COVID-19 and Cancer: Nutrition Tips for Patients
OSUCCC – James experts are here to help patients and caregivers as they continue their cancer journeys amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today’s topic: Healthy at-home eating for patients and their families.
Healthy, plant-based diets are always important parts of treatment and recovery programs for cancer patients. Now, however, with statewide stay-at-home orders in effect in the majority of states, this has become more challenging.
Here’s some advice and easy-to-follow tips from Candice Schreiber, RD, CSO, LD, a JamesCare for Life dietitian, to help you eat well and healthy during these unusual times.
Frozen and canned
Now’s a good time to stock the freezer and cabinet with frozen and canned foods like veggies, beans and tomatoes. “They’re very nutrition-dense and healthy,” Schreiber says, adding that it’s important to use items that are relatively low in sugar, fat and salt. “A can of tomatoes, some whole-grain pasta and veggies from the freezer makes an easy and healthy meal — and it’s tasty.”
Supplements
There’s been talk and rumors swirling around that Vitamin C can boost the immune system and help ward off the coronavirus. “This is not evidence based, so don’t be fooled into buying supplements and thinking they will boost your immune system,” Schreiber says.
While Schreiber believes that, in general, supplements are unnecessary for those who eat healthy, plant-based diets, there are some cancer patients — after consulting with their primary-care physicians or oncologists — who can benefit from taking calcium, Vitamin D or daily multi-vitamins. “Sometimes cancer treatment can deplete a patient’s calcium, and Vitamin D is hard to get when you can’t go outside in the sun as much,” Schreiber says. “And if a cancer patient isn’t eating very much, because they’re nauseous or just don’t feel like eating, a multi-vitamin can be recommended.”
Snacks
Snacks, especially those packed with sugar and fat, can be easy to grab while stuck at home, but can also lead to weight gain.
“I tell people a couple things when it comes to snacks,” Schreiber says. “If something’s tempting, like potato chips, don’t buy it. Don’t keep it in the house now that you’re home so much more.”
She also recommends closing off the kitchen at certain times during the day to avoid temptation, and having healthy snacks available, including hummus with carrot sticks, celery or snap peas, fruits such as grapes, pears and peaches, cottage cheese, cheese sticks and nuts.
Take Out
It’s important to support local restaurants that could be struggling financially during the pandemic, but health-conscious consumers should take care to build takeout meals wisely, choosing less meat and more vegetables.
“The biggest thing to avoid is fried foods,” Schreiber says. “And watch how much cheese there is.”
Pizza is a great comfort food — and these times require some comfort. “Pizza is OK, but whenever you order it, pair it with a salad you make at home with a vinaigrette dressing,” Schreiber says. “When you order an entrée or two from a restaurant, which usually don’t include an abundance of vegetables, add a veggie side dish you make at home and a salad.”
Shopping at stores and online
Shopping at grocery stores is still allowed — with caution. Schreiber recommends taking some time to come up with healthy meal plans that cover a week or two, and then making lists of the required ingredients. “This way, you’ll be in and out of the grocery store quicker.”
Shopping online is a safe option, and could reduce the chances of non-nutritious impulse buys. “You might not be as likely to buy something that’s unhealthy online,” Schreiber says.
OSUCCC – James COVID-19 Coverage:
Important Information for Patients