New Delhi: Sarcoma is a rare tumour, with about 3 to 4 per cent of incidence rate in India. According to the Indian Cancer Society, every year over 3 lakh children are diagnosed with cancer all over the world. Moreover, in India Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most common type of bone cancer in kids and young adults, accounting for about 3 to 4 per cent of cancer cases among children in the age group between 0 to 14. This indicates why parents need to make sure that their children are taking nutrient-rich meals that help them boost their immune systems and provide strength and energy to their bodies.
Dr Nataraj Palaniappan, MD (Pediatrics), Consultant – Pediatric Intensivist and Emergency Specialist, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Guindy, Chennai told News9“Cancer is the most dreadful disease that can happen to humans. Though primarily it’s a disease that occurs in adults, at present there are rising cases of cancer in children. When children undergo cancer treatment, they become extremely weak as chemotherapy involves vomiting and diarrhea which exhausts a lot of their energy. Hence, their diet plays a significant role.”
Diet Should be Full of Protein: Protein provides strength to the body, helps in repairing the tissues, and enhances the body’s immune system. Adequate protein intake helps kids to shield themselves from the negative effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Some protein-rich sources of foods are soy, milk, egg, chicken, and cheese.
Carbohydrates are a must: Carbohydrates are the key source of energy that facilitates the smooth functioning of organs and provides strength to cells in the human body. Some essential sources of carbohydrates are bread, potatoes, cereals, and fruits.
Fats and fatty foods: Kids tend to rapidly lose weight during chemotherapy and need a balanced weight throughout this period. For this reason, fats and fatty foods are recommended. Kids should follow a calorie-rich diet that can be obtained through fatty foods. However, there are healthy and unhealthy fats. Some sources of healthy fats are almonds, fish, olive oil, etc. which are healthy as well as help to increase weight.
Liquids and Hydration: During this period, your kid must be hydrated at all times. Water helps in nearly every bodily function be it digestion or excretion. However, other sources of hydration can be soups, fruit juices, and more.
Dietary Supplements: Though many suggest dietary supplements during this time, it is better to avoid such supplements. These supplements might have side effects and collide with ongoing medications, reducing their effect. You should only provide supplements to your kids after the physician’s advice.
Cancer treatment is a crucial period for kids and they need adequate nutrition and strength. A diet rich in nutrients will strengthen the immune system and help fight cancer in the long run. Foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins such as eggs, broccoli, salmon, chicken, fish, leafy vegetables, and fruits are a must during this period.
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