Nutrition during Cancer Treatment

The topic of diet for cancer patients is often discussed emotionally. Based on data and facts, we now know: there is no "cancer diet" that has a direct impact on tumor growth. In any case, extreme and one-sided diets should be avoided, as should highly processed foods, foods high in sugar, fast food, and alcohol. Sometimes the treatment can affect your stomach, and side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite occur repeatedly. It's important to maintain a good nutritional status to avoid weight loss or malnutrition. Our dietitians will be happy to advise you.

If you have no restrictions due to your treatment (as in the case of cancer of the stomach, esophagus, pancreas, or mouth, nose, or throat), it's generally recommended to eat high-quality, fresh foods, preferably home-cooked. A balanced Mediterranean diet is recommended in any case.

Be careful with sugar

Carbohydrates are important as energy sources for the body and cells. It is essential to avoid foods that contain simple sugars (sweets, sweet fruits, honey). This is a very valuable contribution. You should not only omit or reduce the sugar in coffee, but also pay attention to the sugar content of the products you buy. Sugar is found in many seemingly healthy foods, such as fruit yogurt. Soft drinks should also be avoided.

Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables

Ideally, fruit and vegetables should be consumed in five portions spread throughout the day – as salad, freshly cooked vegetables, and fruit. This is the best source of vitamins and trace elements that the body can utilize, and is much more valuable than supplements, as the body has a much harder time absorbing individual, isolated elements.

Proteins are an important source of energy

Proteins in the form of fish, dairy products, and meat provides a lot of energy. Patients often believe that protein is forbidden for them, but natural protein sources are important for energy, maintaining the immune system, and building muscle. White meat and fish are preferable, but red meat can also be eaten every two weeks. Dairy products, eggs, legumes, and nuts are also important sources of protein.

Make sure you drink enough!

You should also make sure you drink enough fluids – 1.5–2 liters per day – ideally in the form of water, unsweetened tea, or highly diluted juices. You can also enjoy a dessert or a glass of wine every now and then.

Vitamin D

This diet covers all your vitamin needs. With one exception: vitamin D. This topic has recently been extensively studied. Most people – even healthy people – have significantly reduced vitamin D levels. This is because we cannot absorb enough vitamin D from our diet. Also from the second source – the body's own synthesis, i.e., cholesterol, which enters the skin cells through food and is converted into vitamin D3 under the influence of UV radiation. Most people, especially those who live in regions with less sun, produce too little vitamin D.

Vitamin D is known to be essential for bone metabolism. Studies have shown that the higher the vitamin D level, the better the bone condition. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for people over 65, as the risk of bone fractures is significantly higher. Since some chemotherapy drugs lower vitamin D levels, supplementation is highly recommended. Vitamin D also plays an important role in the immune system.

Physical exercise

Regular exercise – always tailored to your physical condition – is extremely important. Doctors used to advise patients to slow down. Today, we know that appropriate exercise has a positive effect on the heart and circulation, and also reduces fatigue, the leaden tiredness that many patients experience during cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy causes patients to lose weight, and physically active patients can not only maintain their weight but also build muscle mass. Simple strengthening and endurance exercises after therapy also promote rehabilitation. Neuropathy (numbness, tingling, and stabbing pain in the hands and feet) is still a problem with chemotherapy. Special physical exercises can have a positive effect on symptoms. Our physiotherapists will be happy to create a suitable exercise program for you.

Please contact us for further information or appointments!