Nutrition for Cancer Patients.

I have my friend Jillian McKee guest posting today. Did you know that October is breast cancer awareness month? Here she tells us all about nutrition and cancer.
The Benefits of Nutrition for Cancer PatientsNutrition is an important part of everyday living. Eating the right kinds of foods, in the right amounts, can greatly increase the quality of life, but what happens when your life is being threatened by cancer? There are many types of cancer: skin cancer,mesothelioma cancer, lung cancer and each can be as scary as the last.  Can nutrition play a part in helping to fight the disease? The answer is yes…and no.Let’s get the negative over with. Nutrition cannot replace the experience of doctors and should never be used as a solution for fighting cancer. It merely supports the treatment, not replace it. Cancer is one of those illnesses that is really tricky because the body itself becomes the enemy. Normal cells become abnormal and spread, choking off the life of other cells. It is by this reason that cancer can spread so easily. The body doesn’t recognize the abnormal cells are the enemy, so the immune system isn’t as effective.However, that being said, eating the right kinds of foods can help your body recover faster from the treatments. You will have more energy, maintain your weight and recover and heal much faster. The nutrition needs vary from person to person, so it is very important to consult a doctor and have them come up with a nutrition plan that is best for you.When constructing a nutrition plan, it is important to mix in the right amount of nutrients, especially proteins. Treatments can be very tiring on the body and proteins help by reconstructing and healing injured tissues. Without enough protein, the body will use its own muscles to try to compensate for the loss. As a result, cancer patients often need more protein than normal. Some great sources of protein are low-fat dairy products, nuts, soy foods and dried beans.The next nutrient to consider is fats. Fats allow the body to store energy, while at the same time, insulating it. There are four different types of fats: monosaturated, polysaturated, trans-fatty acids, and saturated. When choosing a diet plan, it is best to incorporate as much of the first two as possible. Good sources from these include oils, such as those primarily found in vegetables.Carbohydrates are the next nutrient. Carbohydrates are a major fuel source for the body and keeps organs functioning properly. The best sources of carbohydrates include whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Whole grains are the name for the entire unprocessed grain seed. When grains are processed, they are actually stripped of their nutrients, so it is important to try to incorporate as many whole grains as possible. Fiber is also important, as it aids in digestion by allowing food to pass through the colon, while not being absorbed by the body itself.When considering nutrition it is always best to consult the wisdom of a trained medical professional. After all, there is no replacement for the experience they can offer a cancer patient. While nutrition is by no means a replacement for cancer patients, it can help their fight against the disease.
So there you have it. Thanks Jillian for that informative post. Peace be with you, Veronica