It’s Soup Season: A Comforting Choice During Cancer Treatment

When you're going through cancer treatment, eating well can be a challenge. Many people feel sick, tired, or just don't have much appetite. That's where soup comes in! Soup is a great option for people undergoing cancer treatments or longer term survivors for many reasons.

Why Soup is a Good Choice

Soup is easy to eat and digest. If you're feeling nauseous or have a sore mouth, smooth soups can be soothing and gentle on your stomach. Warm (not hot) soup can also help if you're dealing with taste changes or a dry mouth.

Soups are also a sneaky way to pack in lots of nutrients. You can add all kinds of healthy vegetables, proteins, and grains to your soup. This helps you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay strong during treatment.

Hydration is also super important when you're fighting cancer. Soup is mostly liquid, so it helps keep you hydrated without having to drink plain water all day.

Making Nutrient-Rich Soups

Here are some tips for creating healthy, tasty soups:

• Use a low-sodium broth as your base.
• Add protein like chicken, turkey, tofu, or beans.
• Toss in lots of colorful veggies like carrots, spinach, and tomatoes.
• Include whole grains like brown rice or barley for extra fiber.
• Sprinkle in herbs and spices for flavor without extra salt.

Some simple soup ideas include chicken and vegetable soup, creamy butternut squash soup, lentil and vegetable soup, or tomato soup with grilled cheese on the side.

For a little more adventure, check out any of the soup recipes from the Cancer Nutrition Consortium. These recipes are shared by executive chefs at some of the leading cancer care centers in the nation. Flavors include white bean chicken tortilla soup, corn chowder, curry squash soup with poblano peppers and kale, and New England sweet potato and apple soup.

Soup Safety Tips

When your immune system is weak from treatment, food safety is extra important. Make sure to:

• Wash all vegetables well before using them.
• Cook soups thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria.
• Store leftover soup in the fridge and reheat it until steaming hot.

For large batches, it may be helpful to portion out servings and freeze them for the future. They may come in handy on days when you’re not feeling great and want a quick, healthy option that doesn’t require too much time in the kitchen.

Beyond Nutrition

Soup isn't just good for your body - it can comfort your soul too. The smell of homemade soup can boost your mood and bring back happy memories. Sharing a bowl of soup with family or friends can make mealtimes more enjoyable.

For caregivers, making soup is a practical way to show love and support. You can make big batches to freeze in single servings, making it easy for your loved one to eat well even on tough days.

Remember, everyone's needs are different during cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian about the best foods for you. They can help you create a eating plan that works for your specific situation.

Soup may seem simple, but it can be a powerful tool in your cancer-fighting toolkit. So grab a spoon and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness!

Sources:

[1] https://cancercenterforhealing.com/cancer-fighting-soup-recipes/

[2] https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/recipe/ginger-turkey-and-wild-rice-soup

[3] https://www.akfood.vn/en/essential-nutritious-soups-for-cancer-patients-during-treatment/

[4] https://www.jennycancook.com/recipes/cancer-fighting-soup/

[5] https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/blog/15-foods-to-keep-stocked-when-facing-cancer/

[6] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/suns-soup-pdq

[7] https://thrivinghomeblog.com/cancer-fighting-soup-for-my-girl-darcie/

[8] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping/nutrition/benefits.html