On hearing about cancer, people are thinking many things, and when it comes to nutrition, everyone has a different opinion. Everyone advised from their own experience or heard different things about Nutrition Myths for Cancer Patients, which is not true every time. At this point, wrong information and myths confuse and create stress for cancer patients. For that, we are going to understand the top ten nutrition myths for cancer patients, which circulate cancer patients, and bust Nutrition Myths for Cancer Patients.
So let’s start without any delay straight to this topic and understand these nutrition myths for cancer patients with the approach of a scientific perspective.
Table of Contents
1. Myth: Cancer Patients Should Stop Eating Sugar Completely
This is one of the common myths that cancer patients hear often, on Diogenes of Cancer one should stop eating sugar because it feeds cancer cells directly. This statement sounds logical but sugar can not be avoided totally. Sugar gives energy to every cell of the body whether they are healthy cells or cancer cells. But that doesn’t mean you should eliminate sugar from your diet. It is advisable to limit simple sugar like white sugar, But it is not necessary to avoid natural sugars like fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
Truth: Moderation is the key. Limiting sugar doesn’t mean avoiding it. Natural sugar can be included in the diet in moderation way. It is safe.
2. Myth: Fasting Can Starve Cancer Cells
Sometimes it’s considered that if you are fasting then cancer cells will die because of starvation. But, indeed, fasting is not suitable for every patient. Actually during fasting required nutrients and energy will be lost from the body, which your body needs during treatment. Because of fasting, there will be reduced immunity and body strength, which is not good in the case of cancer.
Truth: it is advisable to have a balanced diet and have guidance from a doctor in comparison to fasting. Everything depends on personal health condition and doctor’s recommendation.
3. Myth: All Supplements Are Safe and Beneficial During Cancer Treatment
Many people think supplements help the to boost immune system. However, every supplement is not helpful during cancer treatment. Supplements like antioxidants can interfere with treatment which results can reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Antioxidants can help to recover your body, but it is advisable to have a doctor’s guidance for how much you take, and how to take it.
Truth: Don’t start supplements without consulting a doctor. Without the guidance of a doctor, supplements may affect treatment results.
4. Myth: Organic Food Cures Cancer
Nowadays there is a craze about organic food and people think organic food can cure cancer. Organic food is better for you because it doesn’t contain chemicals or pesticides, it can’t treat cancer. A balanced diet boosts your immune system and energy, but organic food is not a cancer treatment.
Truth: focus on a healthy and balanced diet. It is not important if it is organic or non-organic. Organic food reduces only the exposure to chemicals and pesticides, but it’s not a cure.
5. Myth: Dairy Products Fuel Cancer Growth
Many people think that dairy products like milk and yogurt can directly feed cancer cells which helps them grow faster. But this myth does not strong scientific base. Dairy products provide calcium, protein, and vitamins to the body which is important for recovery and strength. If some patients have lactose intolerance and dairy allergy then dairy products include in the diet in moderate amounts.
Truth: Dairy products are safe but in moderation way. It can taken as soon as it is comfortable without any side effects.
6. Myth: Juicing Is the Best Way to Get Nutrients
Most people think juicing is best for cancer patients because there are vitamins and minerals concentrated in juice. But when we convert vegetables and fruits into juice it loses fiber, which is important for digestion and overall health. Without fiber, it increases stress on the digestive system and your body doesn’t get fiber-based benefits. Fresh whole fruits and vegetable juice is a better choice comparatively because it has fiber.
Truth: Whole fruits and vegetables are the best source of nutrients and fiber. It can be taken occasionally but whole food is better in a balanced diet.
7. Myth: Spicy Foods Should Be Completely Avoided
People are also advised to stay away from spicy food because it irritates the stomach. But this myth does not apply to everyone. Many patients have no issue with consuming mild spices and herbs. If the patient has conditions like reflux of acid or ulcers, it may harm them more. But this myth is not correct for everyone.
Truth: Spicy food can be consumed according to your comfort. If you think you can tolerate spice it can be consumed moderately.
8. Myth: You Must Eat “Superfoods” to Fight Cancer
Nowadays superfoods like blueberries, kale, and chia are so famous, that people think these superfood helps fight cancer. But this is also true that any single food can’t provide nutrition alone. For cancer patients, variety and a balanced diet is very important. It is important to make a balance for vegetables, fruits, protein sources, and carbs, instead of only depending on a single food.
Truth: focus on a balanced and verity diet because only superfood is not a cure for cancer. Superfoods can be consumed occasionally but balance is important in a complete diet.
9. Myth: Red Meat Causes Cancer in All Cases
It is often heard that red meat should be avoided because it causes cancer. But limit processed meat like sausages, and bacon in diet because there is an established research link that indicates they increase the risk of cancer. If red meat is taken in moderation way it will not harm, it is also safe for the patient. It also depends on personal preference and doctor’s suggestion.
Truth: Occasionally lean red meat is safe, but it is better to avoid processed meat.
10. Myth: Cancer Diets Are Always Bland and Tasteless
Many patients think during cancer treatment there is no test in their diet and they consume only blended food. But with the help of of dietitian or nutritionist, you can try recipes and dishes which are healthy and tasty both. Like, improve flavors with light seasoning and herbs. Your diet should full of nutrition-rich and maintain flavor and variety.
Truth: A cancer diet can be tasty and flavorful all it takes is a creative and healthy cooking method.
Conclusion
Cancer and its treatment is a tough phase in which it is important to take care of nutrition. So it is important to differentiate between myths and facts and follow things that genuinely help in such a condition. So always discuss with your doctor or dietitian for your case, which is best practice.
