Malnutrition is one of the common complications of cancer. Cancer itself is a wasting disease, and both cancer and normal cells compete for nutrients, accelerating the loss of nutrients. Most cancer patients will experience loss of appetite and poor digestion and absorption, leading to malnutrition. Malnutrition can affect the effects of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, etc., and can easily lead to complications, thereby reducing the 5-year survival rate. Therefore, nutritional support should be strengthened to correct malnutrition in a timely manner.
To correct malnutrition in cancer patients, here are some methods and recommendations:
1.Nutritional support: The most effective way to improve malnutrition is through nutritional support. Nutrition can be provided in two ways: enteral nutrition, which provides carefully formulated nutrients;The other is parenteral nutrition, which is the provision of nutrients through intravenous injections to maintain physiological functions. For patients with esophageal cancer who are unable to consume adequate nutrients orally, the use of tube feeding to provide nutrition may be considered. It is important to provide adequate fats, vitamins and proteins, among which unsaturated fatty acids such as olive oil or fish oil should be chosen. Proteins can be formulated with short peptides, which have high absorption and utilization, and help promote recovery from diseases.
2.Eat a varied diet: Cancer patients need to plan their diet wisely, ensure a varied diet, avoid picky or picky eaters, and don't eat just one type of food. Fresh vegetables and fruits should be consumed daily, and dark fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, oranges, bell peppers, broccoli and carrots should be chosen. When cooking food, it is best to choose steaming and stewing methods, and avoid frying, smoking or marinating. Don't eat too much at each meal, just stay 7-8 minutes full. In addition to three meals, additional supplementation is required, and enteral nutrition preparations can be prepared.
3.Don't avoid it: Cancer patients should not go vegan as this can trigger or worsen malnutrition. Moderate intake of animal meat and eggs can provide high-quality protein and a well-balanced ratio of amino acids, which can help improve patients' physical fitness, quality of life, and prolong survival time. It is recommended to consume meat and vegetables 2 to 4 times a week, about 50 to 100 grams each time.
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