PT Health Life – Nasopharyngeal cancer, if detected and treated early, has a fairly good prognosis. It should be noted that in addition to treatment measures, nutrition plays an important role in improving the health of patients.
1. The importance of diet for people with nasopharyngeal cancer
Nasopharyngeal cancer is one of the most common cancers in our country and ranks first among head, face and neck cancers.
currently has not determined the exact cause of nasopharyngeal cancer. However, there are 3 groups of risk factors that make us more susceptible to the disease such as: Genetic factors , EBV virus infection and environmental factors. Including working in an environment of air pollution and toxic chemicals; Excessive exposure to tobacco and alcohol; Using a lot of grilled meats, smoked meats, canned foods, salted foods such as pickles, salted fish… contain nitrosamines that increase the risk of cancer.
If nasopharyngeal cancer is detected and treated early, the prognosis is quite good. In addition to treatment measures, nutrition also plays an important role in improving the health of patients.
According to Central K Hospital, people with head and neck cancer have a malnutrition rate of up to 35-75%, physical exhaustion also accounts for a very high rate and causes many serious effects on the effectiveness of treatment. cure. Therefore, building a reasonable nutritional regimen is an important factor.
During the treatment process, depending on the stage and health situation as well as the location of the tumor, the patient will be given different forms of treatment such as radiotherapy , chemotherapy, surgery… However, the patient will affected by the side effects of these treatments.
The most noticeable thing is that the patient always feels tired both physically and mentally, nausea, and loss of appetite . A reasonable and diverse diet will stimulate patients to eat more for better health.
Patients may also experience leukopenia/thrombocytosis/erythrocytopenia. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully study the nutrients in the meals of head and neck cancer patients to promptly supplement missing nutrients.
2. Essential nutrients for the body of people with nasopharyngeal cancer
People with nasopharyngeal cancer need to maintain a high-energy diet with appropriate and moderate exercise. Choose fresh, delicious and diverse foods every day. Prepared frugally, with few spices, soft, liquid, easy to swallow such as porridge, soup, milk, smoothies…
Some essential nutrients for the body of people with nasopharyngeal cancer include:
2.1Protein (protein)
Helps the body restore and regenerate tissue, maintaining the immune system . Patients should choose foods rich in easy-to-digest protein such as fish, chicken, eggs, yogurt, and beans.
2.2 Good fats
Provides energy for the body, helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins. You should choose good fats such as olive oil, canola oil, and nuts.
2.3 Complex starch
Provides main energy for the body. You should choose complex starches such as brown rice, oats , sweet potatoes…
2.4 Vitamins and minerals
Helps strengthen the immune system, prevent oxidation , and support the treatment process. Should be fully supplemented with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B, C, E, calcium, iron, zinc.
2.5 Water
Helps purify the body, support digestion, and transport nutrients. Patients should drink 2 liters of water every day.
3. Suggest some good foods for people with nasopharyngeal cancer
- Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, kale, carrots, spinach, water spinach, pumpkin…
- Fruits: Orange, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberry, papaya, dragon fruit, apple…
- Chicken: Lean chicken, chicken breast, lean pork…
- Eggs: Chicken eggs, duck eggs…
- Yogurt: Low-fat yogurt, Greek yogurt…
- Beans: Black beans, green beans, lentils…
- Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, whole grain bread…
- Cooking oil: Pure olive oil, sesame oil, peanut oil…
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds…
- Foods rich in omega-3: salmon, mackerel, almond milk, walnut milk…
4. Some notes when caring for patients with nasopharyngeal cancer
Patients with head-face-neck cancer such as nasopharyngeal cancer will often experience swelling, dryness, mouth irritation, jaw stiffness, difficulty chewing, and difficulty swallowing. Therefore, sick people need to eat soft, liquid foods; Divide into several meals a day, maybe 6-8 meals/day; Drink enough water throughout the day, keep your mouth moist.
Limit the use of processed, greasy products such as grilled meat, smoked meat, stir-fried, fried, roasted dishes… Limit the use of foods high in salt such as pickles, salted eggplants; Avoid dry, hard, spicy, sticky foods; Do not use foods that are too hot or too cold.
Patients should not be given foods made from fried fat and oil over and over again. Especially stimulants found in alcohol, beer, cigarettes, coffee, strong tea, soft drinks…