To think of a diet for cancer patients is to focus on fruits and vegetables, promoting the consumption of antioxidants. There is scientific research that supports this and we will tell you about it here. Cancer is a complex disease that depends on genetic and environmental components. Diet can influence the risk of developing this pathology and, on the other hand, supposes support for chemotherapy treatment.
When considering a diet focused on cancer patients, it is necessary to take into account a series of guidelines. It is important to restrict those foods that are involved in tumor promotion.
At the same time, it is necessary to emphasize the consumption of products that contain an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory character. This series of ingredients enhance the effects of chemotherapy and reduce its side effects.
Eliminate intake of processed
Consumption of processed foods, rich in additives, simple sugars and Tran’s fats, is related to the increased risk of developing cancer.
This class of substances increase the number of mutations originated at the cellular level and suppose an energy substrate for the tumor itself, promoting its growth. For these reasons it is essential to restrict processed products in patients who have already developed the disease.
Although in healthy individuals the cessation of intake is preventive, in cancer patients it can increase life expectancy. This is linked to the increase in the expectation of response to treatments.
Cancer diet must contain antioxidant foods
The antioxidants are substances which counteract the formation of free radicals. They combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of DNA mutations that can trigger cancerous processes. Its habitual consumption is related to protection against the development of this type of pathology.
In patients who already have this disease, it is necessary to increase the intake of these products in order to slow tumor growth. Some phytonutrients, such as the lycopene present in tomatoes, could help slow tumor growth
To increase the intake of antioxidants in the diet, it is essential to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables. It is necessary to emphasize the intake of red vegetables, as well as cruciferous.
Exotic fruits, in turn, are characterized by a high content of vitamins and phytonutrients that can meet the objective of fighting against the products of cellular oxidation. Variety is key to the diet.
Dietary supplements for cancer
There are also some substances that administered in the form of supplements help people with cancer. One of them is melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating circadian sleep cycles and with a strong antioxidant power.
The effects of this supplement have been evidenced in the scientific literature.
However, these benefits are found in doses higher than those used today at the clinical level. Studies linking melatonin to cancer prevention or treatment use doses greater than 10 milligrams daily.
In addition, this hormone manages to reduce the side effects associated with pharmacological treatment. In this way, sleep quality is improved, stress levels are reduced and markers associated with metabolic health improve.
Diet needs to be optimized for cancer patients
Cancer is a multifactorial disease that is directly related to certain environmental components. For this reason, it is necessary to optimize the diet to prevent the development of pathology and to help treat it.
A correct supply of nutrients is able to help slow tumor growth and enhance the effects of pharmacological treatment. To perceive these benefits it is necessary to emphasize the consumption of fruits and vegetables. These foods contain vitamins and phytonutrients with a high antioxidant capacity inside.
In addition, it is essential to restrict all those foods in the diet that cause inflammation and that have the ability to increase mutagenicity. Typical examples are processed foods. These kinds of substances are negative for health in the medium and long term, and are linked to the development of complex diseases.
