Nourishing Your Body Through Cancer Treatment
When facing a cancer diagnosis, nutrition becomes a powerful ally in your treatment journey. At The Godwin Healing Center at Conway Medical Center, our experts understand that proper nutrition isn’t just about eating—it’s about empowering your body to fight cancer and manage treatment side effects effectively.
Our team has compiled this comprehensive guide based on years of experience supporting cancer patients through their treatment journeys. Let’s explore how you can optimize your nutrition during this important time.
Understanding Cancer Nutrition
Proper nutrition during cancer treatment serves multiple crucial functions. It strengthens your immune system, maintains body weight, and can significantly improve how well you tolerate treatment.
Immune System Support
- Protein builds and repairs immune cells
- Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables fight inflammation
- Zinc and vitamin C strengthen immune response
- Well-cooked foods reduce infection risk during treatment
Energy Management
- Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy
- Small, frequent meals maintain blood sugar
- Protein prevents muscle loss
- Healthy fats offer concentrated energy source
Side Effect Management
- Cold foods reduce nausea during chemotherapy
- Soft foods help with mouth sores
- Ginger can ease stomach discomfort
- Room temperature foods minimize smell sensitivity
Treatment Effectiveness
- Proper hydration helps process medications
- Adequate protein supports tissue healing
- Nutrients help maintain healthy blood counts
- Good nutrition may reduce treatment delays
Weight Maintenance
- Balanced nutrition prevents excessive weight loss
- Protein preserves muscle mass
- Healthy fats provide necessary calories
- Regular meals stabilize metabolism
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Building Your Plate
Our nutritionists recommend following a modified version of the USDA MyPlate model, customized for cancer patients:
Protein Power (25% of your plate):
- Essential for healing and immune function
- Focus on lean meats, fish, and legumes
- Aim for consistent protein intake throughout the day
Vegetable Victory (30% of your plate):
- Prioritize colorful varieties
- Include dark leafy greens
- Choose well-cooked options during treatment
Fruits (20% of plate):
- Natural source of vitamins
- High in fiber
- Immune-supporting nutrients
- Preference for whole fruits over juices
Whole Grains (25% of plate):
- Sustained energy release
- Fiber for digestive health
- B vitamins for energy
- Complex carbohydrates for stamina
Strategic Food Safety
When undergoing chemotherapy, your immune system may be compromised, making food safety essential. The Godwin Healing Center recommends:
- Thoroughly washing all produce before consumption to remove bacteria and pesticides
- Meat Safety:
- Internal temperature guidelines
- Red meat: 160°F minimum
- Poultry: 165°F minimum
- Fish: 145°F minimum
- Avoiding runny eggs and raw fish
- Practicing proper food handling and storage
Managing Appetite Changes
Treatment can affect your relationship with food. Many cancer patients experience changes in appetite or nausea during treatment but our experts have developed effective strategies:
- Schedule regular meal times (If you can only eat a small amount in one sitting, eat small meals every 2-3 hours)
- Make eating social when possible
- Identify and manage food aversions (ex. smooth foods for a sore mouth, consistency adaptations, liquid nutrition options)
- Consider temperature modifications for sensitive days
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Support at Every Step
Our team at the Godwin Healing Center understands that every patient’s nutritional needs and challenges are unique. We provide personalized guidance to help you maintain optimal nutrition throughout your cancer treatment journey. Our nutrition experts work alongside your medical team to develop strategies that work for your specific situation and treatment plan. We also offer an All Cancers Support Group at CMC where you can connect with others going through similar experiences and share advice and tips with each other.
Remember, nutrition during cancer treatment is highly individual. What works for one patient may not work for another, which is why we emphasize nutrition plans tailored to your needs. For personalized nutrition guidance during your cancer treatment, contact The Godwin Healing Center at Conway Medical Center. Our team is committed to supporting your health and recovery through evidence-based nutritional care.
Expert Cancer Care in Horry County
Don’t navigate cancer nutrition alone. Our team at The Godwin Healing Center stands ready to support your nutritional needs during treatment. We are committed to providing comprehensive care and support to our patients throughout their chemotherapy treatment and beyond. With the right knowledge and support, our specialists will help you integrate proper nutrition into your treatment plan, working towards better health and a brighter future.
