Nutrition for Cancer Treatment
40% of us will get a serious cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. Only 5% is caused by problem genes we inherited by our parents. The other 95% are caused by mutations in our DNA we acquire in our lifetime. The number 1 cause of these mutations is our diet.
Moreover, once cancer is already diagnosed, diet plays a critical role. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, those with cancer should follow the same diet that helps in preventing cancer in the first place: more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans, while limiting fast food, processed food, meat, soda, and alcohol.
Adherence to healthy guidelines can actually turn off genes that cause many cancers, such as prostate, colon, and breast cancer. And when it comes to following a healthy diet, the more you change, the more you can improve. It is essentially in your hands, or rather, on your plate.
Whether you have had a feeding tube placed for head and neck cancer (or other digestive affecting cancers), have been struggling to keep on weight, or want to decrease side effects during and after cancer treatment, including a Registered Dietitian in your treatment team is so important. The sooner you begin, the more impact you will have.