Nutrition and Cancer: The Role of Diet in Prevention and Treatment
Nutrition is an instrument that can be used to prevent and treat cancer. Many studies have shown that sound nutrition can significantly lower the probability of some cancers, notably digestive, breast, and prostate cancers. The nutrients and antioxidants required to protect human body cells from getting damaged are available in foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, lean meat and fish. We are encouraged to consume vitamins C and E, which contain antioxidants that may fight free radicals and are believed to increase the rate of oxidative stress associated with cancer.
Other factors are decreasing the intake of processed foods, red and processed meats, salt, sugars, fats, and starchy vegetables and increasing the intake of fruit, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, fish, and nuts. Shredded foods and high sugars have been known to be related to cancer, such as colorectal and breast cancer. However, replacing the fiber containing foods like beans, whole grain products, and green vegetables can lead to unhealthful digestion as well as raise the risk of cancer.
Just like in every other aspect, nutrient intake tends to be severely compromised during a cancer treatment regimen. Some of the problems which are prevalent among many patients include nausea, poor appetite and dysphagia; therefore, attention ought to be paid to nutrient-dense foods which the patients can comfortably take. Caloric and protein-laden items like smoothies, yoghurts and nut spreads suffice for diet and muscles.
All in all, nutrition and cancer are important elements of a healthy diet. From what I have noted and people can bear me witness is that diet does not only play a stand for preventive measures against cancer but also plays a key role in the treatment process, boosting a patient’s well-being and recovery.
WRITTEN BY: AMEDICC.COM
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