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According to the dietitian Justina Linauskaitė-Kekė, people need the same nutrients as healthy people: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, trace elements, vitamins.
“Oncology patients need more calories and protein, it is recommended to consume more Omega-3 fatty acids. Protein products (dairy, eggs, lean meats, fish, legumes, nuts) should be consumed during the three main meals of the day.
It is advisable to enrich the diet with foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: salmon, trout, herring, mackerel, flaxseed, walnuts.
There should also be no shortage of fruits, berries, vegetables, nuts, seeds. It is advisable to consume 200-500 g of vegetables, 200-300 g of fruits and berries, 30 g of nuts, 2 tablespoons of seeds a day ”, says the doctor, adding that the food should be as diverse and colorful as possible.
The benefits of juice-based diets are just a myth
According to the doctor, people tend to give up sugar as soon as they know they have been diagnosed with cancer because it supposedly feeds cancer cells. In fact, it is worth giving up simple carbohydrates and added sugar in cakes, cookies, and candies, but there are also extreme cases where you stop consuming compound carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, berries, and vegetables) without contributing to the body a lot of nutrients in the diet. vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
The doctor says that such a refusal is inappropriate, because glucose is the main source of energy for the cells of the body and the brain, so even without carbohydrates, the body will produce glucose from fat or protein.
Another common myth is the landing days or juice diets that supposedly eliminate toxins.
123RF.com nuotr./Sultys
“I always remind those patients that the liver and kidneys cleanse toxins from the body, and that starvation or juice consumption alone does not guarantee the need for all nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition and related complications.
It is not uncommon to hear questions about acidic or alkaline diets, as patients are convinced that foods with acidic pH promote the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. In fact, the pH of the human body is strictly controlled by complex internal systems. Food can only affect the pH of the urine and the metabolism in cancer cells is altered, resulting in an acidic environment that is independent of the food consumed, ”explains Dr. J. Linauskaitė-Kekė.
The wrong time to lose weight
Oncology patients often experience nausea or loss of appetite, causing less food to be eaten and weight loss. In case of nausea, the doctor advises to eat in smaller portions, but more often, do not eat the first meal while lying in bed, do not take long breaks between meals.
“If the nausea is caused by foods that are too hot, it is advisable to choose colder foods. Sometimes even the cooking itself causes nausea, so if possible, it is recommended that someone else prepare the food. Ginger and acidic foods can help to suppress nausea, so lemon juice and balsamic vinegar can be used in production ”, advises the nutritionist.
In case of lack of appetite, it is also advisable to eat more frequently and in smaller portions, avoid fatty and spicy foods and move as much as possible since physical activity improves appetite. She also gets excited when eating with other people, colorful, flashy and spicy food.
It is important to always have food for snacks on hand, to eat when you are hungry and not eat right away. However, if you cannot regain your appetite, it is recommended that you consult a dietitian. You can recommend medicinal drinks that contain proteins, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and trace elements that have a positive effect on appetite and the general condition of the body.
15min photo / Salmon salad
The advice of a nutritionist will also be useful if you notice that the portions you eat are decreasing, you are losing weight without effort and you feel lack of energy; These signs indicate that you may be at risk for malnutrition.
According to the doctor J.Linauskaitė-Kekė, patients often do not notice a reduced portion size, and sometimes even glad to lose a couple of kilograms, but the onset of the disease or a period of active treatment is not the time to lose weight. The goal should be to maintain current body weight to prevent malnutrition and sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass).
When you lose weight, specialty drinks help
If you’ve lost weight, your doctor advises you to eat regularly, often in smaller portions, and to choose foods high in calories and protein to regain it. In oncological diseases, the protein intake should be 1.5-2 g / kg per day in the absence of renal failure, or approximately 1 g / kg in the presence of renal failure. The daily caloric requirement is 25-30 kcal / kg.
“Half of the serving should be vegetables and the remaining quarters should be made up of protein (lean meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes) and carbohydrates (whole grain porridge, pasta, bread and potatoes). It is recommended to include good fats in the diet: nuts, nut butter, seeds, vegetable oil, avocado. If it is not possible to eat the usual portion of food, it is advisable to consume medicinal drinks “, says the interlocutor.
She says that it should be noted that liquid foods are better tolerated in oncology, making it easier for the patient to get the necessary nutrients from these special drinks.
Medicinal drinks are also a way out for those who have difficulty swallowing solid foods and preparing for surgical treatment, when a reduced portion of food consumed and weight loss are observed before surgery.
“To reduce surgical complications, improve healing and survival, medical drinks should be started 7-10 days before the operation,” says Dr. J. Linauskaitė-Kekė.
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