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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Anyone struggling with any type of cancer, not just breast cancer, should review the following helpful nutrition information. Brandy Strub, Registered Dietitian at Veterans Memorial Hospital, recommends the following cancer diet tips and recommendations by Oncology Registered Dietitian Paige Welsh, RD/LD of Cleveland Clinic.
If you’re having trouble with eating, start with lean protein rich foods first (chicken, turkey, soy or dairy products, nuts and seeds, eggs, salmon, dried beans, legumes and lentils, or nutritional shakes/protein powders if needed) and then move on to the other food groups. If you choose to have a nutritional supplement instead of a meal, choose one with at least 350 calories. Protein helps maintain muscle mass and increases white blood cells, which can help fight infection, and people undergoing cancer treatments have higher needs.
Get your antioxidants as these are your body’s best defense in fighting free radicals, which damage cells. You can get more antioxidants in your diet by eating lots of colorful fruits and veggies. Try eating the colors of the rainbow (natural colors, not artificial).
You don’t need to completely avoid sugar. Carbs provide glucose, which is needed by the brain, digestive system, etc. When it comes to carbs, try to choose whole grains over refined ones, and limit added sugars to 25 grams or less for females and 36 grams or less for males.
Water is essential to staying healthy. If you struggle with drinking water, try adding some fruit, or a splash of juice or lemonade, or mixing it with a sugar free flavored packet. Some people prefer different temperatures as well, such as ice cold or room temp. Try to avoid carbonated and sugary drinks as these aren’t the best choices.
Living with cancer or going through treatments can affect your immune system. It’s important to follow the following food safety tips:
• Wash all fruits and vegetables with warm water for at least 20 seconds. Remove any visible dirt.
• Only eat protein that’s thoroughly cooked. That includes fish, shellfish, meat and eggs.
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy and juices.
• Only eat deli meat that has been heated.
• Thoroughly clean all surfaces and utensils that have been in contact with raw animal products.
• Refrigerate your leftovers promptly and reheat your leftovers thoroughly before eating them.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before, during and after preparing food.
For more information on diet tips and recommendations for cancer patients, contact Brandy Strub, Dietitian at VMH. Information in this article was obtained from a Cleveland Clinic Cancer Care & Prevention article, entitled “Cancer Patient Diet Tips and Recommendations,” written by oncology registered dietitian Paige Welsh, RD, LD.