What is National Nutrition Month and Why Should You Care About It?
National Nutrition Month (NNM) is a yearly observance to encourage Americans to adopt eating habits that reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined several links between foods we eat and our health, including links to a variety of life-threatening illnesses.
Good dietary choices can help you feel better and live a longer life. In addition to avoiding obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, good dietary habits may also reduce your risk of cancer.
“About 1 in 3 U.S. adults have some form of cancer,” said Amy Loughman, MD MPH with the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “Cancer can be directly linked to what we eat, how much we weigh, and our lack of physical activity.”
Unique Cancer Treatment Processes
People who undergo treatment for thyroid cancer or head and neck cancer must pay close attention to their diet for different reasons. For a thyroid cancer patient, radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is an important step in their treatment process.
Before they go through either a radioactive iodine uptake scan or a radioactive iodine treatment, their care team may prescribe a low-iodine diet. On the other hand, patients with head and neck cancer require special attention to their nutrition, due to the severe impact their disease can have on their ability to swallow liquids and consume solid food.
These patients also often need more nutrient-rich foods. Maintaining proper caloric intake helps people preserve lean body mass, prevent or reduce nutrient deficiencies, and enhance immune function. This also decreases the risk of infection and improving a person’s quality of life.
Tips for Improving Your Diet During Cancer Treatment
- Eat more vegetables and fruits (at least 2 cups/day).
- Choose whole-grain breads, pasta, and cereals instead of refined grains (like white bread, white rice).
- Reduce your salt (sodium) intake. Choose low sodium options; eat fewer processed foods; add no salt to cooking or eating; and reduce the use of table salt.
- Staying physically active is also essential for good health.
Recipes for Healthy, Cancer-Friendly Meals
Low Iodine Diet Recipes
To increase the effectiveness of radioactive iodine therapy, patients may be prescribed a low iodine diet. Iodine is used in the care and feeding of animals and as a stabilizer and/or safety element in food processing. Detailed low-iodine recipes can still taste great while clearly outlining the foods that adhere to the diet.
Best Bruschetta Recipe: A Versatile & Healthy Dish
Delicious & Easy Thyroid-Friendly Apple Crisp Recipe
Post-Treatment Friendly Recipes
Many times, patients after treatment will face difficulty eating while they recuperate. They may also have sensitivity to foods they once enjoyed, or even changes in how some foods taste. Treatment-friendly recipes can help patients navigate their food intake so they can ensure they get the nutrients and calories they need during this phase of recovery.
Robin’s Best Banana Berry Smoothie Recipe
Easy Apple & Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Looking for Low Iodine Recipes?
We compiled our 10 best low-iodine diet recipes. Try these easy dishes for thyroid cancer survivors.
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