4 Best Eating Habits for Pancreatic Cancer, Says Dietitian — Eat This Not That

No Comments

Photo of author

By Ghuman

Introduction

Eating the right foods can be an important part of managing pancreatic cancer. A dietitian can help you create a meal plan that meets your individual needs. Here are four of the best eating habits for pancreatic cancer, according to a dietitian. Eating a balanced diet, limiting processed foods, eating plenty of fiber, and drinking plenty of fluids are all important for managing pancreatic cancer. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods can help you get the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy. Limiting processed foods can help reduce your risk of developing cancer-causing compounds. Eating plenty of fiber can help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer and can also help reduce symptoms associated with the disease. Finally, drinking plenty of fluids can help keep your body hydrated and can help flush out toxins. Following these four eating habits can help you manage pancreatic cancer and stay healthy.

4 Best Eating Habits for Pancreatic Cancer, Says Dietitian — Eat This Not That

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it’s important to understand the role that diet can play in managing the disease. According to dietitian and nutritionist, Karen Ansel, MS, RDN, there are four key eating habits that can help people with pancreatic cancer.

1. Eat a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help fight cancer. Ansel recommends eating a variety of colors and types of produce to get the most benefit. Aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

2. Choose Whole Grains

Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber, which can help keep your digestive system healthy. Ansel recommends choosing whole grain breads, cereals, and pastas over refined grains. Look for the words “whole grain” on the label.

3. Limit Processed and Red Meats

Processed and red meats have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Ansel recommends limiting your intake of these foods and opting for lean proteins like fish, poultry, and beans instead.

4. Avoid Sugary Drinks and Foods

Sugary drinks and foods can increase your risk of cancer. Ansel recommends avoiding these foods and opting for water, tea, and other unsweetened beverages instead.

By following these four eating habits, you can help manage your pancreatic cancer and improve your overall health. Talk to your doctor or dietitian for more information about how to create a healthy eating plan.

Pancreatic cancer is an extremely difficult disease to live with. It’s painful and affects so many more parts of your body than just your pancreas. In 2022, there are an estimated 62,210 Americans that will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 49,830 people who will die from this disease.

While it is obviously important to work with your doctor and follow the recovery plans they have made for you, it may also be helpful to have some easy eating tips you can have on hand for bringing relief to your cancer symptoms.

We consulted an expert, Dana Ellis Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD, an Assistant Professor with the Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA and Senior Dietitian at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, to put together a list of eating habits that can bring relief to your daily life, and for more healthy eating tips check out 50 Worst Foods to Never Eat If Cancer Runs In Your Family.

Man Drinking Protein Shake
Shutterstock

When you have pancreatic cancer, making your own shakes at home can help you get enough calories even when you don’t have an appetite.

“We often recommend patients make shakes at home so they can get the healthiest ingredients in them, such as berries, plant-based unsweetened yogurt (cashew yogurt for example), a plant-based protein powder for more protein, a banana, and some plant-based milk or slight bit of juice to thin it out. This is a good thing for patients to drink because when they lose weight unintentionally, they need to take in more calories, and often their appetite is lower. It’s easier to take in more calories by drinking calories than to eat them for many patients with pancreatic cancer,” says Dr. Hunnes.

choose healthy foods
Shutterstock

According to Dr. Hunnes, it’s important to try eating as many whole foods as you can while limiting your consumption of processed foods.

“Often patients who have pancreatic cancer have more difficulty digesting or absorbing their food because their insulin secretion is affected by the pancreatic cancer. Oftentimes their pancreatic enzymes are also affected. So, if patients are eating foods that are too high in fat (fried foods) or too high in sugars (pastries, white breads, refined carbs), they will have a harder time digesting and absorbing those foods. Because of this, a less-processed diet filled with more whole foods is often better digested and absorbed than those that are highly processed,” says Dr. Hunnes.

RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Give Up Processed Food

Low fat
Shutterstock

Specifically lowering your fat intake can help you manage your symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

“Diarrhea and floating stools can also be a pretty common side effect or symptom of pancreatic cancer. That’s because we do not digest and absorb fats very well. If you see this as one of your side effects, it is recommended to eat a lower-fat diet, and talk to your doctor about getting onto pancreatic enzymes. One of the reasons patients lose weight is because they’re not absorbing their calories very well. In terms of limiting fat intake, generally speaking we recommend avoiding fried foods, foods that are just swimming in oil, and instead recommend healthy sources of fats such as avocado in small portions, and nuts and seeds,” says Dr. Hunnes.

Woman eating a salad
Shutterstock

Lastly, focusing on getting enough calories every day can help your overall health if you’re living with pancreatic cancer.

“But one of the most important things to do with pancreatic cancer is to ensure you’re getting enough calories in a day, which can often be a challenge if you are experiencing cramping or pain from the pancreas itself. Because the appetite can dampen, it’s important to eat high-calorie foods,” says Dr. Hunnes.

Leave a Reply