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The goal of nutrition in cancer patients
is to minimize the patients weight loss or cachexia,
reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation therapy,
enhance the immune system's defense against cancer,
reduce the spread of cancer, and reduce the risk for
recurrence of the cancer.
Recent research has discovered that cancer
cells behave somewhat differently from normal cells
in their nutritional requirement for energy. A
diet high in carbohydrates will feed the cancer cells
at the expense of the patient.
Diets high in fats especially omega 3
fatty acids tend to be better as most tumor cells cannot
utilize fat for an energy source. In addition,
omega 3 fatty acids may have anti-cancer effects, and
reduce the adverse effects associated with radiation
therapy.
Protein is used by both the patient and
the cancer cells for energy. Therefore, high quality,
moderate amounts of proteins should be provided.
Specific amino acids such as arginine and glutamine
can greatly benefit the patient by enhancing the immune
system and reducing toxic effects of chemotherapy.
The Hills Company has recently introduced
a new diet in their line of prescription diet foods
available through your veterinarian called N/D.
This diet is comprised of a low carbohydrate, high in
fat and omega 3 fatty acids, and moderate protein content,
suitable for the patient suffering from cancer.
Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to
inhibit the growth of tumor cells, and inhibit the spread
of cancer. Omega 6 fatty acids on the other hand,
actually have been shown to increase the likelihood
of cancer spread. Many fish oils such as menhaden
fish oil contain omega 3 fatty acids. As well,
omega 3 fatty acids are available through many health
food stores.
Many vitamins have also been utilized
in the treatment and prevention of cancer in patients.
Vitamin C (1000-10,000 mg) and Vitamin E (50-400 IU)
seem to enhance the immune's systems defense for the
cancer cells in the body.
In addition, a natural substance produced
by a plant in Hawaii called Noni, has recently been
utilized for the cancer patient. Noni is available
in a liquid juice form, as well as capsule. Roughly
400-500 mg twice daily is adequate for enhancement of
the immune system.
CoEnzyme Q is another natural agent utilized
for cancer patients at 10-100 mg. Both Noni and
CoEnzyme Q can be found at your local health food store.
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