Dietary Considerations for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
==========================================================
Managing the nutritional needs of individuals with pancreatic cancer is crucial for maintaining their quality of life during treatment. Here are some key recommendations to follow.
Protein Intake
High-protein foods, such as lean poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes, should be included in the diet to support healing and maintain muscle mass.
Healthy Fats
Incorporating sources of healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish provides calories, reduces inflammation, and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Carbohydrates
Opt for whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats for fibre that helps regulate blood sugar and improves digestion.
Ease of Digestion
When digestive symptoms occur, choose soft, low-fiber foods like bananas, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
Antioxidants and Fiber
Consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to provide antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and fibers to regulate blood glucose and reduce pancreatic workload.
Foods to Avoid
Highly processed foods, fried and oily foods, refined carbohydrates, sugary foods and beverages, and excessive alcohol should be limited or avoided as they increase pancreatic stress and inflammation.
Hydration
Adequate water intake supports pancreatic enzyme production and overall digestion, reducing pancreatic stress.
Individualized Nutrition Care
Individualized nutrition care by a dietitian specializing in oncology is recommended to tailor these guidelines according to disease stage, treatment plan, and symptom severity.
Other Considerations
- Eat small meals every 2-3 hours.
- Increase fluid intake.
- Experiment with temperature and texture.
- Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) may be necessary to improve nutrient absorption.
- Oral rehydration drinks or broths, vitamin B12, fat-soluble vitamins, and fish oil (with doctor's approval) may be necessary for some patients.
- Anti-diarrhoea medication should be taken as prescribed.
- Anti-inflammatory foods such as cooked vegetables, berries, turmeric, ginger, and herbal teas can help.
- Try marinating meats in citrus or herbs.
- Easily digestible carbohydrates like white rice, pasta, potatoes, oats, and bananas are also beneficial.
- PERT should be taken with meals and snacks to prevent nutrient loss and steatorrhea (greasy stools), and the dose should be adjusted based on meal size with the advice of a doctor or trained dietitian.
It is important to note that pancreatic cancer often impairs digestion due to reduced pancreatic enzyme secretion. Inadequate nutritional care can lead to worse survival rates, weariness, impaired immunity, and poor wound healing. Therefore, it is essential to follow these guidelines and seek the advice of a healthcare professional to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- The therapy of pancreatic cancer patients should consider their nutritional needs to enhances their health during treatment.
- Maintaining a diet rich in protein, like lean poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes, can support healing and muscle mass in patients with cancer.
- Healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, can provide calories, reduce inflammation, and aid in the absorption of vitamins.
- Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats should be included in the diet for fiber that helps regulate blood sugar and improves digestion.
- When digestive symptoms occur, choose easy-to-digest foods like bananas, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs to alleviate symptoms.
- Antioxidants found in colorful fruits and vegetables can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, benefiting those experiencing chronic diseases.
- Science-backed therapies and treatments for pancreatic cancer may include pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) for better nutrient absorption.
- Workplace-wellness programs can encourage healthy habits like fitness and exercise, skin care, and mindfulness practices to promote overall health and wellness.
- Mens-health and womens-health concerns should be addressed separately to optimize treatments and management of conditions specific to each gender, such as prostate health and menopause.
- Weight management becomes especially important in managing medical conditions and chronic diseases, and Medicare may cover weight-loss programs and medications like CBD oil.
