as breads from delis but if you made a pasta salad from home, this is OK to consume.