cancer awareness | NCES HealthBeat Blog

April is National Cancer Awareness Month, in recognition of this, we have decided to highlight this week for you, some of the changes experienced and needed in your diet as a cancer survivor.

It’s common knowledge your doctor recommends a healthy diet in order to promote overall heath, but did you realize that there are some healthy eating choices you can make that might improve the chances of keeping your cancer from returning?

A healthful diet that’s full of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans is especially helpful as a cancer survivor. The more in your diet, and the less red meat in that same diet, can help fight cancer at several stages. The vitamins and minerals gained through this diet help the body defend itself against cancer, as well as other diseases.

Many of the protective plant phytochemicals are very helpful in seeking out toxins and carcinogens in the body and eliminating them. This protects cells, and helps them to make repairs when cell damage occurs.

Combined with a healthy amount of physical activity, this improved lifestyle can greatly increase your chances of preventing remission, and living a full, longer life.

This information and much more can be found in our handout: “Nutrition of the Cancer Survivor” One of our Anniversary Special Items in our catalog and at www.ncescatalog.com. Item # 4625.

April is National Cancer Awareness Month, in recognition of this, we have decided to highlight this week for you, some of the changes experienced and needed in your diet when diagnosed with cancer.

Sometimes, the side effects of different cancer therapies might affect what you’re eating and how much of it you’re eating as well. Different things may seem less appealing than they once were. Because of this, many times people start eating less altogether. Dealing with cancer and its therapies may also cause you to become even more sensitive to certain foods.

It’s very normal to feel overwhelmed by all of the changes in your diet. Anxiety over what foods may be the “right” or “wrong” foods is common, and can be overcome with a little truth and knowledge to help guide you along the way.

Most patients experience the same common vitamin and mineral deficiencies when they’re dealing with cancer. This can easily be remedied by multi-vitamin supplements or liquid meal replacements designed specifically to provide vitamins and minerals. Make sure to always inform your doctor about which supplements or herbal preparations you are taking, or are thinking about taking.

Common Mineral & Vitamin Deficiencies:

Vitamin A

Vitamin D

Calcium

Copper

Folate

Iron

Magnesium

Vitamin B12

Vitamin C

Zinc

Also, many of these deficiencies can be made up with a proper diet and attention to the amounts being consumed, whether too much or too little.

This information and much more can be found in the handout: “Nutrition of the Cancer Patient”. The handout is one of our Anniversary Special Items and can be found in our catalog or by visiting www.ncescatalog.com and searching item # 4622.