Nutrition

The World Cancer Research Fund's (WCRF) international group of experts has been refining lifestyle suggestions aimed at reducing cancer risk since the 1990s. No behavior can prevent cancer with certainty, but the following suggestions can strengthen defenses and provide vitality. Eating and exercising are always about enjoyment. Health recommendations never apply so absolutely that you can't deviate a little now and then; but it helps to follow the suggestions for the most part. You should feel good in your life and have as little fear as possible of doing something wrong.

During and after cancer treatment, food safety is very important because the immune system is often severely weakened by cancer treatment and the body is more susceptible to foodborne illness.

The focus here is on food hygiene. If the immune system is weak, the basic rules of kitchen hygiene must be observed even more consistently than usual. This concerns the safe preparation and handling of food (see the list below).

A so-called strict "low-germ" diet, in which fresh fruits and vegetables are prohibited and only cooked or boiled foods are allowed, is no longer consistently recommended today. Clinical studies over the past 10 years have failed to show any clear advantage of such a diet or any reduction in the number of infections. However, in cases of pronounced immune deficiency, especially with very low neutrophil counts (a group of white blood cells important for fighting bacterial infections), many major centers recommend avoiding foods that have a particularly high risk of being contaminated with dangerous germs (see the following list). A strict low-germ diet is therefore usually only recommended in the immediate aftermath of stem cell transplantation until the blood counts (especially the neutrophil count) have recovered. After discharge from the hospital, these strict restrictions are usually no longer necessary. Rather, it is important that you consume sufficient energy, nutrients and fluids according to the basic rules listed below.

It is important to note that to date there are no uniform clear and detailed guidelines for nutrition after stem cell transplantation, either globally or nationally. Thus, guidelines may differ somewhat from clinic to clinic. However, the basic principle remains: regular and complete kitchen hygiene and avoidance of high-risk foods. Therefore, ask your physician regarding the individually determined or necessary measures. Furthermore, you should remember that in every phase of the disease it is crucially important for a good physical condition and resistance that you take in sufficient energy and the vital nutrients. Excessive dietary restrictions can jeopardize this.

Fasting involves supplying the body with no or very little food and energy (e.g. tea or vegetable broth). A low-carbohydrate diet (also known as "low carb"), on the other hand, aims to avoid carbohydrates (especially sugar) for the most part and instead eat mainly foods rich in fat and protein. The idea behind this is that tumor cells can obtain energy particularly well from sugar but hardly at all from fat, and that they should be "starved out" by depriving them of sugar or carbohydrates. But while it is sometimes actually possible in cell culture to cause some tumor cells to die by depriving them of sugar, there is as yet no evidence that this also works for a tumor in the human body. One of the reasons for this is that sugar is always circulating in our blood and the tumor cells take up enough of it to survive, even when blood sugar is low. However, especially with fasting but also with a low-carbohydrate diet, which is often difficult in terms of taste, there is a great risk of weight loss. This is very problematic because many cancer patients already suffer from a lack of appetite and weight loss. Weight loss reduces body activity and defenses, and thus resistance to the tumor disease and tumor therapies.

Currently, several clinical studies are being conducted nationally and internationally on the importance of short-term fasting during chemotherapy in selected patient groups and under close medical supervision. However, the results of these studies remain to be seen before medically validated recommendations can be made.

In summary, there is as yet no scientific evidence for an effective "cancer diet" and it is not possible to "starve" a tumor. Therefore, be wary of providers who advertise a supposed "cancer diet" and rather discuss your diet carefully with a nutritionist (e.g. a dietician or nutritionist) during cancer therapy.

• Raw food/fruit plate in the evening instead of salty or sweet snacks

• Integration of vegetables in the midday meal (e.g. broccoli casserole, side salad), in the evening meal as a salad garnish (cucumber/tomato with the bread meal) and for in between meals as vegetable sticks

• Integration of fruit as a dessert after lunch (e.g. peach curd) and as a

• Snack on the go (apple/ pear)

• Vegetable sticks for on the go at school or for work (e.g. kohlrabi, carrots, cucumber)

• Self-prepared smoothies (versatile selection of fruits and vegetables possible)

• Alternatively, 1 glass of juice instead of 1 fruit meal (make sure it is 100% fruit juice).

• Foods high in fiber and low in salt:
  Whole grain bread, flaxseed, wheat and oat bran, various fruits (blueberries, strawberries, apple), legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils).

Important: Do not forget to drink! Because only with sufficient liquid the dietary fibers can develop their positive effect.

• Advantages of vegetable fats over animal fats:

• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases through the supply of essential fatty acids (only polyunsaturated fatty acids, which the body cannot produce itself, therefore the intake through food is important)

• can have a positive effect on blood lipid levels and cholesterol levels

• rich in fat soluble vitamin E

• Always carry a small bottle with you (e.g. in your handbag/backpack)

• Leave drink in sight during work/lecture to be reminded to drink

• Consume preferred low-energy drinks, provide variety

• In summer, tea can also be enjoyed cold and refined by additions, such as lemon or lime slices