Cancer treatment is as gruesome as the disease. Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which are a part of standard cancer treatment, cause pain, anxiety, mouth sores, loss of appetite and other problems. It is highly important to take nutritious foods these times. However, because of nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, and dizziness, cancer patients cannot have sufficient food intake during their treatment, especially chemotherapy.
Supplements could be a good option to help reduce these side effects. In fact, nutritionists working at the best cancer treatment hospital in Kolkata prescribe supplements for cancer patients who are undoing treatment.
What Do Nutritionists Say?
However, Dr. Arupa Sen, a weight management and nutrition consultant at SGCCRI (Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre & Research Institute), warns that patients must take these supplements with caution. “Patients must consult their doctors and nutritionists before opting for dietary supplements”, she asserts.
Some supplements may produce adverse side effects. On top of that, these supplements may leave cancer medications less effective or even pose health risks due to underlying health conditions. Even harmless supplements like green tea may have adverse effects, depending on the treatments and the type of cancer.
Note: Even though most manufacturers claim their supplements 100% herbal, it never means these may not cause harm.
Why Should You Be Concerned about Taking Supplements?
Supplements, unlike medicines, are not put through rigorous trials that could speak volume for their effectiveness. Hence, it becomes more important to talk to your oncologist, caregiver and nutritionist before taking a supplement. They can give you details about evidence-based safety and the potential effectiveness of a supplement.
Different Forms of Supplement
Not all dietary supplements are available in powder form. They also come in liquid, gummy, tablet and capsule. It is important to remember in the context that supplements are not substitutes for foods or a well-balanced nutrition-rich diet. A supplement is not a replacement, but a nutrition enhancement.
Alternatives to Supplements
Cancer patients, who are suspicious about the safety and effectiveness of supplements, should avoid using them and consider alternatives. For example, some herbal supplements are claimed to have a balmy touch on anxiety and fatigue. A patient, who is not convinced about the claims and concerned about his/her safety, should choose any of the following options:
Ø Opting for meditation and counselling
Ø Starting lightweight exercises
Ø Seeking spiritual support
Ø Adopting relaxation techniques that may include taking a salt bath or using essential oils
Ø Receiving nutritional support to improve diet or regulate caffeine intake
Some Supplements for Cancer Patients
Here are some supplements that may help cancer patients. However, patients should take it only after consultation with their nutritionists at the best cancer hospital Kolkata.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency is a common problem in cancer patients. Research is underway to find out if there is any link between vitamin D shortage and cancer onset. However, research confirms that vitamin D has immune-regulating and anti-inflammatory effects on cancer patients.
Fish Oil: Fish oil has two important omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA). Though it is an open secret that omega-3 benefits the cardiovascular system, researchers are now focussed on its impact on pain, neuropathy, muscle pain and depression in cancer patients. Research claims that diets rich in omega-3s and protein in the days before surgery may improve post-surgery recovery.
Probiotics: These may help support the immune system and maintain digestive health while reducing the severity and frequency of diarrhea in cancer patients during chemotherapy.