Dietary Tips for Lymphoma Patients
A healthy diet is vital for both mental and physical health as it provides nutrition to the body. It is essentially the body’s primary source of nutrients for growth, repair, and other important functions. Also, a healthy diet and good health is a natural treatment to boost immunity and response to treatment for cancers like lymphoma. It can also increase the patient’s tolerance of higher doses during chemotherapy and protect them from infections.
Many assume that having a healthy diet is a commitment that needs to be made only during treatment. However, it is imperative to watch out for food habits even after treatment and while in the recovery process. Getting the right amount of nutrients not only helps the patient retain their energy and strength but also reduces the risk of other types of cancers and diseases. Here are the best dietary tips for natural treatment of lymphoma:
1. Eat a dedicated amount of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy that the body needs for its smooth functioning. In addition, they are a rich source of fiber, which plays a vital role in digestion. The recommended intake of carbohydrates is around one-third of one’s total intake of food in the day. There is a wide range of food items that can be consumed to maintain the proper concentration of carbohydrates in the body, including potatoes, pasta, rice, bread, and pasta. If one wants a healthier option with high fiber concentration, they can opt for whole grain, wholemeal, and brown bread. Eating sufficient carbohydrates helps fight the fatigue that is a side-effect of cancer treatment.
2. Consume a high concentration of protein
Proteins are the building blocks of the body. They are important for the body for growth and repair functions and also help in balancing the muscle mass in the body. Cancer treatments often result in weight loss and loss of muscle mass in patients. This means they need a higher amount of protein than usual to facilitate healing in their body both during and after treatment. High-protein foods include beans, nuts, lentils, hummus, nut butter, and seeds. Other sources of protein include dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk. They provide the body with calcium that has an important role in bone health, zinc that performs many functions, including healing wounds, and, most of all, protein.
3. Use vitamins and minerals to repair the immune system
Minerals and vitamins serve various functions in the body, including boosting the immune system, along with keeping the skin, bones, and teeth healthy. A strong immune system means better health and increased resistance to infection. One should eat a minimum of five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables in a day. One portion can be approximated to 80 grams of fruits and vegetables. Alternatively, dried fruits would be 30 grams per portion.
Following a healthy diet is one of the best natural treatments a lymphoma patient should opt for. They should ensure that they consult a doctor for medical treatment options and continue with the above-mentioned steps to aid the treatment process.