Breast cancer treatment is not only about medicines, surgery, or radiation. The food a patient eats every day also plays a very important role in recovery. Many people do not realize that malnutrition can slow down the healing process and make recovery from breast cancer more difficult.
What Is Malnutrition?
Malnutrition does not always mean starvation. A person can eat regularly and still be malnourished. Malnutrition happens when the body does not get enough proteins, vitamins, minerals, and calories needed to stay strong and heal properly.
During breast cancer treatment, the body needs extra nutrition to fight the disease, repair tissues, and handle the side effects of treatment. If these needs are not met, recovery can get delayed.
Why Breast Cancer Patients Are at Risk of Malnutrition
Many breast cancer patients face problems that reduce their food intake, such as:serves a balanced and factual discussion.
a. Loss of appetite
b. Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy
c. Mouth sores or difficulty swallowing
d. Changes in taste or smell
e. Extreme tiredness
f. Emotional stress and anxiety
g. Because of these issues, patients may eat less or skip meals, leading to weight loss and weakness.
How Malnutrition Affects Recovery
Malnutrition can slow down breast cancer recovery in many ways:
1. Slower Healing
After surgery or radiation, the body needs protein and energy to heal wounds. Without proper nutrition, wounds may take longer to heal and infections may occur more easily.
2. Reduced Strength and Energy
Poor nutrition can cause muscle loss and weakness. type, duration, and dosage of hormones.
This makes it harder for patients to stay active, do daily work, or continue treatment comfortably.
3. Weaker Immunity
Malnutrition weakens the immune system. This increases the risk of infections, which can delay treatment schedules and recovery.
4. Difficulty Tolerating Treatment
Patients who are malnourished may experience stronger side effects from chemotherapy or radiation. In some cases, treatment may need to be paused or reduced.
5. Emotional Impact
Poor nutrition can also affect mental health, leading to low mood, anxiety, and lack of motivation, which further slows recovery.
Simple Nutrition Tips for Better Recovery
Good nutrition does not mean expensive or complicated food. Simple Indian foods can help the body heal better.
a. Include protein daily: Dal, eggs, milk, curd, paneer, fish, chicken, soybeans, and nuts
b. Eat small, frequent meals: This helps when appetite is low
c. Add fruits and vegetables: Especially seasonal and local ones
d. Stay hydrated: Drink water, coconut water, soups, and buttermilk
e. Choose whole foods: Rice, roti, millets, and oats instead of processed foods
If eating solid food is difficult, soft foods like khichdi, porridge, smoothies, and soups are good options.
Role of Family and Caregivers
Family support is very important. Encouraging the patient to eat, helping with meal preparation, and creating a stress-free eating environment can make a big difference.
Dr. Pragati Singhal
