Can a Plant-Based Diet Help in Cancer Treatment Recovery?

 As cancer treatment becomes more and more sophisticated, doctors are beginning to realize that a plant-based diet can help better recover from treatment. The reason is that plant-based foods are abundant in antioxidants, which have been demonstrated to support the body's defence against harm brought on by chemotherapy and other treatments.  

Read on to know more about how and why a plant-based diet is better for a faster recovery. 

What is a Plant-Based Diet? 

A plant-based diet consists majorly consist of plants ingredients, with a small amount of animal products in it. Many studies believe that a  Plant-based foods are high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients. These foods  are also low in calories and saturated fat. Consuming a plant-based diet is linked with reducing the risk of many chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. 

You can choose from many plant-based diets available. Amongst the various kinds of diets, a vegan diet excludes all the animal products like meat, eggs and dairy. Others may include moderate amounts of poultry or seafood, but largely stick to the plants.   

Below listed are a few ways how a plant-based diet can help in better recovery, but always your cancer specialist or nutritionist before starting any new dietary regimen. 

 

How Plant Based Diets Can Help with Better Recovery? 

Some potential benefits of a plant-based diet for better recovery from cancer include: 

Improved nutrient intake: A diet high in plant-based foods can deliver important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support the body's defense mechanisms naturally. This results in improved nutrient absorption. 

Reduced inflammation: Inflammation can be reduced by a plant-based diet that includes whole, unprocessed foods that are high in antioxidants, fibre, and low in items that promote inflammation and saturated fat. This supports overall health, free radical neutralization, and intestinal health. 

Maintains healthy weight: A plant-based diet is crucial for recovery to maintain a healthy weight both during and after cancer treatment as it has less calories and more fibre than other diets.  

Reduced risk of chronic disease: Research suggests that a plant-based diet lowers the risk of chronic illnesses including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, frequently linked to cancer. 

Better gut health: A diet high in fibre, can enhance gut health and strengthen the immune system. So, plant-based diets are very useful in cancer recovery.  

It is important to note that a plant-based diet is not just about avoiding animal products, but also about consuming a variety of whole, unprocessed foods to ensure adequate nutrient intake. Also, make it a point to visit your cancer specialist to identify the optimum diet for your specific needs before and after cancer treatment. 

 

Conclusion 

A diet rich in antioxidants, fibre, and nutrients can help cancer patients recover by boosting the immune system, lowering oxidative stress and inflammation, and supplying necessary building blocks for cellular repair and regeneration. It can also aid in hormone regulation and overall wellness, lowering the chance of recurrence or subsequent malignancies. However, it is critical to contact your cancer specialist. HCG has a multidisciplinary team of experienced oncologists who can provide you with personalized dietary guidelines during your cancer treatment and recovery.