Why nutrition matters to your health
We all know how important and essential a good diet is for a healthy lifestyle, even in our daily lives when we aren’t even sick. Pay attention to what you eat and what your body needs. The right nutrients help your body run like a well-oiled machine.
So, what does your body need in particular? The answer isn’t that easy for most people, even when it just comes to their everyday lifestyle. And when your body is in an altered or even a diseased state, you especially need to know what you have to pay attention to.
Recommendations for a healthy diet with cancer are really a dime a dozen.
You’ve certainly received a number of well-meaning tips but, since opinions differ, the information can also be conflicting. Most people who get cancer eventually ask themselves, "What should I actually eat and not eat at this point? Can proper nutrition speed up my recovery? Can the wrong nutrition hurt me? Whom can I believe? Which tips are scientifically supported?"
Since cancer and cancer treatments cause weight loss most of the time, you have to watch what you eat and drink more carefully than ever before. Why? Because your nutritional needs have changed.
In short: Your body needs a mix of carbohydrates, fat and protein as well as vitamins, fiber and trace elements on a daily basis. In addition, you have to drink enough liquids, preferably water, and electrolytes.
Basically, a good diet with cancer:
- contains enough energy (calories)
- is containing the right amount of protein you may need
- contains sufficient amounts of vitamins, trace elements and essetial fatty acids (e.g., plant and/or fish oils)
- strengthens your general condition and may improve your immune system
- is adapted to your particular disease and its treatments.
- is good and good for you.
One thing is certain: What you need is a highly personal issue. A nutritional consultation with your healthcare specialist will tell you how you can design your meal plan in order to meet your personal nutritional needs as best as possible. Please ask your healthcare team for support.