Safe Diet Choices for Pancreatic Cancer Patients in the Monsoon Climate

The monsoon season ends the summer heat and brings refreshing rains and a Pancreatic cancer patients especially require a diet that provides:

Aids digestion

• Supports immune function

• Maintains blood sugar levels

• Support muscle mass and energy

Key Principles of the Monsoon Diet for Cancer Patients

While developing a monsoon diet for cancer patients, especially pancreatic cancer, we must remember the following principles while considering their multi-dimensional wellbeing.

1. Cooked and Warm Approach

Refrain from raw food approaches (e.g. salads) while respecting monsoon season in particular, since they carry some risk (bacterial or parasitic).  Lean toward cooked vegetables, boiled soups, or stews, while still maximizing digestion.

2. Low fat and Protein rich

Fat digestion will be compromised, when the pancreas undersecreted enzymes. Therefore, low fat protein should be the targeted approach.

• Well cooked lentils

• Steamed fish

• Egg whites

• Boiled chickenLow-fat

These provide adequate proteins without causing undue pressure or workload for the pathway.

3. Stay Hydrated Safely

No outside water, and/or simply boiled water ORS (rehydration beverage, Jacob). Stick to beverage protocols - ORS and/or hot soups, and/or homemade herbal teas in lieu of packaged herbal teas.

4. Immune Function Ingredients

Curcumin, ginger, cinnamon and/or black pepper are included in this approach to help withstand inflammation after and help immune functioning.

5. Recommended Foods

• Warm Soft Grains

• Idli, upma, dal khichdi or soft rice with dal, tend to be nutrient dense and typically more easily digested.

• Target freshly cooked foods, if possible, while not re-heated, to provide the right macronutrients and micronutrients necessar

 Vegetables

• Be sure to select boil or steamed vegetables like:

• Carrots, bottle gourd, pumpkin, spinach etc.Make sure to avoid raw, leafy salads, and ensure all vegetables are washed and properly cooked.

Fruits

• Only eat seasonal fruits that can be peeled such as banana, papaya, apple, or pear.

• Do NOT eat cut fruit from outside, as it has a huge chance of contamination.

Protein

• Steamed or baked fish, NOT fried or spicy fish

• Boiled egg whites or scramble,

• Skimmed milk, mildly spiced curd, and low-fat paneer;
   

Healthy Fats (limited)
 

• Olive oil or very little ghee can be used for cooking to aid in digestion,

• Avoid fried foods and heavier curries.

 Fluids and Herbal Drinks
 

• Warm water with jeera (cumin), ajwain, and ginger.

• Light homemade soup, such as tomato, carrot, or vegetable broth,

• Fresh coconut water from a hygienic source.

• Foods to avoid during monsoon

• Street foods, particularly pani puri, chaat, or cut fruit.

• Raw sprouts, uncooked veggies, and salads.

• Deep-fried snacks such as pakoras or bhajis.

• Un-pasteurized milk or leftover dairy products.

• Red meat and heavy spicy gravies.

These foods can increase the risk of infection, inflammation, or indigestion, which is important to avoid for cancer patients.
 

• Lifestyle tips to support the monsoon diet

• Eat small meals (5-6) during the day to help prevent bloating and to promote nutrient absorption.

• Stay indoors after eating - Do NOT go out in damp/cold weather immediately after eating.

• Do NOT use left overs - Cooking fresh helps avoid contamination.

• Particular attention to hygiene - Wash hands, clean produce, clean utensils.

Take pancreatic enzyme supplements (if prescribed) to help with digestion.
 

Nutritional management during monsoon is important for your pancreatic cancer patients. Having a balanced monsoon diet for cancer patients can support immunity and treatment, and promote overall health and well-being.

Safe, freshly cooked, easily digestible choices can prevent complications with pancreatic cancer and promote healing.

If you or your loved ones are dealing with pancreatic cancer treatment, and caring for reliable medical support, GEM Hospital could be the best choice for your care. Our oncologist and dietitian team could provide complete care including individualized diet plans and advice at various stages of cancer treatment.

Book Appointment with GEM Hospital today, and make sure to take every step for your health during this season.