Power of Protein

Oftentimes people with cancer may need more protein than usual. After surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, extra protein can help heal tissues and fight infection. Protein is necessary for strength, immune function, fluid balance, mobility and wound healing.  It is stored in skeletal muscle which is vital for maintaining good health especially during times of illness or injury. Combining safe physical activity (to maintain muscle mass) with proper nutrition can support skeletal muscle which can improve quality of life and survival.

Protein requirements are based on many factors but generally should be about 20% of total caloric intake.

See below for a few ideas to add protein to your diet.

Protein requirements are based on many factors but generally should be about 20% of total caloric intake (typically 75-100g/day).​ For example, a 150-pound person should consume 54 grams of protein daily. If you have questions regarding your protein intake, please talk to your physician or dietitian to discuss how much protein is right for you.

Sneaky Ideas to Boost Protein Intake

• An easy way to add protein to your diet is through nutritional drinks such as Ensure, Boost, Carnation Instant Breakfast and other commercial oral nutrition beverages. Drinks with 30 grams of protein per serving might be best tolerated by drinking half at different times (refrigerating in between).
• Protein powders from whey, casein or pea protein are easy to add to beverages, smoothies, yogurt and oatmeal.
• Mix in seeds, nut butter, high protein granola or nuts to yogurt and oatmeal.
• High protein pasta such as Barilla Protein Plus or Banza can add protein to any pasta dish.
• Use almond flour in cookies, muffins, and other baked goods (substitute 1:1 for regular flour).

If you are a patient and have questions about your diet, please ask your oncologist at your next appointment about receiving a complimentary nutritional session with Melanie Mitchell, Cancer Partners’ Registered Dietitian.