Sunday, October 21, 2012

Article by guest writer, Jillian McKee


Using Nutrition as a Weapon Against Cancer

When most think about treating cancer, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery come to mind. There are, however, some other factors that play a role as well. One of these is nutrition, which has increasingly become recognized as a valuable tool in the fight against cancer. Regardless of what stage of fighting cancer the patient is at, nutrition can be a valuable tool.

Before treatment has commenced, nutrition is crucial. Cancer treatments are notoriously taxing on a patient's health and state of mind, and good nutrition can help ease this process. Weight loss is unavoidable when being treated for mesothelioma cancer, breast cancer or another form of cancer, but proper nutrition can help patients prepare for times of poor appetite by building up on nutrients before the commencement of treatment. Plant-based proteins provide the body with the components it needs to create the tools it uses to fight cancer. Eating well also helps the digestive system perform as well as possible.

While treatment is underway, good nutrition remains essential. Some nutrients cannot be stored by the body.  Keeping a regular supply of these nutrients flowing can help. Patients should not be too concerned if they cannot eat well for periods of time; all patients go through these difficult stretches, and a growing number are defeating their cancer. Focusing on eating well when it is possible, however, is important.

After treatment has ended, nutrition is an important tool to reduce the likelihood of cancer recurring. Treatment rarely eliminates the cancer entirely, but the body has a chance at defeating cancerous cells or activities that remain. By eating healthy nutrients and avoiding components of food that increase the odds of cancer, such as saturated and trans fats, patients can prime their bodies to prevent future cancerous activity.

Throughout the process, mental health plays a major role. Stress, anxiety and depression put strain on the body, and the body needs to dedicate as many resources as possible to fighting cancer. Studies have consistently shown the link between mental health and cancer outcomes, so patients should view maintaining an optimistic outlook as a tool for defeating their cancer. There will likely be periods of sadness and anxiety that come up, but working on using nutrition to help maintain a positive outlook can help.

Cancer also gives patients something to focus on while fighting. Too often, patients begin to feel a bit helpless as treatment is underway. Patients rely on specialist doctors who use their years of training and experience to give the patients the best odds they can. Doctors constantly tweak medicine doses and advise patients on the best way to proceed. Nutrition gives patients a topic to focus on, and it provides a route where the patient can have an impact on his or her chances of success.

Survival rates for cancer have never been higher, and the percentage of patients successfully beating cancer is climbing every year. All of these new treatment methods are helped by proper nutrition, and patients owe it to themselves to take the steps necessary to ensure that their nutrition is properly honed to defeat their cancer.

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