Proven Nutrition Provides Energy and Hope to Cancer Fighters

10/10/07 Weight loss, extreme fatigue, nausea, digestive problems and loss of appetite are some of the many side effects of radiation and chemotherapy during the cancer journey. Whether you're fighting the battle or caring for someone who is, the power of proper nutrition is essential on the road to recovery.

"One of the most important aspects of good nutrition during cancer treatment and recovery is its ability to provide patients with the energy to heal and get their lives back on track," said David Yates, Novartis Medical Nutrition Regional Business Head, North America. "Eating a balanced diet has been proven to speed up the healing process. Patients who consume enough calories and protein to keep their weight up and energy levels high are more able to battle infection. Plus, eating right is easy to control and plays a fundamental role in the successful fight against cancer."

As cancer awareness becomes more visible, especially during October and November (designated by the American Cancer Society as cancer awareness months), so do options and advances in treatment. While patients cope with the inner anguish of living with cancer, companies like Novartis Nutrition are working hard to find ways to alleviate the side effects through balanced nutrition and provide hope to those looking to improve their quality of life.

Novartis Medical Nutrition has created products, all available at http://www.specializedcancernutrition.com, to ensure a healthy, balanced diet for those who need it most throughout their entire cancer journey.

Cancer patients and their caregivers who have tried some of the specialty nutrition products describe them as being crucial to recovery during difficult stages of cancer  treatment. As one caregiver, supplementing her husband's diet with Benecalorie, put it, "if it had not been for this product my husband would have had a much longer and ifficult recovery. Today my husband is doing great and continues to take Benecalorie to maintain his weight."

Others have praised the products as being helpful when it became difficult to tolerate volume. Many survivors, who are highlighted on the Walgreens Web site, use Benecalorie or Resource Breeze to provide much-needed energy and strength during treatment and recovery. They describe the products as being "easy to swallow" and great, everyday solutions to maintaining a balanced diet.

Patients looking for energy and added protein in their diet have found Resource Breeze to be a refreshing alternative to the more common, creamy products on the market. Resource Breeze has a fruity taste and helps fight off fatigue and infection. Those who need a high-calorie, low-volume supplement for weight loss recommend Benecalorie, which contains 330 calories in just 1.5 ounces. Other products like Impact Advanced Recovery and Glutasolve aid in the recovery process following surgery and the health of the digestive system.