Many types of cancer treatments will lower your body's cell counts (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). No single type of food will help in count recovery, but a healthy well-rounded diet is definitely recommended! The cells in the body are made of several different components, including the cell membrane, cytoplasm, cell organelles, and the nucleus (except for older red blood cells which don't have a nucleus!). Each of these parts in the cell contains different combinations of phospholipids, cholesterol, minerals and proteins.
A well-rounded diet (protein, grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables) will include enough of these components to help with the production of new cells. Protein is one of the most important nutrients you can eat and helps your body to heal, rebuild, and fight infection. Protein is in meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products. Carbohydrates will help with your energy and includes fruit, vegetables, and grains. Fat (oils, butter, margarine, nuts and seeds) will help in building some of the key components of your body cells. Fruits and vegetables not only help in building new cells, but experts recommend eating at least five servings per day to prevent new cancers!
Some people ask about taking vitamin and herbal supplements, but these can actually interfere with your cancer treatment so please check with your doctor first. Also, before trying new foods, please check with your doctor to see if you need to eat a neutropenic diet (special diet for when your immune cells are low to avoid risk of infection).
There are several books listed below that discuss diets while undergoing cancer treatment. If you eat balanced meals with plenty of fluids, your body cells should be well on their way to recovery!
Eating Well, Staying Well During and After Cancer by Abby Bloch
Synopsis: Experts at the American Cancer Society explore what you should eat, and what you should avoid in order to stay strong and maximize the benefits of treatment.
The Cancer Recovery Eating Plan: The Right Foods to Help Fuel Your Recovery by Daniel W. Nixon, Jane A. Zanca, Vincent T. DeVita
Synopsis: Dr. Nixon, editor-in-chief of the journal Cancer Prevention, cuts through the hype to explain the latest scientific findings on food and cancer. He presents individualized eating plans according to the type of cancer and offers a three-month plan to benefit the person with cancer. Over 100 recipes help put the plan into action.
Cancer Survivor's Nutrition & Health Guide: Eating Well and Getting Better During and After Cancer Treatment by Gene A. Spiller, Bonnie Bruce
Synopsis: This is a jargon-free, user-friendly approach to solving one of the toughest aspects of cancer treatment--maintaining a healthy diet when nothing looks or tastes good. Menu plans and meal suggestions are offered for the days before and after chemo or radiation treatment, comfort foods infused with added nutrients, and how to include protective nutrients in the diet.
