Types of food
Maintaining a healthy diet is key, especially if you have cancer, as it helps you cope better with treatment, maintain your energy, and strengthen your defenses. Eating well facilitates tissue recovery and helps you better tolerate side effects. In addition, good nutrition can enhance the effectiveness of some treatments. Trying new foods, including more vegetables, fruits and plant-based foods, limiting processed meats and sugars, and maintaining a healthy weight are recommended. If eating difficulties arise, it is important to communicate them to the medical team.
Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can cause side effects that affect the diet, such as constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of taste, nausea and vomiting. In addition, some treatments, such as steroids used in certain types of cancer, can increase appetite and weight, while others, such as those affecting the pancreas, can make digestion difficult and cause weight loss.
Maintaining a balanced diet during treatment is key to managing side effects, improving energy, preserving muscle mass and supporting the immune system. In some cases, supplements, such as vitamin D, may be helpful, but should always be recommended by the medical team.
Adjusting the diet according to side effects can help: eating small portions if appetite is poor, increasing fiber and hydration for constipation, and consuming specific foods to combat nausea or diarrhea.
Eating a healthy diet throughout life is key to preventing malnutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, the rise of ultra-processed foods, modern lifestyles and urbanization have changed eating habits, increasing the consumption of empty calories, unhealthy fats, sugars and sodium.
A balanced diet should be adapted to each person and context, but in general it should include fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains, consuming at least 400 g per day of fruits and vegetables. In children, good nutrition is essential for their growth and future development.
It is essential to reduce saturated and trans fats, reduce salt intake (less than 5 g per day) and increase potassium intake to take care of cardiovascular health. In addition, free sugars should represent less than 10% of daily calories.
To promote healthy food environments, governments, businesses and communities need to work together. WHO has promoted several global strategies since 2004 to improve nutrition, control NCDs and promote responsible food policies, highlighting salt reduction and the elimination of trans fats.
During cancer treatment, it is common for the body to need more calories and protein to maintain weight and promote recovery. If weight loss occurs, snacks are a useful tool to provide energy, although sometimes less healthy options are used temporarily. It is recommended to consume protein-rich snacks, such as yogurt, cheese, nuts or smoothies, and avoid those that worsen the side effects of treatment.
It is key to add nutritious foods such as vegetable proteins (legumes, nuts and seeds), healthy fats (avocados and olive oil), whole-grain carbohydrates (oats, whole wheat) and foods rich in vitamins and minerals (fruits, vegetables, fortified dairy). In some cases, it may be necessary to supplement with supplements, such as vitamin D, always under medical advice.
It is important to avoid processed and fried foods and those with risk of contamination, such as raw fish or unpasteurized dairy products. A personalized dietary plan with the help of a dietician can be key to ensure adequate nutrition adapted to each case.
Making food choices is a personal decision, but opting for healthier options is easier with a simple menu. You don't need a lot of ingredients to create nutritious, cancer-friendly meals. With good planning, it is possible to prepare plant-based meals that are affordable, easy and delicious.
Here is a list of the most recommended foods to consume:
- Apples
- Oranges
- Grapefruit – Grapes
- Nuts
- Whole Grains
- Fermented foods
- Fish
- Broccoli and Cruciferous Vegetables
- Pulses - Legumes
- Asparagus
- Brussels
- Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Spinach
- Squash
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Flaxseed
- Coffe
- Soy
- Tea
- Dark Chocolate
Many people grow up eating foods that may be acceptable, but are not always the best choice. When planning your meals, it is important to moderate certain foods. Excessive consumption of alcohol, processed meats, red meat and sugary drinks can increase the risk of cancer.
- Alcohol: Its consumption increases the risk of several types of cancer, such as breast, liver, mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach cancer. To reduce this risk, it is recommended that alcohol consumption be limited and that national guidelines be followed. In addition, measures such as making alcohol more expensive, restricting its sale and promoting warning labels can help reduce its consumption.
- Red meat: Excessive consumption of red and processed meat may increase the risk of colorectal cancer due to its iron content and chemical preservatives. Research suggests that the compound haem in red meat may damage the intestinal lining. In addition, processed meats, such as sausages and cold cuts, are linked to colon cancer, while white meats, such as chicken and turkey, have not been classified as carcinogenic.
- Processed Meat and food: El consumo de carne procesada aumenta el riesgo de cáncer colorrectal y posiblemente otros tipos de cáncer. Los alimentos ultraprocesados, ricos en grasas, sal y azúcar, también se asocian con un mayor riesgo de cáncer y otras enfermedades. Reducir su ingesta y optar por alimentos naturales y caseros puede ayudar a disminuir estos riesgos.
- Sugar: Excessive consumption of added sugars, especially in sugar-sweetened beverages, contributes to weight gain and increases the risk of several types of cancer. It is recommended that intake be limited to 30 grams per day to reduce these risks.
- Dairy: Dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt and ice cream, provide essential nutrients such as calcium, protein and vitamin B12. However, whole versions are high in saturated fat and calories, so moderate consumption is recommended. Plant-based alternatives, such as soy- or pea-based products, are also healthy. Although dairy may reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer, it is not considered a cancer prevention measure.
- Burnt Food: Acrylamide is a naturally occurring compound that forms in starchy foods when they are cooked to a dark brown color. Although studies in mice have not shown a clear link to cancer, it is advisable to reduce intake by avoiding french fries, deep browning and cooking potatoes to a light golden brown.