Radiation therapy is an intensive process. While going through it, it's important you keep your health and your strength up. To that end, you'll have to take a close look at what you're putting into your body. Proper nutrition during the process is of the utmost importance.
Why Nutrition Is Important
Cancer can change how you eat. Radiation treatment can affect how you eat as well. Together, the two things can change how your body uses nutrients. You may need to replenish some nutrients, while taking in more of some other nutrients to balance yourself out.
By balancing your nutrients, you can feel stronger and healthier. You will also have a better time dealing with any possible side effects from treatments.
Before embarking on any type of diet change, you should first talk to your doctor. However, there's a few things you can eat more of that can help you out in most cases.
High Energy and High Protein Foods
During radiation therapy, protein is definitely your friend. Fat, on the other hand, is not your friend, barring healthy fats. Protein helps your tissue heal and it helps fight infection. A lack of protein can make sickness occur more often and last longer.
Protein-rich foods include:
Fats can help to move energy and vitamins throughout your body. Fat also insulates your tissue, which protects it from damage. It's important to remember some fats are more beneficial to you than others.
So you'll want to make sure you're taking in the types of fat that don't boost bad cholesterol, such as saturated and trans-fats. Whenever possible, try to stick to unsaturated fats. You can get these types of fats from foods like avocados, nuts, olives, and grilled fish.
Another source of energy is carbohydrates. You can get these from all whole grain products and fiber rich foods, such as beans and berries.
Vary What You Eat, and Tread Lightly with Supplements
Don't just eat the same things over and over again. Give your body some variety. The categories listed here contain a tremendous amount of different foods, so you don't have to completely limit yourself.
In addition, if you plan to take any supplements or herbs, it's imperative you first speak to your doctor. An overabundance of some vitamins and minerals may interfere with the efficacy of your radiation treatment.
Beyond everything else, you should drink lots of water. All of these vitamins and minerals need fluids to help them do what they do. Water is the best option, but all fluids help, including milk, broth, and anything else you want to drink.
Share14 March 2017
I was always very healthy throughout my childhood, but when I became a teenager, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. Thankfully, I had the support of my loving family to help keep me upbeat during a time that could have led to me experiencing the depression that some do after they first learn they will have an illness for life. I am very grateful for the advice I have gotten throughout my life, so I decided to create a blog where I can share all of the advice that has helped me live a happy, healthy life, despite having a chronic illness. Since I am on a medication that suppresses my immune system, I have also studied up on many other illnesses and tips for avoiding them and treating them. I plan to post health tips for people of a variety of ages and suffering with various illnesses!