NTX Blood Cancer Conference: Healthy Eating and Treatment Success

Living Your Best Life is the focus of both the North Texas Blood Cancer Conference & NTX Cancer Expo in three weeks.  A number of studies indicate that what a person eats during and after their cancer treatment can impact how successfully they respond.  The conference and expo will both feature demonstrations and break-out sessions about how to eat healthier.

As a taste of what’s to come, here are ten tips for healthy eating throughout your cancer journey:

• Although blood cancer is, based on current research, unpreventable, this does not mean you should stray from a healthy diet. Throughout treatment and recovery, your nutritional needs will increase, so it is imperative that you meet them.
• Always speak with your general practitioner, dietician, or another qualified medical professional first, as they will know what is best for you as an individual. Consider referencing this guide once you begin this conversation and throughout your treatment, should you develop eating issues.
•  Take this as an opportunity to explore new sources of essential nutrients, such as bean-based tofu as another source of protein or quinoa to gain more fiber. Additionally, don’t be afraid to try modified recipes that supply the nutrients while adhering to your new dietary limitations.
• With the previous step in mind, determine any food intolerances, new or old, and plan your diet before you begin treatment. Having a well-stocked pantry before treatment begins eliminates the stress of shopping when you simply cannot.
• Avoid any potential for food contamination. Store and cook meals properly, and avoid any foods that cause infection. If it could make you sick when you were healthy, avoid it during treatment.
• During treatment, you must maintain a healthy weight. Drastic weight loss implies malnutrition. Keep your weight even or gain it back through the following healthy means.
• Chemotherapy has been known to drastically change your appetite. This can vary, as you may develop unusual cravings or find even your favorite foods have an unpleasant taste. Consider using the following adjustments if the flavor is slightly off or if the food simply tastes wrong.
• The inability to eat during treatment is common. However, remain hydrated and ingest what you can to get the extra calories and protein you need.
• If you do not develop eating issues, this does not mean your treatment is not working. Eating difficulties affect some patients but not others, as it varies on a case-to-case basis.
• Once you are in remission, if your diet was limited during treatment, continue healthy eating but try to vary it as you adhere to your doctor’s nutritional advice. Learn where your tastes and food preferences are now in comparison to where they were before treatment.

Seats in the healthy eating session are filling very quickly.  If you would like to save your seat, register today at www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org