Radiation therapy is a common type of cancer treatment that destroys the cancer cells in the body. This procedure can take a toll on the body therefore it is important to eat well. This will eventually keep the body and its immune system strong. You need to eat foods that are nutrient rich as it will help to minimize the radiation side effects and lower the risks of infection as well.
There is no one size fits all radiation diet. Therefore, if you need to see an expert check out the best cancer special hospital in Kolkata and book an appointment for a diagnosis. So, let’s read on to know about the type of diet you need to follow.
What is the body’s preliminary reaction?
In some of the cases, patients might experience little or no side effects during the treatment. While others can experience a number of side effects some of which might occur on the same day or after treatment. Throughout the treatment, you have to listen to your body and adjust the diet according to the changes. The radiation diet will be different than a normal diet but will ultimately help the body recover.
Do I have to be prepared for radiation therapy?
Always plan ahead your diet, especially once your doctor has given the nod for starting radiation therapy. Stock up on healthy foods and be prepared to store these in refrigerator and freezer before you begin therapy. Switch on the oily snacks for healthy alternatives. Pre-planning goes a long way as it is easy to eat well even if you are not feeling your best.
Do I have to eat nutrient dense meals during the radiation therapy?
Yes, you have to consume nutrient-dense meals. This is essential for recovery from radiation therapy. You can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables including green, red, and orange vegetables. Make fruits and vegetables the focal point of every meal. Whole grains are also great for your diet. Quinoa is a whole grain that is high in protein, lacks gluten, and is easy to prepare. Try substituting Quinoa for white rice in meals to increase your protein intake.
Can I break the rules during radio therapy treatment?
Keeping a good diet is essential during your radiation therapy. However, sometimes it is okay to break the rules. You can switch to smaller meals if eating a huge amount make you feel uncomfortably fuller or bloated. If you don’t feel like eating breakfast early in the morning, then opt for baked chicken and rice, a cream or broth-based soup for breakfast!
It is important to listen to your body and being prepared. Radiation therapy can affect individuals depending on their anatomical functioning. Therefore you need to follow a proper diet plan especially designed by a doctor specialized for cancer treatment in Kolkata.