Nutrition

Basically, this clinical specialty deals with providing a healthy and nutritious diet; while at the same time offering all the necessary conditions for the patient to enjoy his or her dietary process.

First of all, we must try to understand how difficult it is for many cancer patients to eat, since the simple act of eating produces quite unpleasant physical discomfort.

Based on this statement, we must try to make mealtime a pleasant and harmonious space, which the patient can enjoy as much as possible and which also provides all the nutritional intake that his body needs.

That is why we take care of increasing the intake of calories and proteins in the patient's daily diet; taking care of details of quantity, temperature and tolerance level of the food for their well-being.

Undoubtedly, taking care of the good nutrition of the cancer patient is favorable from several points of view. Thus, among the main benefits we can list the following:

• It offers better tolerance to the treatment and its possible side effects.
• Increased protein intake helps control the risk of infection and promotes tissue recovery.
• A good diet provides energy and a sense of well-being.
• It allows the patient to enjoy a better quality of life and general health conditions.

For these and other reasons, oncologic nutrition cannot be neglected; and as far as possible, it should be as critical an area as the treatment itself. However, it can eventually be supported by food supplements and poly-vitamins; which must be administered under strict supervision and authorization of the specialist.

First of all, something that we want to share and that is also part of the work we do; it has to do precisely with those small actions that can make a big difference.

As well as mentioning the most frequent problems, here are some tips to facilitate the feeding of the oncology patient under treatment:

• It is advisable to keep a strict control of your weight in order to be alert to major variations, bearing in mind that small changes will always occur. In this sense, sudden or very accentuated alterations should be cause for alarm and immediate attention.
• Prior to treatment, you can prepare a few servings of your favorite foods to preserve them, or arrange with a family member or close friend to make them.
• It is better to consume small portions throughout the day rather than one large meal; it will be easier to process and less likely to cause rejection.
• If possible, you should control the intake of salty and/or processed products. As for red meat, it is always advisable to have the guidance of a specialist, since it is something that varies according to the nutritional needs of each person.
• Consume as many natural products as possible: fruits, vegetables, legumes, greens...
• You will probably have to incorporate new products into your regular diet; relax and enjoy it. If it is not well tolerated, it will obviously be eliminated; the important thing is not to predispose yourself to new experiences.
• The consumption of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and other sugary drinks should be eliminated. On the other hand, water intake should be equivalent to 8 glasses a day; preferably outside meals and in small sips to avoid discomfort.
• Increase consumption of whole grains.
• The incorporation of fish to the diet is highly recommended; if you also tolerate blue fish well, include them without hesitation.
• The temperature of food makes a difference in its tolerance; ideally, it should not be consumed too cold or too hot.
• Finally, one of the main recommendations (as long as the patient's general conditions allow it) is to exercise. Undoubtedly, physical activity offers many benefits: it improves appetite, favors the digestive process, strengthens bones and muscle mass, among others.