Introduction:
Dietary intervention plays a significant role in the management of various health diseases. Bristol diet is a diet and nutritional approach that improves cancer patients' quality of life. Good diet and nutrition are essential for the management of cancer. There are various side effects of cancer treatment regimes, and poor diet and nutrition are one such aspect. It causes malnutrition in cancer patients. Therefore, a healthy diet and a recognized diet are significant parts of the healthcare team of cancer patients.
Bristol diet is a nutritional approach focusing mainly on a plant-based diet with minimal animal products. It contains 8 to 10 segments of fresh vegetables and fruits daily, along with lots of whole grains and pulses. It also carries small amounts of animal products but restricts red meat and dairy products. The limitation of sugars and refined carbohydrates is strongly recommended in addition to processed and refined foods, excess salt, caffeine, and alcohol. Surplus intake of pure water, including herbal teas and fresh vegetable juices, is advised. Rich nutritional supplements can also be included in the diet. It helps in the treatment, prevention, and recovery of cancer patients. It benefits the health of the individual suffering from cancer and reduces the risk of developing other critical diseases like cardiac diseases, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. In addition, eating correctly and following proper dietary approaches help increase cancer patients' energy and improve their sleeping patterns.
What Is Bristol Diet?
The Bristol diet is a dietary approach for people who have cancer, so it is also known as the cancer diet. The Cancer Help Center in Bristol first developed it. It was given as a dietary plan to people who have cancer. Cancer affects various aspects of nutrition, including the patient's health, appetite, and diet. In addition, various cancer treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, cause various side effects on the patient's health, such as loss of taste, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation.
The treatment plan for cancer also includes steroids which then increase the blood sugar level and appetite, causing an increase in weight. In addition, hormonal therapy, as part of the treatment plan of cancer patients, suppresses the production of estrogen, which plays an essential role in metabolism. As there are fluctuations in the weight and appetite of the patients, it is essential to maintain a proper diet plan during the treatment. Bristol diet helps manage the treatment's side effects and preserve immune functions. In addition, it reduces the risk of chronic diseases and inflammation and increases energy.
How Does Bristol Diet Work?
The primary principle of the bristol diet is to eat sensibly, which reduces the risk of disease and helps fight cancer. It implies avoiding food which boosts the incidence of cancer. Dairy products, red meat, high protein diet, processed food, carbonated soft drinks such as coke lemonade, diet cola, and caffeine are avoided. It includes healthy calorie intake while maintaining body weight. It increases the body's strength and helps repair the cell damage caused due to the treatment. A sufficient amount of water intake is also recommended as the body demands hydration.
Following food items according to their nutrients are included in the bristol diet.
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Plant-Based Protein - Plant-based proteins such as beans, legumes, and seeds are the best option for fulfilling the protein requirement during treatment. It improves the health of the patient undergoing chemotherapy.
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Healthy Carbohydrate - Minimally processed carbohydrate sources are advised while undergoing treatment. In addition, whole wheat, bran, and oats are advised as they contain soluble fibers. It helps maintain the gut's health and promotes the formation of short-chain fatty acids.
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Healthy Fatty Acids - Monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats are advised to be incorporated into the diet. Food items enriched with omega three fatty acids, such as walnuts, avocado, and olive oil, are advised. It helps in reducing inflammation and prevents cardiovascular diseases.
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Vitamins and Minerals - Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in boosting the immune functions of the body's enzymatic processes and reducing inflammation. Therefore, food enriched with vitamin D is advised, such as milk, yogurt, orange juice, and cereals.
What Are the Advantages of the Bristol Diet?
Bristol diet helps in improving the side effects of cancer treatment. The following are the advantages of the bristol diet:
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It helps in preventing recurrent nausea and vomiting. Dry foods like crackers are advised to take along with a sufficient fluid intake.
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It helps reduce the pain and problem in swallowing caused due to ulcers seen in the oral cavity. A soft diet with lukewarm water is advised to reduce pain and discomfort.
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High-fiber food such as whole grains and vegetables helps reduce diarrhea and constipation. In addition, plenty of water intake is advised to prevent dehydration.
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As the cancer treatment causes altered taste in patients, they tend to like sour and flavorful food. Therefore, herbal spices such as rosemary and mint are advised.
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Bristol diet helps maintain the individual's overall health by boosting the immune system.
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It helps in the patient's weight management by ensuring the intake of healthy calories.
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It helps prevent chronic diseases and reduces the risk of cancer recurrence.
What Are the Disadvantages of the Bristol Diet?
Bristol diet helps reduce the risk of cancer and improves the health condition of cancer patients. However, other factors are also associated with increased cancer risk, such as genetic factors, stress, lifestyle, and sun exposure. Therefore, only following this diet does not guarantee a reduced risk of cancer development.
Conclusion:
The Bristol diet is a dietary plan indicated for the treatment plan of cancer patients. It emphasizes incorporating whole grains, vegetables, fresh fruits, organic food, poultry, and raw cereals. It develops the positive aspect of the diet, preferably organic. Bristol's dietary approach includes a unique combination of emotional, physical, and spiritual support using dietary therapies. It is a dietary plan to enhance the health of people undergoing cancer treatment. It helps in fighting depression and allows eating to gain strength. Changing from the practiced eating pattern to a specific diet may make individuals vulnerable and stressed. However, sticking to the prescribed diet can help heal the diseases and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It is also a great innovation that may provide promising treatment results to the patient, so healthcare professionals will be motivated further to adopt it.
