New Delhi: Cancer is the most dreaded disease that can happen to humans. Although it is mainly a disease of adults, cases of cancer in children are increasing nowadays. In India, 50,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year. It accounts for about 3 percent of all cancer cases in the country. Moreover, cancer is the most common cause of death among children in India.
Dr. Nataraj Palaniappan, MD (Pediatrics), Fellowship at PCCM Consultant – Pediatric Intensivist & Emergency Specialist, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Guindy, Chennai shared with Tirupati Times“Cancer treatment, cancer care, cancer treatment, sarcoma, their diet plays an important role. Therefore, parents should ensure that their children are consuming nutrient-rich meals that help boost their immunity and give strength and energy to their bodies.
A diet rich in protein should: Protein provides strength to the body, helps repair tissues and boosts the body’s immunity. Adequate protein intake helps children protect themselves from the negative effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Some protein-rich foods include soy, milk, egg, chicken, and cheese.
Carbohydrates are essential: Carbohydrates are the main source of energy that helps the organs function smoothly and provides strength to the cells in the human body. Some important sources of carbohydrates are bread, potatoes, whole grains and fruits.
Fats and Fatty Foods: Children lose weight rapidly during chemotherapy and need a balanced weight during this period. For this reason, fats and fatty foods are recommended. Children should follow a diet rich in calories which can be obtained from fatty foods. However, there are healthy and unhealthy fats. Some sources of healthy fats like almonds, fish, olive oil etc. are healthy and help in weight gain.
Fluids and Hydration: During this period, your child should stay hydrated at all times. Water helps in almost every bodily function, be it digestion or excretion. However, other sources of hydration can be soups, fruit juices and more.
Food Ingredients: Although many people are prescribing dietary supplements at this time, it is better to stay away from such supplements. These supplements may have side effects and may interfere with ongoing medications and reduce their effectiveness. You should give supplements to your child only after consulting a doctor.
Cancer treatment is a crucial period for children and they need adequate nutrition and strength. A nutritious diet strengthens the immune system and helps fight cancer in the long run. Foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins such as eggs, broccoli, salmon, chicken, fish, leafy vegetables and fruits are a must during this period.