Nutrition and the Fight Against Cancer
In the fight against cancer, nutrition is a key factor. Combining
good nutrition with other healthy lifestyle choices such as exercising
regularly, wearing sunscreen and not smoking can help reduce your
cancer risk.
The following are foods with cancer fighting
potential:
- Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- Carrots (fresh or frozen)
- Oranges (fresh)
- Tomatoes (all kinds including fresh, sauce,
crushed, stewed, sun dried)
- Broccoli (fresh or frozen)
- Spinach (fresh or frozen)
- Black beans (dry and soak overnight, canned)
- Grains (whole grain cereal, pasta, bread)
- Basil (fresh, dried)
- Garlic (fresh, chopped)
In addition, the American Cancer Society (ACS)
recommends:
- Limiting intake of high fat foods, particularly
from animal sources
- Being physically active (at least 30 minutes
per day)
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a healthful weight
Eating Well During Cancer Treatment
If
you or someone you love has cancer, good nutrition
is an important part of treatment and recovery.
Eating well during cancer treatment can help
a patient to feel better and maintain a healthful
weight. According to the ACS, the nutrients patients
with cancer should be aware of include:
- Proteins - Help the body maintain a healthy
immune system. Sources of protein include lean
meat, fish, dairy products, nuts and dried
beans.
- Carbohydrates and fats - Help provide the
body with healthy calories. Sources of carbohydrates
include fruits, vegetables, breads, pasta and
grains. Sources of fat include margarine, nuts,
seeds, oils and the fats in meats, fish and
poultry.
- Vitamins and minerals - Help the body to
use the energy (calories) supplied in foods.
- Water - Helps to prevent dehydration.
Cancer treatment and its side effects, however,
may alter your taste and appetite, your ability
to tolerate certain foods and obtain the nutrients
you need. If you are having difficulty maintaining
a nutritious diet during treatment, talk to your
dietitian or health care team.
For a complete list of nutritious and delicious
recipes, visit the Suggested
Recipes page on
the Joan Karnell Cancer Center web site.
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