by Jim Duffy
Many patients who have undergone or are currently going through cancer treatments report that they have little appetite and do not feel like eating. Having a healthy, well-balanced diet is necessary at all times, but especially during recovery, and when patients do not eat enough, they do not have the strength that they need to fight the disease.
It is essential that there be enough protein in the diet, not only for energy, but to help in the recovery of muscles and other tissues. There are a number of dietary sources of protein, with some of the best coming from soy, milk products, beans, whole grains and nuts.
- Whey Protein - This is an extremely popular type of protein because it is easily and quickly digested. Whey is a byproduct of the cheese-making process and should be avoided by those who are allergic to milk or milk products or are lactose intolerant.
- Casein Protein - This is another milk-derived protein. Casein is slower to digest than whey, but its effects are longer lasting. Casein is a complete protein.
- Soy Protein - Soy protein is a complete protein, and is the best choice for people with allergies as well as people who are lactose intolerant. It is vegetable-based and is considered to be an ideal source of protein for everyone, including vegetarians.
- Rice Protein - Rice protein is low in carbohydrates, fat and sugar and is gluten free, so it is a good product for people who are unable to digest wheat products. It is also popular with vegetarians, and it is hypoallergenic.
- Egg Protein - Protein supplements made from egg protein have been popular for many years and can also be used in a number of delicious recipes. This is not a protein for people with allergies to eggs or poultry.
Types of Protein Supplements
There are many types of protein supplements available that cancer patients may incorporate into their diets in order to get the nutrients that they need in order to regain their good health. Some of the most popular protein supplements include liquid protein supplements, protein powders and Profect, by Protica.
- Liquid Protein Supplements - These can either stand alone or be added into shakes and smoothies. They are readily available in healthfood and many department stores and many come in a portable form, so they make great take-along meal replacements if you are too busy to sit down and eat a meal.
- Protein Powders - These are one of the most versatile forms of protein supplements. They are available in a number of flavors and can be mixed into delicious smoothies and shakes (you can get protein powders in fruit punch, chocolate, vanilla and more.) Or you can get flavorless protein powders, which can easily be incorporated into most of your favorite recipes.
- Profect - This is a supplement from Protica that is an excellent choice for people with little in the way of an appetite. Profect provides 25 grams of protein in a small, 2.9 fluid ounces serving that has only 100 calories.
After Cancer Treatments and Nutrition: A Case Study
Eric is tired, ill and just a little weepy following chemotherapy sessions. He is not very interested in doing much of anything at this moment, let alone eating. He will try to do what he can so that he can remain as strong as possible, but it is very hard to do. There are times when he thinks that he would be better off just giving up the fight and being done with it once and for all. Of course, he cannot simply give up, so he waits for the nausea to ebb and tries to have a small snack. There are days when he can only manage a bite or two, and there are days when he can actually eat a full meal.
Just the other day, he learned about Profect, a liquid protein supplement from Protica that allows him to have a snack with a good amount of protein without having to actually think about eating. He can consume Protica in a matter of seconds and be done with it. His favorite flavor is the Blue Raspberry Swirl, but there are others that he enjoys as well. He knows that protein is important; not only to keep his strength up, but also to make sure that he is rebuilding his immune system. Cancer treatments destroy the immune system, so it is important to do whatever it takes to get it back to his strongest.
Eric is also trying to get a little more exercise in the fresh air to stimulate his appetite and is paying attention to his body's cues. For instance, he knows that he is at his hungriest in the morning, so he tries to eat his biggest meal then. He also knows that by mid-afternoon he is at his most sluggish, so he has been trying to take a small nap before trying to eat once again.
As a final step, Eric has found that nothing gets him ready to eat more than the right setting, so he has bought the most beautiful place setting and always plays relaxing, classical music for mealtimes, making things feel like he is in a restaurant. Eric will do whatever it takes to get back his health.
About the Author:
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein shots for renal care patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright
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