A powerful "weapon" against cancer: scientific nutrition "escorts" the road to fighting cancer

The nutritional status of cancer patients directly affects the treatment effect and quality of life. According to statistics, 40% to 80% of cancer patients suffer from malnutrition, which not only reduces the treatment effect but also increases the risk of complications.

Liu Wei, deputy chief physician and head of the radiotherapy department of Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine) , reminds that scientific and reasonable dietary guidance is an important aid for cancer patients on the road to recovery.

1. What principles should cancer patients follow in their diet?

1. High protein is preferred: high-quality protein helps to repair tissues and improve immunity. You should ensure 1.2-1.5g/kg of body weight of protein intake every day, preferably fish, poultry, eggs, milk, soy products, etc.

2. Adequate but not excessive calories: Depending on the condition and treatment stage, the daily calorie requirement is 25-35kcal/kg body weight. You can appropriately increase the intake of healthy fats, such as nuts, olive oil, etc.

3. Rich in vitamins and minerals: Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamins and minerals, and the daily intake should be ensured to be more than 500g.

2. What are the common nutrition misconceptions?

1. Blindly abstaining from food (e.g. “don’t eat irritating foods”);

2. Rely on health supplements instead of normal diet;

3. Deliberately starve yourself to “starve cancer cells to death” (may accelerate muscle loss).

3. How to adjust diet during treatment?

(1) During chemotherapy : Eat small meals frequently and choose light and easily digestible foods.

1. Recipe for increasing white blood cells

Oyster and Tofu Casserole: 150g fresh oysters + 200g soft tofu + 30g wakame

Cooking tips: blanch oysters to remove the fishy smell, fry the tofu first and then boil it, add egg drops before serving

2. Digestive tract protection recipe

1. Turmeric Millet Porridge:

80g millet (rich in tryptophan to relieve nausea)

5ml fresh ginger juice (gingerol inhibits vomiting reflex)

Flaxseed powder 10g (dietary fiber regulates the intestines)

Simmer for 45 minutes, keeping the temperature below 60°C

(2) During radiotherapy : Drink plenty of water (2000 ml/day) to protect the mucous membrane.

1. Head and neck radiotherapy diet

Tremella and pear drink:

20g dried Tremella fuciformis (containing 3.2g polysaccharides after soaking)

200g pear (providing 15mg quercetin)

Lily 15g (contains colchicine to relieve pain)

Simmer for 2 hours, cool to room temperature and drink

Note: Use a straw to avoid irritating the ulcer surface, drink 6-8 times a day

2. Abdominal radiotherapy diet

Scorched Rice Vegetable Soup:

50g brown rice (fry until browned and cook into soup)

150g pumpkin (pectin protects intestinal mucosa)

60g minced chicken breast (high-quality animal protein)

Add a little salt to taste, filter the residue and take the soup

4. Practical Diet Tips

1. Platelet-raising diet: Cook porridge with 30g red-skinned peanuts (with skin) + 5 red dates + 50g red glutinous rice and eat it for breakfast every day.

2. Combination to improve anemia: duck blood vermicelli soup (100g duck blood) + 200mg vitamin C effervescent tablets to promote iron absorption.

3. Diarrhea treatment recipe: Peel the apples, steam them and mash them, then serve with scorched rice soup (rice fried until golden and then boiled in water).

Experts advise

Liu Wei, deputy chief physician and head of the radiotherapy department, reminded that a healthy diet is not a "magic drug" for fighting cancer, but it is the "best teammate" for treatment. Through precise nutritional support, patients can better withstand the pressure of treatment and gain more opportunities for recovery.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Yang Wenxin, Department of Radiation Oncology, Hunan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Follow @湖南医聊 to get more health science information!

(Edited by YT)