Cooking for Lung Cancer Patients

There are many treatments for lung cancer today and the field of clinical trials moves steadily forward. When a person is in treatment for lung cancer it may be that it is more difficult to get the nutrition needed. The radiation and chemotherapy required for treatment of this disease poses its own health problems which in turn cause blocks in the healing process. Nausea, anorexia, constipation and a whole host of other problems make the road to recovery even more difficult. Good nutrition is especially important during therapy to help maintain strength, prevent body tissues from breaking down and help rebuild the normal tissues that ave been affected by the treatments.

Changing eating habits can help remission if cancer is already present or reduce the risk of getting cancer.
Increased intake of food compared to normal is not the goal. Changing the types and quality of food is the ticket to success. In many of the nutritionally based studies currently underway to try to prevent lung cancer the use of antioxidants including vitamins A & E are often included.

The goal of a lung cancer patient receiving treatment is to eat a diet as free of fat as possible while also increasing the amounts of fresh vegetables and fruits.

It is recommended by the Nation Cancer Center to have 11 or more servings of fresh fruit and veggies a day. Typically one serving of fruits and vegetables is one piece. Such as a banana or an apple or orange is one serving size. If cooked it is about a half a cup.

To maintain dietary change and keep it as successful as possible progress must be gradual. Rushing into a big change in diet can also cause pain and discomfort and so a slow change is the best route.

Choosing a three month plan usually gives the appropriate amount of time for a body to become used to the changes and adapt to using the fuel in new ways.

The first month should be dedicated to designing a great breakfast. In most cases morning is the time when patients feel the strongest and most alert. First thing each day patients tend to feel more capable of eating a big meal. Many of the side effects of chemo and radiation are less prevalent in the early hours. Practice choosing and eating the best types of foods until it is second nature. The second month should center around choosing healthier snacks and the third to lunch and dinner choices.

To make the best of lung cancer treatment requires a diet not just low in fat but high in fiber and more whole grains. Low fat and high fiber intake have been associated with decreased primary squamous cell cancer risk and risk of recurrence.
Ideally, a patients food intake per day should include no less than 11 servings of carbos, 11 servings of fruits and vegetable and 3 of non fat dairy products. Meats should be very lean and not exceed 6 oz per day.

Serving sizes of grains and carbos and similar to fruits and vegetable. One serving size of bread is one slice. One serving of rice is approximately 1/3 cup and pasta is about 1 cup.

There are other ways to add the needed nutrients to a lung cancer patients diet other than regular meal intakes. It can be as easy as adding a scoop of powdered milk or a scoop of low fat ice cream. Add essentials like fortified mineral drinks such as Ensure and Carnation instant breakfast.

Getting a hold on the fat and carbo intake is a big part of assisting in the recovery process. Cooking meals is not any harder than cooking any other type of meal. Here are a few simple recipes:

Orange Banana Shake
1 Cup oragne juice
1 small ripe banana
1/4 cup instant nonfat milk powder
1/2 cup ice cubes
1/4 cup club soda

1. Combine oragnge juice, banana, milk powder, and ice cubes. Process in a blender until mixture is thick and ice cubes are crushed.
2. Add club soda and serve at once.

This drink is rich in vitamin C, good for sore or dry mouth and is refreshing.

Frozen Yogurt Fruit Snack
2 cups nonfat vanilla yogurt
6 oz frozen apple juice concentrate
1/4 cup lemon or lime juice
2 cups any other unsweetened juice

1. Combine yogurt, apple juice concentrate, and lemon or lime juice in a blender and whirl. Add the unsweetened juice and mix well.
2. Pour into molds and freeze.

These snacks are rich in vitamin C, good for dry mouth and refreshing.