Revised
: August 07
What is the difference between a diet for cancer prevention and a diet during cancer treatment?
Food choices promoted to reduce cancer risk may not be appropriate for all patients undergoing treatment. The cancer prevention diet emphasizes a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and is low in fat. If you are not losing weight and have no side effects from your treatment, you will be encouraged to follow the cancer prevention diet guidelines. If you are losing weight and experiencing side effects, you may need to adjust your food choices. For example, patients with a poor appetite may require high energy, low-fibre foods. If you are experiencing difficulty with eating, consult with a registered dietitian.
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How can I boost my immune system?
There is a lot of interest in boosting immunity, whether the subject is the common cold, chronic fatigue or cancer. What we eat and how it affects our immune system is a question many scientists are studying. We know the immune system requires adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals and specific fatty acids. These nutrients are contained in a wide variety of foods that are part of a well balanced diet.
People who are unable to eat enough or who eat a limited variety of foods may not get enough nutrients to allow their immune system to function at it's best. A healthy diet maintains immunity and keeps you well. What is less clear is whether high doses of specific nutrients, such as some vitamins and minerals, will boost immunity. Given known harmful effects and the lack of scientific evidence regarding the safety of high dose vitamin and mineral supplements, it is not advisable to take large doses of any particular nutrient.
Try to eat a varied, balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, dairy products and small amounts of fish, poultry and meats.
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I cannot afford organically grown produce. How can I reduce my intake of pesticides using conventionally grown foods?
- Choose a variety of foods. This will ensure nutrient balance and if a certain item does contain pesticides, it's only a small part of your overall diet.
- Wash and scrub all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly (organic and conventional) under running water, removing outer leaves of leafy vegetables. Don't use detergents as they have not been tested for their effects on cancer risk or other aspects of human health.
- Choose produce that is free of dirt, cuts, insect holes and other signs of spoilage or contamination.
- Select locally grown produce. Although imported foods must meet the same standards as produce grown in Canada, other countries may have more lax pesticide regulations.
- Start your own vegetable garden. Many vegetables can be grown in individual pots. If you do not have the room for growing, ask about community gardens.
- Choose low fat varieties of meat and fish and trim away any visible fat. Some fat-soluble pesticides may be concentrated in the fat. Discard fats from broths and pan drippings.
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How will chemotherapy affect my ability to eat?
There are many different kinds of chemotherapy drugs. Each has it’s own potential side effects. Each person receiving chemotherapy may react to their treatment differently. Some of the common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, taste changes, mouth sores and/or lack of appetite. If you experience weight loss associated with any of these chemotherapy side effects, ask to speak with a dietitian.
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How will radiation treatments affect my ability to eat?
As radiation treatments only affect the area of the body that is treated, the type of side effects you will experience will depend on the area that is being treated. In general, the more treatments you have, the greater the potential for experiencing side-effects. Treatment to the head and neck area can cause dry mouth, mouth sores, taste changes and difficulty swallowing while treatments to the abdomen or pelvis can cause painful cramps or diarrhea. Notify your radiation therapist if you are experiencing side effects and a consult can be arranged with the dietitian to help manage your diet needs.
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