Foods To Avoid With Pancreatic Cancer

August 29, 2023

Pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas, which helps create enzymes to digest food and release hormones that keep blood sugar levels stable. Therefore, when someone has pancreatic cancer, there are certain foods to avoid. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include nausea, vomiting, and constipation, making it harder to digest some foods and get the proper nutrition while suffering from this disease. Patients who have pancreatic cancer should have a goal to consume enough liquids, calories, protein, and vitamins each day, so they can maintain a healthy weight and feel as best they can while undergoing treatment. Sometimes patients need to meet with nutritionists and keep a food journal to determine which foods make symptoms worse or better. Get to know some of the major foods to avoid now.

High Fat Foods

Foods high in fat, such as red and processed meat, bacon, and snacks like potato chips, can be hard to digest and therefore make it difficult to stay comfortable. This includes many fast foods, as well and foods with added oil, butter, margarine, or salad with full-fat salad dressing. Greasy and fried foods can also make symptoms worse, as they increase many symptoms, such as diarrhea and gas. The goal is to help maintain digestive comfort while going through treatment, and high-fat foods will cause issues in the digestive tract. High-fat foods like red and processed meat can also lead to other health conditions.

Continue to learn about the next foods to avoid when suffering from pancreatic cancer.

High Fiber Foods And Dairy

High fiber foods and dairy are linked to diarrhea, which is a common problem during any cancer treatment. This can be a serious symptom because of dehydration. Foods high in insoluble fiber help move foods faster through the intestines and draw more water while doing it, leading to faster dehydration and diarrhea. Foods with insoluble fiber include whole grain bread, raw fruits with thick peels, raw vegetables, and nuts. To still get some fiber into your diet, choose foods with soluble fiber, including oat fiber, or choose high pectin foods such as applesauce and bananas. Dairy foods can also cause the same problems, especially if you are lactose intolerant, so try to avoid them as well.

Continue to uncover the next foods to avoid when dealing with pancreatic cancer.

Smelly Foods

Foods with strong odors can cause increased nausea, and, since nausea is often a common symptom of pancreatic cancer, you may want to avoid foods with strong smells to avoid setting off an episode. Some foods with strong odors include scallions, onions, fish, and certain cheeses. To help with food odor issues, prepare cold foods rather than foods that have to be heated to help eliminate the odor that could make nausea worse. Not only can smell trigger nausea but during treatment, your sense of taste can be altered, so you have to experiment with foods that don’t cause these issues.

Keep going to reveal the next type of food to avoid.

Refined Carbohydrates

Foods high in sugar and other sweets can be hard to digest. In addition to this, they also provide little nutritional value and are taking the place of foods that are better for you. Consuming these foods can increase your blood sugar. Since eating can already be difficult due to symptoms, it’s best to focus on foods with the nutritional content you need. Many individuals with pancreatic can experience dumping syndrome because of too many of these foods. This condition occurs when food moves too fast from the stomach into the first part of the small intestine and can cause cramps and diarrhea. Refined carbohydrates, such as white flour, white bread, white rice, and pastries can also cause these issues. Your body reacts the same way when you eat refined carbohydrates.

Continue to uncover what liquids to avoid when suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Liquids To Avoid

It’s important to pay attention to the liquids you are consuming to avoid dehydration. Alcohol can worsen symptoms for those suffering from pancreatic cancer and also doesn’t provide nutritional benefits. It can work to lower your immune system, which may already be lowered during treatment. Drinks high in caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and soda, should also be avoided to reduce dehydration. Staying hydrated is very important, so it’s best to drink enough water to stay hydrated, especially when experiencing some of the symptoms that come along with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

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