Types Of Drinks That Can Help People With Cancer Gain Weight
Weight loss is a concern during cancer treatments like radiation and chemo because side effects can include nausea, appetite loss and painful swallowing. To gain or maintain weight during this difficult time, people with cancer can try adding high-calorie, protein-rich beverages to their diet.
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“Cancer and cancer treatments can lead to poor appetite, nausea, taste and smell changes, feeling full too quickly and difficulties digesting food,” explains Rachel Dudley, RD, a clinical dietitian at the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center in Houston. And not getting proper nutrition during treatment puts a person with cancer at risk for weight and muscle loss, poor energy and dehydration, she adds.
The best way to prevent weight loss is to eat well at every meal, but many people with cancer find they’re unable to dine the way they used to. To make eating more tolerable â and tasty â during cancer treatments, consider drinking your calories. The National Cancer Institute suggests liquids like smoothies, juices and soup when solid foods are less than appealing. “Ready-to-drink oral supplements and shakes are often an easy and well-tolerated way for people in cancer treatment to increase calorie and protein intake throughout the day,” confirms Dudley.
Not sure which kind is best? “A dietitian can help you determine if you need an oral nutritional supplement and which ones may be right for you,” says Dudley.
Not Only Healthy But Also Tasty
Smoothies which contain the products mentioned, can be one of the diet pillars supporting treatment of people diagnosed with cancer. Therefore, it’s worth including them in the daily menu.Although many fruits have a natural sweetness that can enrich a smoothie by itself, there are additional ingredients that enhance the taste while being also beneficial to health. These include honey, ginger, and walnuts, among others.
Protein Power Green Smoothie Recipe
This is an excellent smoothie recipe for anyone looking to improve their diet. Its got a ton of super healthy foods, including cancer preventing foods like kale and cucumber. Its got a great ratio of fats, proteins, and carbs and is perfect for an athlete to drink. Theres a few very powerful sources of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Every ingredient in this recipe will give you a boost of energy.
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Why Smoothies Are Good While Undergoing Cancer Treatment
Loss of appetite is extremely common among those fighting cancer. Not only do some types of cancer cause appetite loss themselves, but common treatments also reduce appetite as part of their side effects.
Furthermore, some people may complain of sensitivity to certain smells or textures that turn them off of food. Smoothies can be a good way to partially overcome that challenge and still ensure proper nutrition.
That being said, it can be easy to get into a smoothie rut. Weve scoured the internet to bring you a list of five smoothies to add to your rotation. B
Be sure to talk to your medical team about whether or not fresh fruits and veggies are a good option for you if you happen to have a low white blood cell count!
Best 6 Types Of Cancer

Ask any expert, What are the best ways to fight cancer?, and youll likely be told advice such as to eat a healthy diet, exercise and avoid smoking.
Youre probably aware of the protective effects that certain cancer-fighting foods, such leafy greens and berries for examples, can have on your immune system and overall health. Heres more good news: Some of the most widely consumed beverages in the world have also been shown to be cancer-fighting drinks.
Organizations like the American Institute for Cancer Research recommend including drinks in your diet that provide vitamins and phytonutrients that have demonstrated anti-cancer effects. What are some examples? Coffee, green tea, red wine, and 100 percent vegetable and fruit juices are among the best choices.
Also Check: How To Open A Tropical Smoothie
Foods To Eat During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses one or more drugs to combat cancer cells in your body.
Its symptoms, which may include dry mouth, taste changes, nausea, and fatigue, can make eating seem like a chore.
However, its important to eat a healthy, balanced diet during cancer treatment to keep your body functioning optimally. Foods that are mild in flavor, easy on your stomach, and nutrient-dense are some of the best options (
Carrot Ginger Turmeric Smoothie
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric combined with carotenoid-rich carrots make Minimalist Bakers smoothie recipea slam dunk, particularly if youve been dealing with nausea. Most of the ingredients in this smoothie are also great for fortifying your immune system And it looks so pretty!
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Can Smoothies Prevent Cancer
While there are many ongoing studies on various nutrients that could shrink cancer cells or potentially prevent cancer altogether, the results are still inconclusive. It is hypothesized that super foods such as berries may have the potential to fight cancer. Furthermore, several studies show that getting enough fruits and vegetables greatly reduces your chance of getting certain cancers, as well as a lower chance of recurrence.
Eating healthy is key to a better, more fulfilling life in general. Introducing smoothies into your diet can make sure your body has a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin A, C, and E . Adding berries, cinnamon, turmeric, and flax seed can give you all this and more. Keep an eye out for more cancer related studies and results.
Healthy Protein Smoothie Recipe
This smoothie is specifically meant for those who are working out and want a healthy protein smoothie. This smoothie includes bananas, berries and spinach. Its also got a good amount of calories and plenty of protein. This recipe allows you to combine a protein shake and a healthy whole food smoothie.
This might also be a great recipe for anyone recovering from cancer. Especially those who are trying to rebuild muscle mass after dealing with cancer.
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Smoothie Recipes You Can Enjoy While Fighting Cancer
Those diagnosed with cancer frequently experience a decrease in appetite. Unfortunately, getting enough nutrients is more important than ever when getting cancer treatment and recovering. These smoothie recipes for the cancer patients can ensure you get your important nutrients in a convenient, easy to ingest way.
The Best Smoothies To Boost Antioxidant Levels
Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Food & Nutrition
It is said that we are what we eat and thinking of food as medicine is the first step to reduce your risk of illnesses in the most natural way possible. Of course there are other factors that are beyond our control, such as genetics, but a healthy nutrition is an excellent starting point. Smoothies are an absolutely delicious way to get more healing nutrients into your diet.
If you want to try incorporating more healthy foods, smoothies are the easiest way to do it. The fresh fruits, vegetables and super foods in smoothies have amazing benefits to increase energy and speed healing. Research shows people who consume more fruits and vegetables have decreased risk of developing certain diseases.
Every disease fighting smoothie should contain the following components:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are a crucial element when it comes to boosting health. They are found mainly in fruits and vegetables.
Since the immune system plays such a critical role in fighting disease its important to nourish it properly. Antioxidants are crucial to a healthy well functioning immune system. You can find more information about antioxidants in my post about 9 amazing antioxidants for great health.
Raw cocoa is extremely rich in antioxidants which can reduce the incidence of several serious illnesses, such as heart disease, and type-2 diabetes.
Vitamins
Minerals
Digestive Enzymes
Anti-inflammatory Components
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Whats people lookup in this blog:
Have An Upset Stomach

If youre feeling nauseous or have an upset stomach from treatment, try adding in:
- Plain yogurt. A good source of probiotics, which are gut-healthy bacteria.
- Fresh mint. Try 4 to 6 leaves.
- Freshly grated ginger. 2 teaspoons should do it.
- Lemon zest. Half a teaspoon can act as a natural tummy soother.
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Vitamin Fruit Smoothie Recipe
This is a sweet and fruity smoothie specifically designed by a nutritionist for its anti-cancer antioxidants. As mentioned previously, antioxidants are able to fight free radicals, which cause cell deformities. Scientists believe the free radicals may be one cause of cancer.
This smoothie recipe is fairly low in calories and should be easy to drink even if you dont have much of an appetite.
Beverage Kid Friendly Breakfast
This recipe was specially crafted to support cancer prevention and survival. It adheres to . Learn more about our .
Smoothies have many benefits beyond good taste they can help you eat more fruits and vegetables, the foundation of a cancer-protective diet. Frozen blueberries are the secret to the milkshake-like consistency of this smoothie. Rich in fiber, anthocyanins and ellagic acid, these little fruits are being studied for their ability to inhibit the formation of carcinogens.
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Pomegranate Smoothie For Athletes
This smoothie is designed for athletes and pomegranate is the key ingredient. Pomegranate is called natures power fruit and has been in use as a healing agent for centuries.
Studies indicate that pomegranate may help prevent heart disease, high blood sugar levels, and breast and prostate cancer.
Along with pomegranate, this smoothie recipe includes spinach, flax-seed meal, and berries. These are all powerful foods which help prevent disease, including cancer.
Why You Need This Recipe
This anti-cancer smoothie recipe is similar to my Collard Green Smoothie recipe, but with the addition of frozen broccoli florets. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, the compound in broccoli that has been studied for its cancer-fighting properties.
In this recipe, you actually cant taste the frozen broccoli once its blended with all of the other great ingredients in this recipe. The carrot juice, fruit, citrus, cocoa powder, mint leaves all work together to magically cover up the green flavor of the veggies.
Even if you dont necessarily love the taste of green vegetables, I think that you will enjoy the flavor of this very healthy anti-cancer smoothie. Heres a list from the MD Anderson Cancer Center of more cancer-fighting foods and heres my list of the best greens for smoothies.
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Welcome To Our Kitchen
We are Gali and Matt, the creators of TACK. We raise awareness about the connection between cancer and food. Gali is a breast cancer survivor, Matt is a chef, and together, we develop delicious, immune-system boosting and nutritious recipes. We are here to help you in the kitchen, to overcome your challenges and fears, and encourage you to eat more plant-based, healing and anti-cancer foods.
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The recipes provided by The Anti-Cancer Kitchen are no warranty or guarantee of a cancer cure. Additionally, the advice provided is expressly not intended to form the basis of regular medical treatment or function as a replacement for the advice provided by your oncologist or a medical professional. The recipes and advice are limited to general guidelines pertaining to a healthy lifestyle and foods that are known for being anti-carcinogenic, cancer-preventing and exceptionally healthy.
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Drinks That Fight Cancer
What can you drink to prevent cancer? According to the latest research findings, beverages that should be included in a cancer-fighting diet include:
1. Coffee
While the caffeine is coffee isnt well-tolerated by some people, nutrition-rich coffee is also a concentrated source of antioxidant phytochemicals. These include theophylline and theobromine, chlorogenic acid , quinic acid, cafestol and kahweol.
Certain studies have linked coffee consumption with reduced risk of liver, colorectal, endometrial, oral/pharyngeal and other cancers.
And although some worry about the negative effects of caffeine/coffee on digestive health, theres overall no evidence suggesting an association of coffee intake with cancers of the stomach, pancreas or GI cancers.
2. Green, Black and White Teas
Black, green, white and also oolong teas are rich in many disease-fighting nutrients, such as catechins, polyphenol compounds, epigallocatechin gallate , flavonols and more. Researchers believe this to be the reason that long-term tea consumption is linked with lower risks for bladder, stomach and pancreatic cancers, among other types.
Matcha green tea is another great option, since its rich in antioxidants that give it the ability to support the immune system. Lab studies have linked both types of green teas with reduced development of cancer in colon, liver, breast, lung and prostate cells.
3. 100 Percent Vegetable Juices
4. 100 Percent Fruit Juices
5. Herbal Teas and Infusions
6. Red Wine
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Banana Almond Butter Smoothie
This smoothie recipe from Real Simple Good combines four simple ingredients to create a delicious smoothie that is great as-is or that can easily be combined with your other favorite ingredients for a custom smoothie masterpiece. This recipe calls for bananas, which are a great source of fiber and potassium, as well as almond butter a great source of protein and fat when you arent feeling up to a steak dinner.
Rounded out with coconut milk and cinnamon, wed be surprised if this smoothie doesnt quickly become one of your favorites.
Why Drink Smoothies Why Not Just Eat Fruit And Vegetables Whole

Of course, eating fruits and vegetables whole is a great and delicious way to get nutrients, and we should all incorportate whole fruits and veggies in our dietsbut it can be tricky to eat the recommended amount of fruits and veggies. According to the American Heart Association, the average person should get about four servings of fruits and five servings of vegetables per day for a grand total of nine servings. When making a smoothie, you can incorporate several servings of fruits and veggies into one easy-to-consume meal. Eating a smoothie for breakfast is a great way to knock out half or more of your daily fruit and vegetable recommendations.
Additionally, for those undergoing chemotherapy, nausea can be unbearable, and eating fruits and vegetables can be especially difficult. A smoothie drink is easier to stomach because it can be sipped at leisure and does not need to be chewed.
Another bonus of smoothies? The liquid component helps you stay hydrated!
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Chemotherapy Side Effect Relief: Recipes And Tips
Senior students in Lipscomb Universitys Didactic Program in Dietetics contribute blogs to PearlPoints Pearls of Wisdom. View all student blogs here.
Eating a well-balanced diet during cancer treatment can be a challenge because side effects from chemotherapy can cause a significant change in appetite, taste buds and digestion. Often patients develop a metallic taste in their mouth that affects eating and drinking. Other side effects that comprises nutrient intake include nausea, vomiting, and sore mouth or throat. Side effects can lead to extreme weight loss, anorexia, and difficulty swallowing .
The good news is that there are things patients can do to help combat these side effects and increase nutrient intake.
Remember to speak with your oncologist, primary care doctor or a registered dietitian before starting any new dietary protocol.
Risks And Side Effects
Just like there are some beverages and foods that can help to fight disease development, research tells us there are also potentially cancer-causing foods to avoid.
Which drinks should you limit or ideally cut out from your diet?
- Sugary drinks, including soda, energy drinks and juices, teas and coffee drinks with added sugar. Research has revealed a strong link between sugary drink consumption and risk for heart disease, obesity and diabetes, and now ongoing research is suggesting that these beverages can also put you at greater risk for certain cancers such as breast, pancreas, gallbladder and endometrial cancer. Its believed this connection is due to mechanisms such as insulin resistance caused by consumption of a high glycemic load, as well as the effects of chemical compounds, additives and pesticides in sugary drinks which may have carcinogenic effects.
- Alcohol in excess. While wine in moderation have protective effects against certain diseases, too much seems to do the opposite. High alcohol intake increases the risk of certain types of cancer development according to research studies, including colon/rectum, oral, liver, breast and other cancers.
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Try A Mildly Sweet Fruit
Add 1 cup of slightly sweet, fiber-rich fruit to promote digestive health and to balance multiple flavors:
- Banana. A good source of potassium for healthy blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
- Ripe pear. A good source of flavonols, which are heart-healthy antioxidant plant compounds.
- Mango. An excellent source of immune-boosting vitamins A and C.