Posted in: Tongue Cancer Treatment by Dr. Tarang Krishna Posted Date: 10 Feb, 2020
Eating the right food is extremely important for cancer patients. This is important to keep the body in the right sturdy condition and help you fight infection. However, different cancer patients often need to follow diets which are different from what you think as healthy. Usually, a healthy diet includes:-
- Lots of fruits, vegetables, whole-grain bread and cereals.
- Adequate amount of meat and milk products.
- Small amounts or no fats, sugar, and alcohol.
When you have cancer, be it any, you need to eat healthy to keep up your strength to deal with the side effects of treatment. If you are healthy, eating enough food is usually not a problem but if you are undergoing tongue cancer treatment, this can be a real challenge. During such times, you may need extra protein and calories.
Your diet may also include extra milk, cheese, and eggs. If you have trouble chewing and swallowing, you may need to add sauces and gravies. Sometimes, you may need to eat low-fibre foods instead of those with high fibre. Your dietitian or cancer doctor can help you with any diet changes you may need to make.
Foods to Eat during Tongue Cancer Treatment
During your cancer treatment, your body faces a hard time fighting off the infection. It is more than important to make sure that the food you are eating is safe to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and other infections.
In addition to this, it is recommended to have small but high in caloric value snacks/meals such as avocado, hummus, eggs throughout the day. Large meals can seem intimidating if you have a decreased appetite; looking at smaller portions of food can make eating a better and less overwhelming experience.
Vegetables:-
- Carrots, pumpkin, turnips, and tomatoes for fibre and vitamins.
- Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can be helpful as they contain plant chemicals that can convert bad oestrogen into good oestrogen and reduce cancer risk and risk of relapse. Add green leafy vegetables for iron and calcium too.
- Asparagus and brussel sprouts for rich antioxidants and bitter gourd for lowering the blood sugar levels.
Fruits:-
- Oranges provide vitamin C.
- Bananas​, kiwi, peaches, mangoes, pears and strawberries for vitamins and fibre.
- Avocadoes, guava, apricots, figs, prunes and raisins for energy.
Proteins:-
Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, nuts, pulses, chickpeas, pulses, fish, and soy foods.
Foods to Eat after Tongue Cancer Treatment
After your tongue cancer treatment is finished, it is a good time to think about making good food choices. Make choices that promote health and well-being. The leading cancer doctors recommend foods which are low in fat and rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients.
Diet is directly linked to health. Though there is no scientific evidence or proof which suggests that eating certain foods will prevent your cancer from coming back, it is however recommended that eating right foods can help regain your strength, rebuild your tissue, and make you feel better.
Here are some tips:-
- Include multiple kinds of fruits and vegetables in your diet to make sure you get many different nutrients. You can eat fruits and vegetables cooked or raw at any time of the day. Be sure to eat more of the non-starchy vegetables.
- Eat whole-grain bread, brown rice, and cereals.
- Legumes are also an excellent source of fiber and nutrients. You can include beans and peas, lentils, etc.
- Avoid eating salt, fat, sugar, alcohol, smoked or pickled foods as much as you can.
- Choose low-fat milk products, lean meats, poultry without skin, and baked fish.
- Prepare meals using lower-fat cooking methods such as broiling, steaming, and poaching.
General Tips
- Pay attention to the quantity of food you eat.
- Try convenience foods, such as take-out foods or frozen dinners, to prevent nausea while you cook or prepare foods.
- Eat small, frequent meals. This can stop you from getting too full and allow you to take in more food throughout the day.
- Do not eat your favourite foods right before or after your tongue cancer treatment. You may begin to dislike them.
- Drink plenty of liquids in between your meals to avoid feeling full too fast or bloated.
- Eat slowly and chew your food well to help with digestion. It is also recommended to choose a relaxing place that has a comfortable temperature.
- Avoid places with strong odours. Eating with friends or family may also help distract you from your nausea. Wear loose-fitting clothing to stay comfortable.
- If you experience nausea in the morning, keep crackers or dry toast at your bedside. Eat these before getting out of bed.
About The Author
Dr. Tarang Krishna
Dr. Tarang Krishna, Director at Cancer Healer Center, is the perfect epitome of perseverance and dedication.
He has an impressive educational background to his credit. He completed his under-graduation in Medicine and Surgery from Pune, India and did his MD (Hom) from Agra University, India.Thesis on MD was on "Treatment of cancer" where he presented cases of almost 100 patients and the response of the medicines in the treatment of cancer. He then completed his Ph.d in Oncology from the United Kingdom and his thesis on the ‘Efficacy of Medicines in the Treatment of Cancer’ is greatly commemorated and honored.
He befittingly represents alternate medicine and has contributed significantly towards the development and research of immunotherapy.
Through his nationwide chain of “Cancer Healer Center” clinics he strives to offer superior cancer treatment, using immunotherapy.