Recommended Food Rules and Types for Ovarian Cancer Patients
Eating rules for people with ovarian cancer
There is an
important reason why ovarian cancer patients need to pay attention to their
diet. Please note that cancer and its treatment affect the needs of the
patient's body in getting nutrients.
For example, when
undergoing chemotherapy, cancer patients will experience side
effects and symptoms of ovarian cancer such as nausea and vomiting that make the
food consumed re-removed. In fact, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea or sores
in the mouth, making it difficult for cancer patients to eat comfortably.
As a result,
poorly fulfilled nutrient intake makes patients thin and may slow down the
recovery process from the disease. In fact, it may increase the risk of
developing complications of ovarian cancer.
All these things make
oncologists and nutritionists require cancer patients to live this healthy lifestyle.
Before knowing
the food choices, both vegetables, and fruits that are good and good for ovarian
cancer patients, you need to understand some rules, including:
- Food 5-6 small portions per day so
that the stomach is not nauseous. Choose cold foods, do not smell pungent
that can make you vomit. Avoid fatty or fried foods.
- When you have diarrhea, avoid foods
that contain gas, caffeine, or sorbitol. Choose fiber-rich foods with
small but frequent portions.
- If you have mucositis (sores on the
mouth), avoid foods that are acidic and spicy. Choose soft-textured foods
and served in cold conditions.
Types of foods for ovarian cancer recommended
Cancer patients
must choose food to keep the body's cells healthy and support the immune system.
Of course, the food chosen is rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy
fats, and carbohydrates.
Various food
choices that need to be included in the daily diet for cancer patients, namely:
1. Fruits
According to Jill
Bice, MS, MD, a nutritionist from the University of
Chicago Medicine, women generally need to consume 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit per day. This is
equivalent to 350 grams of fruit per day. In fact, any fruit is good and can be
consumed for ovarian cancer patients because the fruit provides vitamins, minerals,
fiber, protein, and of course, phytochemicals.
Phytochemicals
are active compounds that can reduce inflammation, prevent DNA damage and aid
its repair, stimulate apoptosis (dead cells), and boost the immune system.
You can enjoy
bananas, apples, watermelons, mangoes, dragon fruit, pears, grapes, melons,
papayas, and other colorful fruits. However, good food choices for ovarian
cancer must adjust the condition of the body is very consuming. For example,
when diarrhea, avoid papaya or pears, which can make diarrhea worse.
Instead of
juicing, you better enjoy it directly and whole. You can also increase fruit
consumption by mixing it in yogurt or made salad.
2. Vegetables
In addition to
fruit, phytochemicals and other important nutrients are also present in
vegetables. Vegetables that are good for ovarian cancer are very diverse, for
example, green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, or kailan.
You need to get 3
servings of vegetables per day. According to Eat for Health, the dose of 1 serving of vegetables varies
depending on the type of vegetable chosen.
For example, 1
serving of green vegetables is equivalent to 1/2 cup, which is 45 grams. While
for tomatoes, 1 serving is equal to 1 medium-sized tomato and for potatoes, 1
serving is equivalent to a medium-sized potato. When the dose of these foods
can be a good daily vegetable intake for cancer patients.
Instead of canned
vegetables, you better choose fresh vegetables. However, do not forget to wash
vegetables with running water until they clean. In addition, when you are
nauseous or have diarrhea, you should avoid vegetables that contain a lot of
gas, such as cabbage.
3. Nuts and seeds
Other foods that
are good for ovarian cancer patients are nuts and seeds. Both of these foods
are rich in fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, and iron. You can choose wheat,
almonds, soybeans, chia seeds, or flaxseeds.
These grains are often
served for breakfast, as a topping for yogurt, or mixed in your
cooking.
4. Dairy products and protein foods
Dairy products,
such as milk, yogurt, or cheese, contain protein and calcium good for the
body. However, you should be careful about choosing foods good for ovarian
cancer, especially their sugar and fat content. So, choose yogurt that is low
in sugar and milk that is low in fat.
Protein can also
be obtained from meats, ranging from chicken, fish, and beef. However, set
aside the fat portions of chicken (white meat) and beef (red meat). Limit also
the consumption of red meat as a daily food menu.
Setting up a healthy diet for cancer patients is not an easy task. If you are struggling, do not hesitate to do further consultation with a cancer expert or nutritionist. They will help you create a diet plan and recommend a healthy menu to consume every day.
