Healthy foods to increase calories, protein, and nutrients with every bite you eat.
Based on evidence-based medicine, many cancers often increase resting energy expenditure meaning the body burns more calories. Hence the risk of losing muscle mass if the person with cancer is not meeting the calorie and protein demands (1, 2, 3). Other health conditions, such as HIV, AIDS, and wounds, such as pressure injuries and burns, increase your body's need for protein and calories due to metabolic demands, repair tissues and cells, and recover faster. When your body uses large amounts of energy, you may lose or have difficulty gaining weight. Adding extra calories and protein to your diet may help you maintain strength and gain or stop unintended weight loss.
When your goal is to optimize your nutrition status, following a high-calorie, high-protein diet can be beneficial to heal and getting strong. Particularly if you have lost weight, are underweight, and when your body is burning more calories and protein than usual.
According to a 2020 study published in the National Library of Medicine, too much weight loss can affect the cancer patient's quality of life. In addition, rapid weight loss can delay cancer treatment.
Unintended weight loss during cancer treatment means one needs more calories, protein, and other nutrients.
Based on medical studies, maintaining adequate body weight and preserving lean body mass through adequate nutrition benefit patients with cancer. In addition, adequate protein intake is essential during all stages of cancer treatment, recovery, and long-term survival (4).
Generally, people who have more muscle mass tend to have less severe side effects of cancer treatment (5). Therefore, adding foods high in protein to every meal and snack is very important.
It is important to emphasize that a high-calorie diet does not mean unhealthy calories but rather the opposite. One must choose foods to nourish the body and help heal it.
Choosing foods rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and higher in protein and calories can help you increase your calorie intake while still eating a healthy diet.
Though you might not feel like eating with a poor appetite, it's important to do what you can to maintain your calorie, protein, and fluid intake during cancer treatment.
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