Hi all,
delighted to be back for a short moment with Gillian McKee's contribution, while we do not necessarily agree with all alternative treatments this is the view of Gillian McKee:
Nutritious
Diet Beneficial To Cancer Patients
Eating
a nutritious diet is essential for good mental and physical health.
While nutrition should be an important consideration for everyone,
including healthy persons, it is especially important for those
suffering from cancer and its treatments.Cancer
and the treatments associated with it can leave a person feeling
weak, fatigued and sick. It is essential that a person get the proper
nutrients to stay as strong as possible
and to keep their immune system working. Many of the treatments for
cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, can compromise a
person's immune system and may also change the way the body processes
food. Cancer and treatments can cause the body to be unable to absorb
food properly. This may lead to malnutrition. While it may seem that
a person is eating plenty, they still may not be getting properly
nourished. Therefore, any foods that are considered junk foods should
be deleted from their diet. It may be difficult for a person with
cancer to eat foods to optimize nutrition. Cancer can affect a
person's appetite and also can change the way food tastes. This may
make eating difficult for a cancer patient. Therefore, a person may
begin craving foods that have no nutritional value and are providing
empty calories. In this case, self-control will have to be used and
the importance of nutrients will have to become the major concern
while going through cancer.
Proper
nutrition helps those who were just diagnosed with cancer, are being
treated for cancer and those who are in remission. A nutritious diet
increases energy levels and makes a person feel better. Cancer is
stressful. Nutrition can help combat the stress associated with
cancer. When a person is stronger because of a nutritious diet, they
are better able to fight off infection and other health problems.
This leads to less stress. Certain cancers can be treated with
non-traditional medical treatments. Alternative
mesothelioma treatment options
can be used in conjunction with a nutritious diet plan to achieve the
best results possible. When a person feels healthy, they also feel
better mentally. They are able to maintain a good mood. Although
cancer will leave a person feeling less than great, they will feel
better physically and mentally if a healthy diet is maintained during
and after cancer treatment.Proteins
are important for repairing tissue in the body and to boost the
immune system. When going through cancer treatments, the body has to
do a lot of repairing. Without the proper amount of proteins in the
diet, the body will begin to break down and take more time to
heal.
Fats
are an essential part of a healthy diet. This is because fats supply
the body with much needed energy. Fats also insulate the body and aid
in transporting vitamins throughout the body.Another
major source of energy for the body is carbohydrates. Although we
often are told to avoid carbohydrates, these must be included in the
diet in moderation. Carbohydrates provide an adequate supply of
energy and support proper organ function.Water
should be included in a healthy diet. A body must stay hydrated to
remain healthy and fight off illness. Since a person going through
cancer treatments can experience vomiting or diarrhea, it is crucial
to drink plenty of water. Proper water intake aids in proper cellular
and organ functions. Without enough water, the body can't properly
use the vitamins and minerals it does have and this can make a person
very sick.
There
are several different foods that contain the proper nutrients a
person needs to stay as healthy as possible while going through
cancer treatments. A doctor or nutritionist would be good sources to
turn to if there are questions about which foods should be included
or excluded from a diet for a cancer patient. Foods low in
nutritional value should be kept to a minimum. A small amount may be
okay to satisfy a craving, but overall, a healthy diet must be
maintained.