How Can Nutrition Support Patients with Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer presents a significant challenge for patients. This aggressive disease often progresses with minimal symptoms until later stages, making treatment complex. Pancreatic cancer originates from abnormal cell growth within the pancreas, in the abdomen behind the stomach. The pancreas plays a crucial role in producing digestive enzymes and converting them into energy. However, the onset of cancer can impair its functioning, hindering proper digestion.

While the pancreas performs two essential functions: exocrine, facilitating food digestion, and endocrine, regulating blood sugar levels, pancreatic cancer disrupts these processes. The cancer releases compounds that break down muscle and fat stores, leading to weight loss, muscle depletion, and fatigue, even with regular eating.

Understanding how food interacts with the disease allows you to explore how strategic dietary choices can empower patients and survivors. This approach can help you maintain strength, manage treatment side effects, and pursue recovery with greater control over your health.

Keep reading to explore the best pancreatic cancer nutrition that can support improved treatment outcomes and facilitate recovery from pancreatic cancer.

Best Diet for Pancreatic Cancer

Tailoring the diet to address specific nutritional needs and manage symptoms can be vital in supporting overall health and well-being during pancreatic cancer treatment. The National Library of Medicine estimated that dietary measures and lifestyle changes alone can prevent about 30%- 40% of all cancers.

Here are some important dietary tips to meet the nutritional requirements of pancreatic cancer patients.

1. Monitor and Maintain a Healthy Weight

   Weight loss is common after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and during treatment. Excessive weight loss can weaken the body's ability to fight infection and tolerate treatment.

   Here's how to stay proactive:

   • Weigh yourself weekly.
   • Consult a healthcare professional if you are excessively losing weight.

2. Keep Yourself Hydrated

   Consume ample fluids to mitigate dehydration, which exacerbates treatment side effects.

   • Target 8 glasses of water in a day.
   • Sip the fluid at frequent times and not before or after the meal.
   • Opt for a beverage with added benefits
   • Avoid excess caffeine or alcohol, which causes dehydration.

3. Eat Frequent, Smaller Meals

   Consuming five to six small meals every three to four hours ensures your body receives enough nutrients to tolerate treatment. Smaller portions throughout the day ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs for treatment.

4. Include High-protein Foods

   Intake of protein-rich foods supports cell repair and boosts the immune system. Include protein sources like:

   • Lean Meat
   • Fish
   • Eggs
   • Low-Fat Dairy
   • Beans
   • Soy Products

5. Consider Liquid Supplements

   As a side effect of treatment, eating solid foods becomes challenging. However, liquid supplements or shakes can provide essential nutrients in an easily digestible form. Supplements that can support you include:

   • Protein Drinks
   • Bone Broths
   • Greek Yogurt
   • Smoothies
   • Pureed Soups

6. Choose Easily Digestible Food

   Chopped, soft, or boiled foods are easy to digest. Avoid consuming red meat, pork, and raw vegetables when digestion is challenging.

7. Incorporate Whole Grains

   Whole grains provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, offering sustained energy for the body. You can include:

   • Oatmeal
   • Whole-Grain Bread
   • Brown Rice
   • Corn
   • Farro
   • Quinoa

8. Eat Colorful Fruits and Vegetables

   Whole fruits and vegetables deliver essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to fight cancer. Eat at least five servings per day to ensure an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals.

9. Include Healthy Fats

   Consuming unhealthy fried, greasy, and fatty foods can lead to digestive problems and elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, healthy fats that provide energy, promote cell growth, and safeguard organs include:

   • Olive Oil
   • Canola Oil
   • Avocado
   • Seeds
   • Nuts
   • Fatty Fish

10. Cut Back on Sweets and Added Sugars

    Individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer frequently encounter difficulty digesting sugary foods. Consuming soda, cake, candy, or desserts can elevate blood sugar levels. Avoid these and include foods that offer more excellent nutritional value.

Final Thoughts

Pancreatic cancer disrupts digestion, making proper nutrition a significant challenge for patients. However, a well-designed dietary plan can support overall health and well-being during treatment. Patients and survivors can support their well-being, enhance treatment outcomes, and improve their quality of life throughout the cancer journey by prioritizing whole foods and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals.

Discover Nutritional Assistance for Pancreatic Cancer at Far North Surgery

At Far North Surgery in Anchorage, AK, we understand the challenges faced during and after pancreatic cancer treatment. Our dedicated team provides exceptional care, combining leading-edge technology with personalized treatment plans. Dr. Madhu Prasad, our experienced surgeon, has been honored with the Best of Anchorage Awards for various treatments.

Contact us today to learn more about our treatment plans.