DIET & NUTRITION: Essential nutrients

For cancer patients whether in treatment or not, good nutrition is vital and it can be boiled down to four essential nutrients:

PROTEINS
CARBOHYDRATES
FATS & OILS
VITAMINS & MINERALS

PROTEINS

Proteins support the immune system and help your body rebuild and grow.

Sources:
Fish & poultry
Dairy products (cottage cheese, well-cooked pasteurized eggs, egg custard, pasteurized yogurt)
Lentils, peas
Whole grains (whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, oatmeal, brown rice)
Soybeans
Whey protein powder
Protein bars
Energy bars

CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates are an excellent source of much-needed calories, and unlike sugary sweets, these aren't empty calories.

Sources:
Fruits and vegetables (carrots, squashes, asparagus, peas, green beans, pears, watermelon, bananas, papaya)
Whole grains (whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, brown rice)
Lentils

FATS & OILS

Like carbs, fats and oils are an excellent source of much-needed calories.

Sources:
Dairy products
Fish & poultry
Nuts
Avocados
Good oils (omega-3 fish oil, olive oil, Flaxseed oil, canola oil)

Note: Avoid the 'bad' oils (hydrogenated vegetable oils, seed oils, corn oil).

VITAMINS & MINERALS

A well-balanced diet supplies a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, but your diet may not be so well-balanced during treatment.

Sources:
Fruits and vegetables (carrots, squashes, asparagus, peas, green beans, pears, watermelon, bananas, papaya)
Whole grains (whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, brown rice)

Warning: Do NOT begin taking a daily multivitamin and/or mineral supplement without first consulting your oncologist or oncology nutritionist.

SOURCE MATERIAL AND ADDITIONAL READING

Material adapted from the following sources:
- The National Cancer Institute's Nutrition in Cancer Care
- Mckay, Judith; Schacher, Tamera. The Chemotherapy Survival Guide, 3rd edition. New Harbinger, Oakland. 2009.
- OncoLink's Nutrition During Cancer Treatment
- The American Cancer Society's Nutrition for the Person with Cancer