The nutrients in food provide the strength your body needs to function properly and to heal.
Illness creates an even greater demand for healthful food.
During an illness, the body must fight the disease and repair the damage caused by the disease. The cancer itself can use large amounts of nutrients. It can cause chemical changes leading to a loss of appetite. Depression, anxiety, and emotional stress may also contribute to a loss of appetite. Special nutrition may be needed for persons experiencing physical and emotional side effects from surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.