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Happy Tummy Expert

9 months ago

Dear Amar Das, Thank you for the question

HCC (Hepatocellular carcinoma) the primary cancer of the liver, is derived from hepatocytes. Pathophysiologic changes in people with cancer can lead to anorexia, weight loss & malnutrition. According to research it is common for cancer patients to lose weight and become malnourished during their cancer treatment due to loss of appetite and other side effects of the treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery.

For further diagnosis, assistance & management kindly contact your specialized health care professional such as an Oncologist and an Onco-Nutritionist.

As Cancer Patients have suppressed immunity, here are a few tips to help boost Immunity and maintain food safety and hygiene

• Having a Healthy Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning
• High calorie & energy dense foods should be consumed. Some of the energy dense   foods include Whole wheat, multigrain millets, dairy products, nuts, colocasia leaves, banana, raisins, pulses/lentils etc.
• Food should be appetising & palatable according to one’s personal preference to manage loss of appetite.
• Protein is required for the growth and maintenance of tissues & helps support the immune system Some of the sources of high protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds etc.
• Zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E play a vital role and help the immune system in several ways: working as an antioxidant to protect healthy cells, supporting growth and activity of immune cells, and producing antibodies.
• Gut microbiota helps regulate metabolism and energy balance, consume banana, garlic, yogurt, buttermilk etc., which are good sources of probiotics and prebiotics to maintain healthy gut.
• It is important to Wash hands thoroughly before and after preparing food. Make sure to was hands specifically after touching raw foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and unwashed fruit and vegetables.
• Make sure  that all preparation surfaces are clean before you start preparing food.
• Cooked food should be segregated &  not come into contact with raw meat, unwashed vegetables or salads, or with utensils, cloths or surfaces contaminated by contact with raw food.

For general wellbeing, he can begin by consuming a balanced diet is which provides all the nutrients in required amounts and proper proportions. It can easily be achieved through a blend of the four basic food groups and essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. These are necessary for body tissue growth and repair, daily energy, fighting off diseases and infections, and treatment and recovery.

The quantities of foods needed to meet the nutrient requirements vary with age, gender, physiological status and physical activity. A balanced diet should provide around 50-60% of total calories from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates, about 10-15% from proteins and 20-30% from both visible and invisible fat.

WHO has given different BMI (Body mass index) classifications to categorise adults into different weight categories. BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height. It can be considered as a 2nd level indicator of overall health.

 

It can be calculated using a simple formula of BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m²)

Following is the WHO BMI Classification

18.5 to 24.9 - Normal

Less than 18.5 - Underweight

25 to 29 - Overweight

Above 30 - Obese



As per WHO BMI (Body Mass Index) classification, a person weighing less than 18.5 kg/m2 is considered underweight.



The causes of underweight or unintended weight loss can be due to genetics, inadequate food intake, stress, hormonal imbalance, malabsorption or other underlying health condition which may require medical assistance.



An ideal weight management program such as weight gain involves lifestyle management including dietary modification, regular physical activity, hydration and good sleep cycle. With any weight gain diet, changes take time to reflect as your body requires sufficient time to adapt to the changes in order to show results.



A high calorie and high protein diet is recommended for weight gain. Daily protein requirement should ideally be followed as 0.8-1g protein per kg body weight. Some of the sources of high protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds etc.

Loss of appetite is usually observed in Cancer patients which can be caused due to nutritional deficiency, infection, medications and/or an underlying health condition which may require medical assistance. For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your specialized health care professional.

Here are few guidelines that can be considered for weight gain & manage loss of appetite

• Having a Healthy Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning. Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs.
• Maintain a positive energy balance where the calorie intake should be more than the energy expenditure.
• Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs. Some of the energy dense   foods include Whole wheat, multigrain millets, dairy products, nuts, colocasia leaves, banana, raisins, pulses/lentils etc.
• Do not skip meals. Eat small frequent meals.
• Try to eat at regular meal times, do not wait for body’s hunger signal
• Eat along with social company
• Three major meals a day with healthy nutritious snacks in between is preferred.
• Include good amount of fiber in your daily balanced, some of the god sources of fiber include whole grain, multigrain, millets, fruits and vegetables, nuts etc.
• Try to increase the serving size and portion size gradually and systematically
• Include healthy fats from nuts and seeds.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain hydration
• Indulging in physical activity can help in increasing the appetite and give a feeling of hunger.
• Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.
  
   

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions please contact your Health care professional or any registered dietician.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead.

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