You are probably aware that a healthy diet is an important step in a cancer patient’s road to recovery.
But why?
A balanced diet full of vegetables, fruits, legumes, lean meats, and healthy fats can support your GI system which can, in turn, boost your immunity and yield a wide array of positive benefits for your health.
Your GI system is teeming with billions of good and bad bacteria which comprises your “gut microbiome.” A healthy GI system has more good bacteria to overpower the bad bacteria. Proper gut health allows your body to maintain homeostasis. An imbalance of gut bacteria can have detrimental effects such as: fatigue, chronic illness, heightened allergies, autoimmune disorders, and more.
As a cancer patient, gut health is even more critical since patients often get sick from chemotherapy and other cancer-fighting drugs. Maintaining a healthy diet during and after chemotherapy can help restore any gut-bacteria imbalances caused by treatment.
Here are some tips for boosting your gut health:
1) Eat a wide array of healthy foods: Expand your pallet and try new, colorful vegetables. A diverse diet allows for diverse nutrients and minerals which can super-charge your gut health!
2) Try fermented foods: Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and yoghurt contain natural probiotics which can help support your gut bacteria,
3) Implement plant-based meals: Increasing the amount of vegetables you consume on a daily basis allows for a diet that is rich in fiber, which is essential for the health of your GI system.
4) Avoid artificial sweeteners: Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are chemicals which can damage your gut flora. It’s best to avoid artificial sweeteners and use natural ingredients whenever possible.
5) Exercise regularly: Scientist have conducted research which shows a strong correlation between exercise and gut health. Incorporate a sustainable exercise routine to build core strength and cardiovascular health.