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September 2, 2024A balanced diet is essential in both preventing cancer and supporting effective treatment. The National Institutes of Health warns that an unbalanced diet can elevate cancer risk, while malnutrition can undermine treatment efficacy. Proper nutrition not only enhances the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors but also provides the necessary energy and strength for daily activities.
The American Cancer Society highlights that a healthy diet helps prevent tissue breakdown and supports the growth of new tissues. Proper nutrition enables individuals to better cope with treatment side effects and may even allow them to tolerate higher doses of certain medications.
On July 23, 2024, KILELE Health Association hosted a webinar titled “The Role of Nutrition in Cancer Care and Prevention,” spotlighting the critical role of dietary habits for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. The webinar aimed to raise awareness of how proper nutrition can significantly impact cancer treatment outcomes and overall well-being.
Dr. Alice Ojwang, a registered nutritionist and dietician, emphasized the importance of maintaining a well-balanced diet to manage treatment side effects, enhance recovery, and prevent malnutrition. “The nutritional goals in cancer management includes managing side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and weight loss while improving response to treatment.” She warned that poor eating habits, like skipping meals and consuming processed foods, can weaken the immune system and hinder recovery.
The session offered practical dietary advice, encouraging cancer patients and survivors to focus on nutrient-rich foods, including proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and oils, while incorporating fruits and vegetables. Limiting alcohol, processed foods, unhealthy proteins like red meat, and tobacco was strongly recommended to prevent further health complications.
Dr. Ojwang also emphasized the importance of hydration during cancer treatment.
“Hydrating well prevents dehydration, supports kidney function by flushing out toxins and medications, aids in digestion and prevents constipation.”
Adding a personal perspective, Mercy Kamau Jim, throat cancer survivor shared her experience of battling cancer without professional nutritional guidance. She recounted relying on advice from friends, family, and the internet, often encountering misinformation. “My diet mostly incorporated snacks, junk food, and carbonated drinks, which did not help my energy levels or manage treatment side effects,” Mercy shared, urging fellow survivors to seek guidance from qualified nutritionists.
Dr. Ojwang recommended exercising before meals to boost immunity and stimulate appetite, and she advocated for focusing on natural whole foods over supplements for essential nutrients. This webinar underscored that the journey to cancer recovery and prevention is not only supported by medical treatments but also by informed nutritional choices, which can make a significant difference in the fight against cancer.
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