Ask the expert
removal of lymph glands in melanoma
Question
I would like to know which foods and/supplements would benefit my husband following lymph gland removal. I know that antioxidants would be beneficial along with foods with antioxidant properties. Can you give me any further advice also for nutritional needs during chemotherapy should he be advised to have this treatment.
Answer
It is thought that eating a diet rich in antioxidant-containing foods, such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains may help to reduce the risk of getting cancer and other diseases. Unfortunately, this link has been very difficult to prove scientifically, and research is underway in order to substantiate these claims.
In theory, antioxidants help to protect the body's cells from the damage caused by unstable particles called free radicals. Free radicals can damage the cells in a way that could make cancer formation more likely. By neutralising the effect of free radicals, antioxidants may help to reduce the damage free radicals otherwise might cause. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins A, C, and E, and other natural and manufactured substances.
Providing that your husband is eating well, and taking a healthy, balanced diet he should not require any additional vitamin, mineral or antioxidant supplementation.
If your husband has a confirmed cancer, and treatment such as chemotherapy is planned, he could experience side effects that make eating and drinking more difficult e.g. reduced appetite or taste changes. In this case, he may well be advised to follow a diet that is high in protein and calories. This is because diet plays an important part in coping with treatment side effects, recovery, healing and fighting off infection. By shifting the dietary emphasis to higher protein and calorie foods (e.g. cheese, meat, fish eggs, and dairy products), and away from the traditional healthy eating recommendations of a high fruit and vegetable intake, the aim is to minimize weight loss and help prevent nutritional deficiencies. A multi-vitamin and mineral supplement may be advisable in this situation to ensure nutritional adequacy of micronutrients. However, people are encouraged not to take several different vitamin and mineral supplements as they could run the risk of overdosing or ‘mega dosing' on single nutrients. Your husband's Health Care Professional will be able to direct you on this.
I am not aware of any benefit of taking a high antioxidant intake whilst a patient is undergoing cancer treatment and so I would recommend that you check with your husbands Doctor/Health Care Professional before making any dietary changes or introducing any specific supplements.
If your husband experiences any difficulty with his eating, or has any nutritional concerns he can ask his GP or Hospital Doctor to make a referral to a Registered Dietitian.
