Going through stomach or any other types of cancer is tough. Of course, you get support from family, friends and doctors, but you must also learn important self-care lessons to make your life easier as a cancer patient.
For a stomach cancer patient, it’s important to follow a proper diet plan. Since stomach cancer mostly affects the digestive system, what to eat and what not to eat is a big question. You have to stay positive and only eat that helps you heal and make you feel better.
What is stomach cancer and how to develop healthy eating and thinking habits?
Stomach cancer, as the name suggests, starts in our stomach. It can quickly spread in other parts of the body. Stomach cancer or gastric cancer is a malignant cancer that forms in the lining of the stomach walls causing them to deteriorate. There are different reasons why stomach cancer forms but some of the main reasons include diet, age, and stomach diseases. If not found early, stomach cancer may be fatal.
By following a healthy routine and avoiding alcohol, tobacco and taking treatments with fewer side effects can help you cope with such types of cancer.
Chelation therapy is a modern treatment method with less side effects. In Chelation therapy, Chelators are used as anti-tumor agents. They deplete iron or cause oxidative stress in the tumour due to redox perturbations in its environment. This helps in shrinking tumours and sometimes cancer cells too. While cancer patients go through different kinds of radiation, modern medicine is working towards solutions that have fewer side effects. Now let’s focus on how to cope with stomach cancer treatment.
What Foods Should Stomach Cancer Patients Eat?
People find it difficult to have an appetite while going through cancer treatment no matter what kind. Stomach cancer is severe and can have a great impact on your appetite and diet. This is why it is important to eat carefully. Here are some of the foods that should be eaten while going through stomach cancer treatment.
Easy on The Stomach Proteins
Proteins are important for cell formation and especially after chemo to regain strength. Proteins should be added to the diet but only lean proteins like chicken, fish, or turkey eggs. Taking animal proteins may be too heavy on your digestive system especially because your post-chemo movement is restricted to small walking distances and more rest.
Your diet also depends upon your symptoms. If taking lean meats like chicken and fish is giving you nausea or diarrhea, then you should avoid them for some time.
Switch To Low Fat Dairy Products
Patients who wish to take dairy products can take low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Taking dairy substitutes is also a good idea. Low-fat dairy products give you strength and are not heavy in digestion, but if you still feel that your stomach is having a hard time digesting them, you can discontinue taking them or consult your doctor.
Some Fruits and Nuts
Fruits and nuts can prove to be a great diet for cancer patients because of their uncooked raw form and lots of nutrients. Some fruits like apples, melons, and bananas are good for stomach cancer patients. Nuts are also easily digested and feel light on the stomach so eating nuts is also beneficial. High-fiber fruits are quite beneficial for cancer patients if they are suffering from constipation.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Vegetables are a great source of proteins and many other nutrients. They come light on your digestive system and boost immunity as well. Taking leafy greens, carrots, spinach, and zucchini can help with stomach ulcers and cancer.
Try To Use Healthy Oils for Cooking
Not all cooking oils are healthy and if you’re a cancer patient or cooking for a cancer patient then you need to make sure to use lighter oils like olive oil or vegetable oil to make sure the food is easily digested by the patient. Heavier oils not only increase cholesterol levels but also make digestion difficult.
To Cope with Emotional Stress
Experiencing a change in your body due to a disease, not being able to do your best every day because of weakness, and coping with side effects can be a little too heavy on your emotional health. People often go into depression because they cannot accept the intensity with which the disease affects them. This is why it’s important to seek social and medical help. Go to a counsellor who can help you distract your mind.
You also need to make sure you keep a firm eye on your health. If you need professional help for coping with new symptoms every now and then then you can contact VeritaLife. They help cancer patients get through their recovery stage and also provide telehealth services to their patients.
