It is no secret that a healthy diet plays a major role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing, not to mention preventing conditions such as obesity and chronic illness. However, for people living with cancer and their caregivers, food takes on an entirely new meaning.
Alarmingly, 20 to 40 percent of cancer patients die from malnutrition-related causes, which is why eating the proper foods is a critical element in cancer care. The right foods and ingredients can help alleviate some of the most powerful symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment, allowing patients to better fight and manage their disease. And the good news is that eating right does not have to mean being limited to bland or boring options.
The “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” foods identified by the Environmental Working Group include healthful fruits, veggies and other ingredients that are integral to everyone’s diet, and have added benefits for cancer patients.
Cancer Nutrition and Recipes for Dummies, Maurie Markman, MD, Senior Vice President of Clinical Affairs and National Director of Medical Oncology at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), shares how the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” lists, as well as other foods and recipes from the book, contribute to overall health and wellness.