The emergence of immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, but its effectiveness varies from one patient to another. Diet, a crucial aspect of lifestyle, influences immunotherapy treatment results by affecting the body, gut microbiome, and metabolism. Certain diets, like ketogenic and plant-based diets have shown promise in enhancing treatment response. On the other hand, obesity and dietary deprivation can hinder immunotherapy efficiency.
This blog explores the link between diet and immunotherapy outcomes with the effects of diet on cancer treatment. Also explore different dietary regimens’ impact on immunotherapy, and understand how gut microbiome composition influences treatment response. Understanding the role of diet in immunotherapy can optimize treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.
Key Facts About Diet and Immunotherapy
- Diet is crucial during immunotherapy treatment.
- A healthy, high-fiber diet may enhance immunotherapy response.
- Immunotherapy side effects can affect nutrition, but dietary adjustments can help.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s natural immune system to fight cancer. It encompasses various methods, including targeted antibodies, vaccines, and viral therapies, which are often integrated with traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. This innovative approach offers new hope in the fight against cancer.
Benefits in Immunotherapy Treatment with Healthy Eating
Healthy eating during immunotherapy offers various benefits beyond enhancing your body’s response to treatment. By adopting a nutritious diet, you can:
Attain and Sustain a Healthy Body Weight
Opting for wholesome foods supports weight management, ensuring your body maintains an optimal weight throughout treatment.
Preserve Muscle Mass
Incorporating protein-rich foods into your diet helps preserve muscle mass, supporting physical strength and vitality.
Foster Growth of Healthy Cells and Tissues
Nutrient-dense foods provide essential vitamins and minerals, aiding in the growth and repair of healthy cells and tissues.
Facilitate Speedy Recovery from Surgery
A balanced diet aids in post-surgery recovery, promoting healing and reducing downtime.
Bolster Immunity
Nutritional foods strengthen the immune system, helping the body fend off infections and illnesses during treatment.
Manage Treatment Side Effects
Certain dietary choices can alleviate treatment side effects, such as nausea or fatigue, enhancing overall comfort and well-being.
Foods To Include In Your Diet During Immunotherapy
During immunotherapy, your nutritional needs may change, requiring adjustments to your diet to ensure your body receives the necessary nutrients to stay strong and support healing. Here are some dietary considerations to keep in mind:
Hydration
Staying well-hydrated is crucial during cancer treatment. In addition to water, hydrate with clear soups, fruit and vegetable juices, sports drinks, tea, milkshakes, and nutritional supplement drinks. These fluids can help prevent dehydration and maintain your overall well-being.
Protein Intake
Protein is essential for strengthening your immune system and promoting healing. Incorporate protein-rich foods into your diet such as fish, poultry, lean red meats, low-fat dairy products, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, and soy foods. You can also boost your protein intake by adding cooked meats to casseroles and salads, sprinkling grated cheese on soups and vegetables, and enjoying snacks like nuts and cheese.
Caloric Needs
You may require more calories than usual during cancer treatment to support your body’s energy needs. Focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals along with calories. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats in your meals to ensure you’re meeting your caloric requirements.
Adaptation to Eating Challenges
Cancer treatment can sometimes cause eating challenges such as mouth sores and throat irritation, making it difficult to swallow. In such cases, opt for softer, easier-to-swallow foods like thick, cold milkshakes, gelatin, ice pops, and ice cream. These foods can help soothe discomfort and ensure you’re getting the nutrition you need.
By prioritizing hydration, protein intake, and nutrient-dense foods, you can support your body’s immune function and promote healing during immunotherapy. Consulting with a clinical dietitian or nutritionist can provide personalized guidance to help you meet your dietary needs during cancer treatment.
Foods to Avoid During Immunotherapy
During immunotherapy, certain foods may exacerbate common side effects, such as dry mouth or mouth irritation. Here are some foods to avoid to help alleviate discomfort:
Dry or Hard-to-Swallow Foods
If you experience dry mouth, steer clear of foods like bread, baked potatoes, and peanut butter, which can be challenging to swallow and may worsen discomfort.
Acidic Foods
For those experiencing mouth irritation or sores, it’s best to avoid acidic foods such as citrus fruits, vinegar-based salad dressings, tomatoes, carbonated beverages, and alcoholic drinks, as they can irritate the mouth and exacerbate discomfort.
By avoiding these foods, you can better manage side effects and improve your overall comfort during immunotherapy treatment.
A Mediterranean diet & Immunotherapy Treatment
A Mediterranean diet could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in advanced melanoma patients. This diet, rich in fiber, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols from foods like olive oil, nuts, and fish, showed promising results in improving response rates and progression-free survival.
The study, conducted across multiple centers, emphasized the importance of dietary assessment for cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy. Alongside promoting overall response rates and survival, the Mediterranean diet was also linked to a lower risk of immune-related side effects. Conversely, consumption of red and processed meat was associated with an increased likelihood of such side effects.
These findings underscore the potential for dietary strategies to complement immunotherapy treatments, offering a holistic approach to cancer care and management.
5 Dietary Tips for Preparing for Immunotherapy Treatment
By following these dietary recommendations, you can prepare your body for immunotherapy treatment and promote better health outcomes in the long run.
- Limit Red Meat and Simple Carbs: Reduce consumption of red meat, simple carbohydrates, and hyperglycemic foods and drinks to support overall health.
- Embrace Fruits and Vegetables: Increase intake of fruits and vegetables significantly to boost nutrient intake and support immune function.
- Opt for Fish and Nuts: Incorporate fish and nuts into your diet as excellent sources of protein and healthy fats, which can enhance overall well-being.
- Spice Up Your Meals: Add spices known for their immune-boosting properties to your dishes for added flavor and health benefits.
- Increase Fiber Intake: Include beans, peas, and lentils in your diet to boost dietary fiber intake to at least 20g per day, promoting digestive health and overall wellness.
Conclusion
The link between diet and immunotherapy outcomes underscores the importance of nutrition in cancer treatment. By adopting a healthy, nutrient-rich diet tailored to your individual needs, you can support your body’s immune function, enhance treatment response, and manage side effects more effectively. Whether incorporating hydration, protein intake, or dietary adjustments to address eating challenges, prioritizing nutrition can optimize your overall well-being during immunotherapy. Consultation with a clinical dietitian or nutritionist can provide personalized guidance to help you navigate dietary considerations and maximize the benefits of immunotherapy treatment.
