Table of contents:
- Tips for fasting for cancer patients
- 1. Increase vegetables and fruit
- 2. Choose foods with a low glycemic index
- 3. Drink lots of water at dawn
- 4. Get enough rest
- What cancer patients should avoid while fasting
- 1. Sweet foods and drinks
- 2. Avoid fried foods
For cancer patients, chemotherapy or other treatments need to be carried out in the month of Ramadan. Even so, not a few cancer patients still want to fast and carry out their religious obligations. Cancer patients may fast, provided that their health condition is stable. So, how to safely observe fasting for cancer patients? Here's the explanation.
Tips for fasting for cancer patients
Cancer patients who want to fast must consult and get a doctor's permission first. The reason is, cancer patients whose immune system is not stable can get weaker if they force themselves to fast. Especially if cancer patients are experiencing side effects of chemotherapy, doctors will not advise cancer patients to fast.
Once a cancer patient is declared stable and does not experience any complications, then they can fast. Of course, this must remain under the supervision of the medical team who handle it.
The main thing that cancer patients should pay attention to when fasting is the fulfillment of nutrition. Because when fasting, cancer patients will experience the same thing as healthy people in general, namely holding back hunger and thirst for almost 13 hours.
This means that the body does not get the food or drink that cancer patients need. Moreover, cancer patients are required to undergo treatment so they need more nutrition.
To meet the nutritional needs of cancer patients during fasting, plan a proper diet with the help of doctors and nutritionists who handle patients. The following are tips for safe fasting for cancer patients.
1. Increase vegetables and fruit
Cancer patients who want to fast are encouraged to eat more vegetables and fruits. The reason is, vegetables and fruits contain many vitamins and minerals that are useful for boosting immunity in cancer patients, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc.
The content of vitamins and minerals has antioxidant properties that can ward off free radicals in the body. Thus, normal body cells will be protected from the risk of cancer.
To make fasting for cancer patients smoother, complete the meal and break the fast with carrots, broccoli, and tomatoes which contain high vitamin A and vitamin C. After eating the main menu, don't forget to eat fruits such as avocados, apples, and pears which are good for cancer patients.
2. Choose foods with a low glycemic index
Foods with a low glycemic index value are good for cancer patients. The reason is, foods with a low glycemic index value can make the body of cancer patients more stable and reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Various foods with a low glycemic index include brown rice, whole wheat bread, or whole grain cereals that have high fiber. Further consult with a nutritionist to get suggestions on the right type of food for cancer patients during the fasting month.
3. Drink lots of water at dawn
Meeting the needs of body fluids can help reduce the side effects of treatment in cancer patients, such as vomiting and diarrhea. If there is not enough fluids, cancer patients will easily become dehydrated.
Therefore, cancer patients are encouraged to drink more water at dawn and breaking their fast, at least eight glasses per day. By drinking lots of water, this will help increase the protection of the body's cells from oxidative stress. As a result, fasting activity for cancer patients becomes smoother and more stable from cancer development.
4. Get enough rest
Cancer patients usually have trouble sleeping or experience insomnia due to the side effects of cancer treatment and the stress of undergoing treatment. In fact, optimal sleep hours can strengthen the immune system in cancer patients.
That's why cancer patients are advised to get adequate rest while fasting. With sufficient sleep, the patient's body is maximized to fight cancer and cancer treatment becomes more effective.
What cancer patients should avoid while fasting
1. Sweet foods and drinks
Glucose is a source of energy needed by body cells to carry out normal functions. However, cancer cells can develop more quickly if you get excess glucose from sugary foods.
This is why, sweet foods are not recommended for consumption during fasting for cancer patients. For example compote, syrup, and other sweet takjil.
If cancer patients want to eat compote, make a healthier compote without sugar and replace it with natural flavors from fruit, such as banana or pumpkin which are good for the patient's health.
2. Avoid fried foods
Fried foods generally contain saturated fat which can trigger the growth of cancer cells. According to the American Cancer Society, a diet high in saturated fat can increase the risk of cancer recurring or even getting worse.
Therefore, avoid fried foods at dawn and breaking the fast. Choose safer cooking methods such as boiling or steaming to make it healthier. Thus, cancer patients can fast smoothly and safely.
