Tag Archives: Cancer Care Tips

Cancer Care Tips, Immuno-Oncology, Immunotherapy, News

Which Foods Have Probiotic Benefits for Cancer Care?

Which Foods Have Probiotic Benefits for Cancer Care?
Which Foods Have Probiotic Benefits for Cancer Care?

Have you been hearing about the dietary benefits of probiotics? These live microorganisms found in fermented dairy products create a balance of “good” bacteria in your gut. In addition to promoting digestive health, probiotics appear to have properties that serve as protection against cancer.

Simply adding these foods to your diet can reduce problems such as gas and diarrhea while aiding the ability of your immune system to fight tumors.

Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the more publicized sources of probiotics. Look for brands that include “live and active cultures.”

Sauerkraut

The pasteurization process kills probiotics, so opt for the unpasteurized variety, which also includes vitamins that help prevent infections. If you like it on the spicy side, the popular Korean dish kimchi has the same properties.

Soft Cheeses

Probiotics are sometimes too fragile to survive in the digestive tract, but certain types found in fermented soft cheeses such as Gouda hold up well.

Kefir

During immunotherapy for cancer, beverages may be easier on your stomach than food. Kefir is a yogurt-like drink that originated with the shepherds in Eurasia’s Caucasus Mountains.

Sourdough Bread

The organisms that give sourdough bread its distinctive tang are loaded with probiotics.

Supplements

While probiotics come in convenient capsule, tablet, liquid and powder forms, they lack the additional nutrients provided by foods and beverages. Talk to your doctor before beginning a course of supplements.

Issels®: The Leader in State-of-the-Art Immuno-Oncology

A healthy diet is part of the integrative approach we follow at Issels®. Contact us to learn how our non-toxic immunotherapy for cancer treatment is tailored to accommodate your individual lifestyle, environment and other factors.

 

Cancer Care Tips, Living with Cancer

Eating Tips for While You’re In Cancer Treatment

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Be The Healthiest You Can Be With These Eating Tips!
Be The Healthiest You Can Be With These Eating Tips!

Cancer treatment can be very hard on your body, especially if you’re undergoing intensive chemotherapy or taking medicine with extreme side effects. Many times, cancer patients will go through a dramatic loss of appetite, which can make keeping your body healthy even more difficult if you don’t have the strength to eat, or keep down, a minimal amount of food.

Cancer Treatment Tips for Meals

Many of these tips work well for anyone who is ill, not just cancer patients, but it’s especially important for you to stay strong during your treatment.

  • Eat smaller meals – Smaller meals are more likely to stay down and it doesn’t take as much strength to eat them.
  • Eat what you like – If you’re going to be eating less, stick to foods you like since it can make it worse if you force yourself to eat foods you don’t enjoy.
  • Salty foods are healthy – The extra salt content of some foods, especially saltine crackers, tend to improve water retention, which can be an issue if you have other side effects such as diarrhea.
  • Avoid spicy foods – These types of foods are harder to digest, especially when you’re undergoing cancer treatment. A little bit of chili powder may be OK, but you may want to cut the jalapenos out of your diet.

Our team at Issels® is committed to giving you the best possible outlook for your cancer diagnosis. We customize non-toxic treatment plans to best fit every individual. Give us a call at 1-888-447-7357, or visit us at Issels.com, to find out more about how we can help you fight your cancer with advanced immunotherapy techniques.

Cancer Care Tips, Living with Cancer

Tips to Holding a Family “Cancer Update” Meeting

Grandparents posing with grandchildren
Cancer Updates for Family

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, sharing information with family members can sometimes be awkward. Loved ones want to be helpful and supportive, but they wait to take their cues from you about how to proceed. Their behavior can go to extremes as they either walk on eggshells or act overly cheerful.

Many patients have found a solution in holding “cancer update” meetings with their families. Here are tips for conducting productive meetings that keep everyone involved.

  • Make a list of the people you want at the meetings. Include only those who are truly close to you, such as your cancer caregivers. Don’t be driven by a sense of obligation.
  • Decide what you want to share and what you’re uncomfortable with discussing. If you have certain hot buttons that trigger your emotions, plan neutral and non-judgmental responses to keep the meeting on topic.
  • Honest discussions are likely to inspire questions from you as well as your family members and cancer caregivers. Write them down so you can consult your medical team for advice.
  • Don’t try to be noble by refusing offers of help or maintaining a cheerfulness you don’t feel. It helps both you and your family if you give them specific ways they can assist you while allowing them to see your true feelings.

Immuno-oncology programs at Issels® are administered by experienced physicians with a history of treating all forms and stages of the disease. Our personalized approach includes addressing any questions and concerns you may have along the way. Visit our website to read and hear testimonials from patients who have benefited from our specialized treatment protocols.