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Proper Nutrition during Recovery

If you're recovering from cancer, congratulations - you are well on your way to a normal, healthy, life once again! However, it is important to watch your diet and consider the foods you ingest carefully. Although diet alone is rarely responsible for cancer in the first place or reoccurring instances of cancer, there are many problems that may result from eating a poor diet. Many foods will not just cause you to remain unhealthy, but they can actually hurt your chances of survival. If you're recovering from cancer, talk to your doctor about ways you can change your diet to help you remain healthy.

First and foremost, if you've been battling cancer and are not recovering from that battle, it is important to see a nutritionist to learn how your dietary needs have changed during the course of your battle. Some people see little effects. Others lose a lot of weight. Still others actually gain weight. A nutritionist can sit down with you and assess your weight, as well as ways in which you can change your diet to accommodate problems.

You may greatly benefit from dietary supplements if you are recovering cancer. These supplements can ensure that you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need even if you don't eat the proper fruits, vegetables, and other foods you need to be as healthy as possible. However, not all nutritional supplements are created equally. Ask you doctor for help in choosing the one that is right for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions. For example, what studies have been done with the supplements and cancer patients? Are there any side effects? Is there a possibility that you may develop a dependency? Although most nutritional supplement as very safe, make sure that you understand absolutely anything you put into you body.

As a cancer survivor, you are also probably very interested in foods that you can eat to reduce your chances of the cancer coming back. While there are no guarantees, the following foods have been studied and may decrease this risk in many people:

• Broccoli Sprouts: Broccoli contains a chemical known as indole-3-carbinol, phytochemical sulforaphane, and other types of nutrients that can reduce certain kinds of cancers, including breast cancer and colon cancer.
• Carrots: Foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, are especially beneficial for people hoping to prevent cancer. Beta-carotene has been shown to decrease your risk of developing cancer of the lungs, stomach, bladder, breast, and prostate.
• Figs: Benzaldehyde, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium have all been long-thought to help you while you have cancer and afterwards, as you are recovering. Figs contain all of these nutrients, and fig juice is even better for you.
• Garlic: People have long talked about the health benefits of garlic, and some studies show that this may be true for cancer patients as well. Onions have been shown to have the same beneficial side effects. Your breath may stink, but you'll be helping your body fight cancer-causing substances.
• Citrus Fruits: Grapefruits, oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits contain a nutrient called monoterpene, which helps clear the body of cancer-causing substances. Grapes also have many benefits in the fight against cancer.
• Mushrooms: As an immune-booster, mushrooms work well, and new studies are showing that the may actually help you fight and prevent cancer as well. Shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms are especially beneficial.
• Nuts: In additional to being a great source of protein, nuts can help you fight cancer, especially prostate cancer in men.

As part of your cancer recovery diet, you should not just look at foods that can help you prevent cancer in the future, but you should also seek to get back to a healthy weight. Although some cancer patients gain weight, most are underweight at the finish of their treatment. Therefore, a high-calorie diet during the months or even years of recovery can help you achieve and maintain a health post-cancer weight. The stronger your body is after cancer, the better you can fight off lingering health problems and help prevent cancer in the future. You doctor can help you formulate a healthy high-calorie diet.

Remember, you can pass on your new, healthy diet to your entire family. Learn from your doctor or nutritionist about foods that you can prepare for everyone, regardless of age or health concerns. Most foods that are healthy for adults are also very healthy for children as well. Eat together in a healthy was as a family, and you will be helping your entire family fight cancer. If nothing else, good nutrition will help you ward of a number of other medical conditions now and in the future.

For information about nutrition during cancer treatment, please see Proper Nutrition during Chemotherapy and Proper Nutrition during Radiation.

Sources:

1. http://www.cancerrecovery.org/site/PageServer
2. http://www.cancure.org/cancer_fighting_foods.htm

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