This is because your body uses stored nutrients as a source of energy. Your body's defense system is especially important to you now because cancer patients are often at risk of getting an infection. No one food or group of foods contains all the nutrients you need. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese give you protein as well as many vitamins and minerals to help your body heal itself and fight infection. Bread, pasta, rice, and cereals provide a variety of carbohydrates and B vitamins.
Carbohydrates provide a good source of energy, which the body needs to function well.
Milk and other dairy products provide protein and many vitamins and are the best source of calcium. To help Americans choose a healthful diet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designed a Food Guide Pyramid. The Food Pyramid gives the amounts and types of foods most Americans should try to eat each day. Keep in mind that the Food Pyramid may not meet the needs of cancer patients who have special diet needs. In fact, the best foods for you right now may be very different from those in the Food Pyramid, depending on the type of treatment you are receiving or how you feel.