Question: Can proper nutrition help patients do better with their treatment?
Yes. Research also suggests that people who are well nourished are better able to tolerate some of the side effects of treatment, may be able to handle higher doses of certain drugs and have a higher completion rate of therapy. What's more, some cancer treatments are more effective in people who consume adequate calories and protein.
Question: Are there any foods that are "musts" for people being treated for cancer?
Fruits and Vegetables. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables might improve your response to chemotherapy. Last month, a new study from the University of California, Riverside found that apigenin - a naturally occurring compound in fruits and vegetables - helped improve the feedback of cancer cells, making them more sensitive to chemotherapy.
Apigenin is found in fruit (including apples, cherries & grapes), vegetables (including parsley, artichoke, basil & celery), nuts and tea. Lab studies suggest Apigenin can inhibit the growth of breast, colon, prostate, skin, thyroid and leukemia cancer cells.
Protein-rich foods. During cancer treatment, adequate protein can help preserve muscle mass, body tissue and weight. After cancer treatment, extra protein is needed to heal tissues and prevent infection.
Good sources of protein include lean meat, poultry, fish, egg whites, dairy products and legumes. If you can't get enough protein from your diet, use commercial meal replacements such as liquid supplements (e.g. Ensure, Boost) and instant breakfast products. If you are sensitive to milk, check labels to choose a lactose-free product.
Consider making your own protein shake with whey protein powder, milk, and fruit. Whey protein powder can be added to any food or beverage.
Question: What about vitamins & supplements?
Avoid antioxidant supplements. Certain vitamin supplements may actually blunt the effectiveness of cancer drugs. There has been much debate about the use of antioxidant supplements, including vitamins C and E and beta carotene, during chemotherapy and radiation. The concern is that antioxidants may decrease the anti-cancer activity of these drugs (chemotherapy and radiation work by generating free radicals to kill cancer cells; antioxidants work by neutralizing these free radicals.)
On the other hand, some studies suggest that by protecting healthy cells from free radical damage, antioxidants reduce the side effects of chemotherapy without interfering with the action of the drugs.
Despite over two decades of research, there's too little data to support taking antioxidant supplements during cancer treatment. A review of 19 randomized controlled trials published in May 2008 concluded there was potential harm for their use during radiation therapy and antioxidants should, therefore, be avoided. The review found limited evidence to warrant taking antioxidants during chemotherapy.
Consider a multivitamin. If you find it hard to eat a balanced diet during cancer treatment, speak to your oncologist or dietitian about taking a multivitamin supplement. Avoid "mega" or "high potency" products that may contain large amounts of some nutrients. If you are undergoing radiation, speak to your doctor about the best time to take a multivitamin.
Question: Any tips for people who just don't have an appetite to eat?
Eat less, more often. If nausea and poor appetite prevent you from eating full-sized meals, eat small meals or snacks every one to two hours to prevent feeling too full. If you don't feel like eating solid foods, drink juice, soup, smoothies, and protein shakes during the day to provide calories and nutrients.
Eat your largest meal when you feel the hungriest, often in the morning. Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids with meals to prevent feeling too full. If possible, take a walk before meals to stimulate your appetite.
Sip on fluids. To help manage nausea, sip on sports drinks, clear juices, flat carbonated beverages or herbal tea between meals.
Eating small portions of dry, starchy foods such as bread, crackers and cereal can also help combat nausea. Peppermint candy or peppermint gum may also settle your stomach.
