PT Health Life – An unhealthy diet can weaken the immune system, increase inflammation and hinder the healing process of ovarian cancer.
Eating a healthy diet is always important and is especially important for people with cancer, including ovarian cancer.
However, a healthy diet not only includes eating lots of fruits and vegetables but also avoiding unhealthy foods for the best results.
1. The importance of diet for people with ovarian cancer
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in many cases patients can live longer than the estimated survival time from the time the disease is detected due to nutrition and lifestyle. Fit.
During ovarian cancer treatment , the body encounters many different challenges, including side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Proper nutrition helps the immune system function better, which is important for fighting infections, aiding recovery, and managing side effects. Consuming enough calories, protein and essential nutrients to provide the body with the energy it needs and the building blocks for tissue repair and recovery has the following effects:
- Helps patients improve resistance , support the body against the harmful effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.
- Maintain a reasonable weight, reduce the risk of nutritional deterioration and muscle loss.
- Enhance overall health, help patients recover faster after treatment.
- Reduce side effects of treatment such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation,…
- Improves mood and spirit, helping patients face illness optimistically.
2. Some essential nutrients for ovarian cancer patients
According to recommendations of specialists at Central K Hospital, ovarian cancer patients should add a number of foods to their daily menu to ensure a balanced diet , complete with food groups:
Protein: Foods rich in protein. Especially milk and products derived from milk.
Choose lean protein foods like chicken as well as lean red meat (in moderation) fish, eggs, nut butters; Legumes (such as lentils, beans, soybeans, tofu, peas) and nuts (if tolerated)… because they help provide energy, build and repair tissue, support recovery process after treatment.
Calcium : Milk and milk alternatives such as Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, milk or milk alternatives, and low-fat cheese in moderation (many dairy foods are also sources of protein Good).
Fruits and vegetables: Prioritize fruits rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, etc., which help prevent the growth of cancer-causing free cells, improve immunity, and enhance immunity. natural resistance. Priority should be given to eating fruits and vegetables in fresh or lightly steamed form to retain nutrients. Add fresh vegetables and dark green vegetables containing many vitamins and minerals.
Starch: Starch helps promote metabolism for people with ovarian cancer. Whole grains (if tolerated) such as oatmeal, quinoa, barley, wild rice, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, whole-grain bread, and starchy vegetables, including Sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, pumpkins… these foods provide a lot of fiber, help improve the digestive system, reduce the risk of constipation, and create a feeling of fullness for a long time.
Healthy fats : Omega-3, olive oil, nut butter, avocado, nuts (if tolerated) help reduce inflammation, improve mood…
Water: Drink lots of water, drink 1.5 – 2 liters per day. Adequate hydration is especially important during treatment. Patients need to drink enough water and other liquids such as fruit juice, vegetable juice, etc. to protect the kidneys and bladder during chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Ovarian cancer patients and caregivers should note that in cases where the patient experiences certain side effects such as diarrhea or is at high risk of intestinal obstruction, high-fiber foods are often not recommended. In case of vitamin and mineral supplementation, you must follow your doctor’s instructions. In addition, you should consult a doctor or nutritionist to have a diet that best suits your health condition.
3. Foods that ovarian cancer patients should eat and avoid
Foods to eat
Broccoli: Broccoli contains isothiocyanate, indole-33 carbinol, which has the ability to prevent ovarian cancer cells from growing.
Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables contain high amounts of certain phytochemicals, called glucosinolates. During the processing and consumption of cruciferous vegetables, glucosinolates break down into isothiocyanates. These compounds have anti-cancer properties and affect the metabolism of carcinogens, hinder tumor formation, inhibit inflammatory mediators, and activate the immune defense system.
Spinach: Spinach is also one of the cruciferous vegetables that is good for ovarian cancer patients. The minerals zinc, magnesium, and potassium in spinach help strengthen the body’s immunity and prevent tumor growth.
Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes contain carotenoids – a natural organic pigment found in plants, this is an antioxidant that helps prevent the formation and development of ovarian cancer.
Potatoes: Potatoes contain antioxidant polyphenols, which are effective in preventing cancer cells from growing.
Chicken: Is one of the foods rich in protein, low in fat, good for cancer patients, especially debilitated patients after ovarian cancer treatment. In addition, chicken is also rich in selenium and niacin (vitamin B3), which help improve metabolism in the body and help fight cancer cells.
Fish: Fish is a food rich in energy, providing nutrients as well as enhancing immunity for ovarian cancer patients. Patients should eat 2-3 meals of fish per week in addition to other foods.
Cereals: Contain lots of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Ovarian cancer patients can use grains such as barley, wheat, soybeans… to supplement energy and help improve physical condition. Studies also show that cereals contain substances that can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer such as phytochemicals.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds… contain many beneficial fats such as omega-3 to help absorb fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, K), good for cancer patients. .
Fresh fruits and vegetables : Oranges, tangerines, kiwis, tomatoes, carrots… contain beta-carotene, vitamin C, good for ovarian cancer patients.
Ginger: This warm, spicy spice is an effective natural remedy in cancer prevention, contributing to stopping the growth of cancer cells in the ovaries.
Tea: Many research results show that tea is a drink that has good effects for people with ovarian cancer.
Foods that should be avoided
When it comes to cancer, diet is important. Research shows that inadequate nutrition is linked to ovarian cancer and that dietary habits contribute to about 30% of cancers.
Avoiding the following foods may help support cancer prevention and better treatment outcomes:
Processed and salted meat: If you have ovarian cancer, you should avoid processed and processed meats such as sausages and cold cuts. Processed meats often contain additives, preservatives and nitrates, which are linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Additionally, these meats are often high in saturated fat, which increases inflammation and negatively affects overall health. Some research suggests that chronic inflammation, which is a long-lasting immune response, may play an important role in the development of ovarian cancer.
Sugary foods and drinks: By limiting sugar intake, it is possible to create an environment that is less favorable for the growth of cancer cells.
Cancer cells have a high need for glucose as an energy source. Consuming sugary foods and drinks leads to high blood sugar levels, which is favorable for cancer cells to grow.
Consuming too many foods that contain calories but provide few nutrients can also lead to weight gain. Research shows that excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including ovarian cancer. Obesity also promotes chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, promoting the growth of cancer cells.
Refined grains: Highly processed grain foods such as white bread, white rice, and refined pasta have less nutritional value than whole grains. Refined grains also have a high glycemic index, which can easily cause blood sugar spikes.
Additionally, refined grains often have their fiber and nutrients removed during processing. Adequate fiber intake is important for maintaining bowel regularity, supporting gut health and promoting feelings of fullness.
Trans fats and fried foods: Foods high in trans fats, such as fried foods, baked goods, and some types of margarine, increase inflammation which can easily lead to oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between harmful free radicals and protective antioxidants in the body.
Oxidative stress can cause cell damage and is linked to many different diseases, including cancer.
Fried foods are often high in unhealthy fats, calories and added sugars. Regular consumption of fried foods can contribute to weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer.
Undercooked fish and shellfish: During cancer treatment, the immune system’s ability to fight pathogens may be compromised, leaving the patient’s body ill-equipped to fight back. Bacteria, parasites and viruses can be present in raw or undercooked foods such as raw fish and shellfish.
Drink alcohol
According to a study in the Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research, drinking a lot of alcohol every day is not good for cancer prevention in general. Any type of alcohol increases the risk of cancer.
4. Pay attention to digestive problems in people with ovarian cancer
If ovarian cancer and cancer treatment cause digestive problems that affect digestion and poor appetite, consider the following tips:
Gas and bloating: Try drinking smoothies, eating high-calorie snacks, and eating smaller meals more often to avoid bloating. In addition, drinking mint tea or chamomile tea can help reduce bloating and reduce stomach pain.
Indigestion: Don’t eat before going to bed and sit up straight when eating
Constipation: Drink lots of water, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, eat soft foods that are easy to digest and exercise regularly.
Diarrhea: Replace lost fluids, eat small meals, avoid fried and spicy foods, and take time to rest.
Reduce cravings: Eating small portions of high-calorie snacks, such as smoothies, more often can help people with loss of appetite.
Nausea: Individuals may eat smaller meals more frequently, choosing foods and dishes that are easy to digest such as soups.
