The reason why protein is important for cancer sufferers

Medications or treatments for cancer sufferers can have side effects. One of them is reducing appetite. In fact, nutrients such as protein are needed by cancer sufferers to help maintain the body's metabolism. Indeed, what are the benefits of protein in the body, especially for cancer sufferers? Then how do you deal with a decreased appetite?

The importance of protein for cancer sufferers

Protein is needed by the body to maintain function, growth, and repair any damage in the body. Proteins can be found in almost all cells in the body and serve a variety of functions, including:

Forms and maintains the function of muscles, tissues, red blood cells, enzymes and hormones
Transport various compounds that the body needs, including drugs that are consumed
Maintain body fluid balance
Fight infection and boost the immune system

In general, protein is obtained from various food sources. However, for cancer patients who undergo various treatments, the need for protein is likely to increase.

How much protein is needed?

The amount of protein depends on the weight of the cancer sufferer. You need at least 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram (kg) of body weight each day.

For example, if you weigh 50 kg, the amount of protein you need to consume is at least 75 grams per day, this is the equivalent of 20 egg whites. However, the need for protein in cancer patients can be more due to the side effects of treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

What happens when a person with cancer does not get enough protein intake?

People with cancer who are undergoing treatment need adequate protein and calorie intake. This is to help stay strong against cancer and the infectious complications that can occur.

However, several studies have shown that up to 85% of cancer sufferers are malnourished. This occurs as a side effect of a series of cancer treatments that causes the body not to get or absorb the nutrients it needs.

Malnutrition is more common in people with cancer of the pancreas, lung and upper gastrointestinal tract.

When malnutrition occurs, people with cancer can experience complications including:

Impaired function of the immune system
Decreased abilities and body functions
Impaired muscle function
The overall quality of life decreases

Is there a way to meet the protein needs of cancer patients?

If cancer sufferers or sufferers experience a decrease in appetite, meeting protein needs will be a new challenge. You can follow some of the following tips to help meet your daily nutritional intake needs.

Eat small amounts but more often
Take advantage of times when you feel hungry by eating more
Don't drink too much when you eat
Create a pleasant atmosphere while eating, such as playing music or while watching
Avoid smells that make you nauseous

Try to eat at least 20-30 grams of protein at each meal and 10-15 grams when eating snacks or snacks.

Protein-rich foods and snacks for cancer sufferers

Some of these foods can be an option so that daily protein intake can be fulfilled. Among them:

Red or white meat (chicken and fish)
Salmon or tuna
Milk and processed products, such as cheese
Egg
Nuts and preparations, such as almonds, tempeh, and peanut butter

There are other alternatives to treat cancer sufferers who find it difficult to eat. Provide or provide ready-to-consume liquid foods that are high in protein so that people with cancer can more easily get the nutrition they need.

Some people may not be familiar with this type of food. This ready-to-consume food is intended for people with cancer and the elderly. These foods are rich in nutrients that can help meet your daily needs.

Loss of appetite or appetite in cancer patients can occur due to side effects of treatment or therapy. The impact of a decreased appetite is a lack of nutritional intake, which can lead to malnutrition.

Malnutrition can trigger complications of other diseases. Cancer sufferers need to avoid this by always consuming food sources that are rich in protein.