Brain Tumour Diet and Nutrition

By Dr.Ravindra Patil

Supporting health during treatment

During any illness, a proper diet is indeed necessary. What foods and beverages are considered ‘bad’ even during good health should obviously be avoided. This blog aims to search out for the best diet for a patient undergoing brain tumour treatment.

Is there a Brain Tumour Diet?

Are there nutritional guidelines for brain tumour patients?

That is the first question that comes to mind. Brain tumour is a serious condition and requires treatment. Is there a requirement of special nutrition during brain tumour treatment?

There isn’t a specific “brain tumour diet” that universally applies to all individuals with brain tumours. However, a balanced and nutritious diet is generally recommended to support overall health and well-being, which can be particularly important for individuals undergoing treatment for brain tumours.

Here are some Brain tumour nutrition tips

Balanced Nutrition: Focus on consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. All this is healthy eating for brain tumour patients.
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration is essential for overall health and can help manage side effects of treatment such as fatigue and constipation.
Limit Processed Foods: Minimize consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages high in added sugars. These foods offer little nutritional value and may contribute to inflammation and other health issues. This will not be a good diet for brain tumour patients.
Healthy Fats: Incorporate sources of healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish (like salmon and tuna) into your diet. Healthy fats can support brain health and may have anti-inflammatory properties. They will give nutritional support for brain tumour treatment.
Fibre-Rich Foods: Include plenty of fibre-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes to support digestion and overall gut health.
Moderate Caffeine and Alcohol: Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol, as these substances can affect hydration levels and may interact with medications. These are not good foods for brain tumour patients.
Consider Individual Needs: Depending on your specific situation, you may have dietary restrictions or requirements due to treatment side effects or other health conditions. It’s important to work with a dietician or family doctor who can provide personalized dietary guidance.

Always consult with your healthcare team before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you’re undergoing treatment for a brain tumour. They can offer tailored advice based on your individual needs and medical history. Supporting health during brain tumour treatment with diet is not a new thing. As diet is a part and parcel of our very survival, it must be ideal. Besides every major illness has a diet plan. We must have a brain tumour diet plan. This blog has given general guidelines for planning a diet for brain tumour patients.

Managing side effects of brain tumour treatment

Brain tumour will always be treated by either surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Taking a diet which will obviate the side effects of brain tumour must also be planned. Let us first see the various side effects of brain tumour therapies and how brain tumour diet and nutrition will help.

Side effects of brain tumour surgery

These side effects will be similar to the side effects of any surgery. a general high protein nutritious diet full of natural vitamins will help the brain surgery wound, which may be a craniotomy, heal fast.

Side effects of brain tumour chemotherapy

Some of the side effects of brain tumour chemotherapy, but not all, can be reduced with proper nutrition.

Nausea and Vomiting: One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is nausea and vomiting. Lots of fluids with electrolytes must be given, eg coconut water and fruit juices. However, the other diseases of the patients must be considered.
Fatigue: Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, which may persist throughout the treatment period and even after treatment ends. Sweet foods will help relieve fatigue, only if the patient doesn’t have diabetes.
Changes in Appetite: Chemotherapy can affect appetite, leading to changes in taste or a decrease in appetite. Tangy citrus fruits may increase the patients’ appetite.
Peripheral Neuropathy: Some chemotherapy drugs can cause damage to the nerves in the hands and feet, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or pain. Giving vitamin rich foods will help reduce these symptoms.

Side effects of brain tumour radiation therapy

Radiation therapy, like chemotherapy, is a common treatment for brain tumours. It uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. While radiation therapy can be effective in treating brain tumours, it can also lead to various side effects. Proper nutrition will help relieve the radiation therapy symptoms somewhat.

Fatigue: Many patients undergoing radiation therapy experience fatigue, which can range from mild to severe. Rest and high calorie easily digestible food can help reduce fatigue.
Skin Changes: The skin in the treated area may become dry, itchy, or sensitive. Some patients may develop a rash or changes in skin pigmentation. Vitamin rich food may help.
Nausea and Vomiting: Radiation therapy directed at the brain can sometimes cause nausea and vomiting, particularly if the treatment area includes the area of the brain responsible for regulating nausea and vomiting. Plenty of fluids orally with anti-vomiting medicines help.

There are many more side effects of radiation therapy and sadly all of them cannot be managed by changes in nutrition.

So what should be the diet of a brain tumour patient? The following text gives a general guideline.

Diet Chart for Brain Tumour Patients

A diet chart for brain tumour patients is a list of foods that are usually healthy for people with brain tumours. The patients cannot eat foods that have been processed or contain artificial colours or flavours because these chemicals cause the tumour to grow faster. The following items are beneficial.

Broccoli:

Broccoli has been found to have anti-cancer properties and it also helps in reducing the risk of developing cancer. It contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

Garlic:

Garlic is a commonly eaten food that has been found to have anti-cancerous properties.

Turmeric:

Turmeric is a spice that has been used in Indian cuisine for centuries. It has medicinal properties.

Ginger:

Ginger is a food that is in use for centuries to help with the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Now, scientists have found that ginger can also help with brain tumours.

Chicken Broths:

Chicken broths are an excellent choice for those who need to eat a high-calorie diet. They contain a lot of protein, nutrients and minerals that help in fighting cancer.

Nuts:

Nuts are a food that is rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fats. They are also a good source of protein, fibre, and healthy fats.

Eggs:

Eggs are a great food to include in a diet of brain tumour patients. They have nutrients that help with brain health and they can be made into many different dishes.

Other good foods

To be included in the nutritional support for brain tumour treatment are:

Leafy Vegetables
Milk
Pineapple
Tomatoes
Citrus Fruits

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+917378612600

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Brain Tumour Diet and Nutrition

Table of Contents

Supporting health during treatment

Is there a Brain Tumour Diet?

Here are some Brain tumour nutrition tips

Managing side effects of brain tumour treatment

Side effects of brain tumour surgery

Side effects of brain tumour chemotherapy

Side effects of brain tumour radiation therapy

Diet Chart for Brain Tumour Patients

Broccoli:

Garlic:

Turmeric:

Ginger:

Chicken Broths:

Nuts:

Eggs:

Other good foods

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