|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

Nutrition for Support During Prostate Cancer Therapy

Nutrition is an important component during prostate cancer therapy, as eating a healthy diet can help cancer patients stay strong during the process. Cancer patients may develop eating problems depending on the type of therapy they are receiving, such as chemotherapy or radiation. Speaking with a physician and a nutritionist is vital during the process to make sure the patient is getting the nutrients he needs to help fight the prostate cancer.

  1. Lack of Appetite

    • Prostate cancer patients may experience a lack of appetite during treatment which interferes with the ability to maintain proper nutrition. This may need to be dealt with through eating smaller meals throughout the day and snacking on healthy fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, granola bars, and peanut butter crackers when possible. Carrying portable snacks is a good idea because the cancer patient needs to try to eat whenever hunger strikes. Liquids such as low-sodium broths, miso soup and juices can also be consumed regularly to maintain calories within the body.

    Problems with Taste and Smell

    • Certain treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormones may alter the way that the body feels about food during prostate cancer therapy. Foods may taste or smell strange during these treatments, so cancer patients should keep foods and beverages around that sound good to them during this time. A diet should not be forced if it makes the patient feel sick during these treatments. Add flavor to foods with lemons, limes, sugar and extra sauces to make them more appealing.

    Safe Eating

    • Cancer patients need to be careful about eating certain foods during therapy. Raw foods, such as eggs, should not be eaten as they may contain germs that can cause problems in a body weakened by prostate cancer therapy. Soft cheeses should be avoided, as well as any dairy products that are not pasteurized. Fruits and vegetables should be washed well before being eaten, whether raw or cooked. Meat should be cooked to well-done in order to fully kill any germs before eating.

    Other Considerations

    • A physician, nurse or dietitian will be able to help plan a diet based upon the specific needs of the particular prostate cancer patient. Age, activity level, severity of cancer and other health factors will affect the diet that the patient eats. Diets should be followed accurately, and problems with them communicated in a timely fashion, to avoid complications due to a bad diet during cancer therapy.

Nutrition - Related Articles