Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting breast cancer patients and their caregivers. Here are some key points:
- Nutritional Issues: 50% to 80% of cancer patients experience nutritional issues, and caregivers often suffer from poor nutrition as well
- Benefits of Proper Diet: A proper diet can:
- Support and Show Full Answer
Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting breast cancer patients and their caregivers. Here are some key points:
- Nutritional Issues: 50% to 80% of cancer patients experience nutritional issues, and caregivers often suffer from poor nutrition as well.
- Benefits of Proper Diet: A proper diet can:
- Support and strengthen the immune system
- Increase energy levels
- Improve the ability to withstand and respond to cancer treatment
- Prevent weight loss
- Help in recurrence prevention after treatment
- Challenges: Patients and caregivers struggle to consistently eat healthy meals due to lack of time and energy.
- Nutritional Counseling: Early and ongoing nutritional intervention, such as counseling by a registered dietitian, results in improved clinical and quality of life outcomes. However, 80% of people with cancer never see a nutritionist.
- Healthy Eating Tips:
- Foods to Include: Fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, bright orange and dark green veggies (e.g., pumpkin, sweet potatoes, leafy greens), fresh fruits, eggs, whole grains, and fortified grains.
- Nutrients to Consider:
- Vitamin A and carotenoids
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Supplements: A multivitamin may help, but megadose vitamins can be harmful and should not be taken without a healthcare provider’s approval.
For more detailed information, you can visit the resources provided by MyBCTeam:
- [Breast Cancer Diet and Nutrition: Foods To Eat and Foods To Avoid](https://www.mybcteam.com/resources/healthy-eati...)
- [Nutrition Provides Control Amongst the Chaos of Breast Cancer](https://www.mybcteam.com/resources/nutrition-pr...)
Additionally, MyBCTeam offers a social network for people with breast cancer and their loved ones to connect, share stories, and get advice.
June 21, 2024