|  | Cancer | Cancer Treatments

Nutritional Therapies for Cancer

Although there may be a link between a healthy diet and a lower risk of cancer, there is inconclusive evidence to demonstrate that diet can increase the chances of recovering from cancer. However, certain foods have been shown to decrease the chances of survival in cancer patients. Some foods are recommended for cancer patients not because of their curative properties, but because they are more manageable for cancer patients who are suffering side effects as a result of cancer therapy.

  1. Nutritional Therapy to Avoid Cancer

    • According to Health Guide, medical evidence has demonstrated that diets high in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains can help lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Fruits and vegetables have been associated with a lower risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. Monounsaturated fats have also been linked to a lower breast cancer risk, while diets high in soy are associated with reduced chances of prostate cancer. Finally, there is a link between a high fiber diet and a lower chance of bowel cancer. On the other hand, eating a high calorie, high fat diet may increase the risk of cancer.

    Diet as a Cancer Cure Therapy

    • Nutrition MD reports that the medical community has discounted the idea of a verifiable link between a diet and an increased survival rate in cancer patients. In other words, doctors believe diet does not seem to help cure cancer. However, a high fiber diet can help prevent a condition called enteritis, which can develop in the intestines of cancer patients as a result of radiation. Once more, although nutritional therapy has been shown to have no effect on cure rates, the converse is not true. Eating an unhealthy diet does adversely affect the chance of a cure, since certain protein, fat and sugars can increase the chances of metastases (spread of cancer) if consumed in large quantities. Although a healthy diet won't increase the chances of a cure, it is certainly recommended for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

    Recommended Nutrition for Cancer Patients

    • Although nutritional therapy can't cure cancer, the University of California Medical Center still offers some nutritional advice for cancer patients. Many cancer patients find it difficult to eat, as a result of cancer treatment. However, it is essential to maintain proper nutrition so that the body is strong enough to fight the cancer. The University of California Medical Center recommends eating several small meals whenever a person feels hunger, rather than trying to eat large meals. Bland foods, such as Cream of Wheat, eggs, fruit, cottage cheese and crackers are recommended. Cold foods should also be favored over hot. Ice cubes can be chewed to help with mouth sores. Finally, patients should drink lots of cold, clear beverages in between meals, but refrain from drinking during meals.

Cancer Treatments - Related Articles