For those who’ve read our previous Cuisine for Cancer Patients article, you might be wondering what you can pair with safe cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and ricotta. Can you still enjoy them with noodles, sandwiches, and wraps? While there are some precautions you’ll have to take, the answer is largely a resounding yes.
Carbohydrates are only a major concern if they are loaded with added sugars or if they chiefly consist of “refined” carbohydrates. Too much added sugar can lead to inflammation, obesity, and energy imbalances that can disrupt a patient’s recovery. Refined carbohydrates are called such due to having bran and germ removed from their grains for the sake of smoother textures and extending their shelf lives. In some extreme cases, these types of altered carbohydrates have been associated with cancer cell growth.
However, our goal here is to keep you informed without causing worry. There are still many flavorful meals and satisfying snacks to enjoy as you get better, and those involving carbohydrates are no exception.
Following Encer’s guidance rooted in the principles of homeopathy, we encourage as many positive lifestyle adjustments as possible in areas like diet, physical activity, and mindfulness. Embracing these wellness habits alongside Encer’s remedy for cancer treatment-related fatigue can enhance your chances of a smoother, more comfortable return to wellness.
The core criteria for these carbohydrates, as it was with the cheeses, is as follows:
- Doesn’t introduce any harmful substances into the body like carcinogens or excess bacteria.
- Avoids provoking stressful bodily processes like digestive issues, inflammation, and dehydration.
- Has no compromising interactions with conventional cancer medications or treatments.
If you have concerns about food intolerances or allergies, be sure to consult with your doctor and dietitian.
Breads
- Whole Grain Bread: The baseline alternate option to refined grain carbohydrates. Robust in texture and flavor. Gateway to carbohydrates that cancer patients can eat with confidence.
- Rye or Pumpernickel Bread: Fans of pumpernickel can rest easy. Pumpernickel breads are rather safe for cancer patients to eat within reason. Made from rye grains, their higher densities loaded with Vitamin B, Iron, and Magnesium will bring about fuller stomachs faster for those with smaller appetites. Just make sure that the pumpernickel breads you eat aren’t too high in sodium or preservatives.
- Sprouted Grain Bread: Less known than the other two types of breads listed here, but just as valid as either of them. Sprouted grain breads can have similar ingredients to whole grain bread, but they’re allowed to germinate before being ground into flour. This breaks down more of the bread’s potential starches, makes it less sugary, gives it a softer texture, and causes it to be easier to digest.
Pastas
- Whole Grain Pasta: Comes in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and lengths. Spaghetti, macaroni, linguini, and more can be found in stores in whole wheat variants depending on what you’re in the mood for.
- Buckwheat Soba: Japan’s thick iconic noodles made with buckwheat flour. A great companion to soups and sauces that cancer patients can safely eat, buckwheat soba has been associated with reduced bodily inflammation, respectable blood sugar levels, and improved heart health.
- Chickpea or Lentil Pasta: Pastas made with chickpeas and lentils specialize in providing protein for those who need more of it in their wellness journey.
Rice
- Brown Rice: Brown rice has a stronger flavor profile than refined grain rice. Luckily, it’s a very rich, wheaty taste. Every bite is like forming miniature, tender, whole grain bread sandwiches with whatever you eat it with. There are also pastas made from brown rice as well.
- Wild Rice: Smokier than brown rice in flavor with herby undertones. It’s a little firmer in texture than traditional rices, but it’s a great option for those that need more antioxidants and fiber in their diet.
- Quinoa: Like letting a fluffy, nutty cloud waft into your mouth from the sky. Quinoa dishes are loaded with nutrients and have a unique aesthetic compared to other rices.
Biscuits
- Whole Wheat: Flaky yet filling. Just be sure to look for low-sugar options to ensure both heartiness and healthiness with these cakey creations.
- Oat Biscuits: Comparable to whole wheat biscuits, likewise providing more fiber and with fewer refined carbs.
- Seed and Nut-Based Biscuits: Whether they’re made from almond or coconut flower, cancer patients can treat themselves to the healthy fats that seed and nut-based biscuits provide.
Crackers
- Whole Grain Crackers: The smaller, crispier cousins to whole wheat bread. Rye and multigrain crackers can always be counted on for a more slender and snappy answer to your cravings.
- Seed-Crackers: Made from favorites like sesame seeds or less common options like flax and chia. Besides the usual benefits from eating crackers, seed crackers also supply healthy omega-3 fats which are good for the heart, and can help ease joint pain and high blood pressure.
- Brown Rice Crackers: That’s right. Brown rice is in this category, too. A different gluten-free and fiber-rich way to enjoy your snacks and meals with some extra crunch.
Please note that because the bran and germ are retained in many of these carbohydrates, they have shorter shelf lives than “refined grain” carbohydrates like white breads. Be sure to pay attention to expiration dates and recommended storage directions.
Be sure to check in with us next time for the latest installment of this series which will focus on how cancer patients can enjoy meat safely alongside these cheeses and carbohydrates.