Improve your Lifestyle with CARER for nutrition.

“Nutrition is not just about eating a balanced diet. It’s a far wider topic than that.”

 — Samara Mahindra

When we think about nutrition, most of us picture a plate full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. However, nutrition is much more than just healthy eating, as Samara Mahindra, a representative of a cancer support platform known as Carer, explains. It is about creating habits for better nutrition in cancer recovery to strengthen your body and cope better during treatment.

Why nutrition matters during cancer treatment

Over the years, research has shown that what we eat, along with our body weight and activity level, plays a big role in cancer prevention and recovery. Samara explains that maintaining a healthy diet and staying physically active can strengthen the immune system and help the body fight harmful cancer cells. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes like beans, while keeping processed and red meat low, can help the body resist cancer more effectively.

Eating Right for strength and healing

For people going through cancer treatment, eating can be a challenge. Samara points out that patients often need extra calories and protein to maintain strength and deal with treatment side effects. Foods like milk, cheese, and eggs can help meet these needs.

Food that is hard to swallow or chew can be easily swallowed by adding sauces or gravies. There are situations where low-fiber foods can be taken over high-fiber foods. The idea is easy: eat what makes you feel better and keeps you active.

The role of meal timings

Even when you’re eating the right foods, skipping or delaying meals can affect your recovery. Samara explains the relevance of meal timings by stating that eating at the right time will ensure that your metabolism remains constant, hunger levels stay even, and you remain busy during the day. Creating a consistent meal routine is especially helpful during treatment and post-recovery, as it supports both physical and mental stability.

Don’t forget sleep

Samara also reminds us that sleep is a key part of healing. According to her, people often focus on diet and exercise but forget that sleep helps the body repair itself. Without proper rest, the immune system becomes weaker, and recovery slows down. Getting enough sleep boosts the immune response, helping your body fight infection and inflammation better.