What are the objectives of oncology patients following a specific diet?
- Reverse nutritional deficiencies
- Preserve body weight
- Improve food tolerance
- Reduce side effects and complications of treatment
- Maintain energy for daily activities
- Protect the immune system
- Help disease recovery and healing
- Improve quality of life
We suggest you follow these general tips:
- Eat a minimum of 5 meals a day: breakfast, lunch, lunch, snack and dinner.
- Eat small but very nutritious meals.
- It is necessary that lunch and dinner are complete. It is very useful the option of preparing a single dish where the first and the second dish are combined. There should always be vegetables, carbohydrates (cereals, legumes, potatoes, rice or pasta) and proteins (meat, fish or eggs).
- Cook food in a simple way to facilitate digestion and preserve all the vitamins and minerals of the food: steamed, boiled, baked, microwaved, cooked en papillote, grilled at a low temperature. Soft stews prepared with vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, onions… can be eaten.
- A moderate consumption of fats is recommended, especially those of animal origin. Eat lean or white meats (chicken, lean veal, rabbit) and fish.
- Eat fruit several times a day, because fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals. Try to eat fresh, seasonal and local foods.
- Substitute foods that do not agree with you for others of the same family.
- Try to drink at least 6 glasses of liquid a day, preferably between meals (water, herbal teas, broths, juices).
- Handle food hygienically: wash fruits and vegetables before peeling them, store food in the refrigerator tightly covered…
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Clean your teeth with a soft toothbrush and rinse your mouth before and after each meal with chamomile or thyme tea.