Nutrition and Lifestyle: Understanding Diet for LGSOC Patients

For women battling low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC), diet plays a crucial role in their cancer journey. It’s not just about eating well; it’s about fueling their bodies to fight this formidable opponent. 

As young women navigate the challenges of careers, relationships, and potentially starting families, an LGSOC diagnosis adds a layer of complexity that demands attention to every aspect of women’s health, including nutrition.

Nutrition is a key component in supporting patients during ovarian cancer treatment. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, a balanced diet can help patients manage side effects and maintain strength during their cancer journey. However, each patient’s nutritional needs can vary dramatically, influenced by factors like treatment side effects and individual body responses.

Navigating the Nutritional Maze

LGSOC patients often find themselves in a nutritional predicament. Their bodies desperately need nutrients to combat cancer and manage treatment side effects, yet those very treatments can wreak havoc on appetite and digestion. It’s a delicate balance, but not an impossible one to strike.

Many patients struggle to maintain proper nutrition during treatment, and malnutrition during chemotherapy can hinder healing and recovery. Some days, just keeping down simple foods can feel like a victory. However, these strategies can help LGSOC patients maintain better nutrition:

• Start early: Consider learning about nutrition and starting supplements before chemotherapy begins, as this can help reduce the risk of malnutrition.
• Embrace smaller, frequent meals: Aim for 6-8 small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones.
• Prioritize protein: Opt for easily digestible sources like Greek yogurt, scrambled eggs, or protein smoothies.
• Stay hydrated: Water is crucial, but adding sliced fruits or a splash of juice can make it more palatable.
• Incorporate ginger: Whether in tea, candies, or ale form, ginger can help settle an upset stomach.
• Consider vitamins and supplements: Work with your healthcare team to identify appropriate vitamins and nutritional supplements that can help prevent malnutrition during treatment. Key nutrients often include vitamin D, calcium, and B vitamins.
• Be flexible: Remember that nutritional needs may change from day to day. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

Remember, maintaining good nutrition during treatment isn’t just about comfort — it’s a crucial part of your body’s ability to heal and respond to treatment. Your healthcare team can help create a nutrition plan that works for you.

The Inflammation Factor

Understanding the link between inflammation and cancer is crucial for LGSOC patients. Anti-inflammatory foods can act as the body’s natural defense system, working to keep inflammation under control.

Key anti-inflammatory foods for LGSOC patients include:

• Fatty fish rich in omega-3s (salmon, sardines)
• Colorful fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Olive oil
• Turmeric

While it’s important to incorporate these foods, it’s equally crucial to minimize the intake of processed foods, excessive red meat, and sugary treats that can contribute to inflammation. It’s worth noting that while reducing added sugars can help manage inflammation, this differs from the common misconception that ‘sugar feeds cancer.’ 

All cells, including healthy ones, use glucose for energy. This is different from sugar directly causing cancer growth. The focus should be on maintaining balanced blood sugar levels and overall healthy eating patterns. As with all dietary choices, balance and moderation are key.

The Promise of the Alternate Mediterranean Diet

Recent research has shed light on a dietary pattern that shows particular promise for ovarian cancer patients: the Alternate Mediterranean Diet (AMED). A study found that higher adherence to the AMED, both before and after diagnosis, was associated with improved overall survival in ovarian cancer patients.

The AMED adapts the traditional Mediterranean diet, modified to better suit different populations while maintaining core healthy elements. It uses a simple 9-point scoring system based on how often you eat certain foods. Points are earned for eating above-median amounts of:

• Vegetables and fruits
• Whole grains
• Fish
• Nuts and legumes Plus points for:
• Moderate alcohol consumption (about one drink per day)
• Limited red and processed meats

The study revealed that patients with the highest AMED scores had a 41% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with the lowest scores. Even more encouragingly, patients who increased their AMED score by more than 15% after diagnosis saw a significant reduction in mortality risk.

For LGSOC patients, the AMED offers a structured approach to maintaining good nutrition during their cancer journey. While the study wasn’t specific to LGSOC, the anti-inflammatory and nutrient-dense nature of the AMED provides a balanced framework for healthy eating.

Implementing AMED principles into your diet can be manageable. Start with small changes:

Swap refined grains for whole grains:

• Choose brown rice instead of white rice
• Pick whole wheat bread over white bread

Include fish in your meals at least twice a week

• Try salmon, sardines, or tuna
• Even canned fish counts; try adding tuna to your salad

Swap processed snacks for protein-rich alternatives

• Replace chips with a small handful (about 1/4 cup) of mixed nuts
• Try protein-rich options like string cheese with a few whole-grain crackers, baby carrots with hummus, Greek yogurt with berries, or apple slices with a tablespoon of almond butter

Use olive oil as your primary cooking fat

• Sauté vegetables in olive oil instead of butter
• Make salad dressings with olive oil and vinegar instead of using bottled dressings

Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables each meal

• Add spinach and tomatoes to your morning eggs 
• Include a colorful side salad with lunch and dinner

Remember, any shift towards a healthier eating pattern can be beneficial. Discuss with your healthcare team how to safely incorporate AMED principles into your diet plan.

The Gut-Cancer Connection

Recent research has shed light on the potential role of gut health in cancer management. The gut microbiome’s impact on cancer is an exciting area of study. For LGSOC patients, supporting gut health could influence their overall well-being.

To promote a healthy gut microbiome, LGSOC patients should consider:

• Increasing fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut
• Diversifying their diet to support a varied gut bacteria population
• Being mindful of antibiotic use and considering probiotic supplements when necessary
• Managing stress through practices like meditation or yoga

Supplements: A Balanced Approach

The world of dietary supplements can be overwhelming for LGSOC patients. While some supplements can be beneficial, others may interfere with treatment. It’s crucial to consult with an oncologist before starting any supplement regimen, as what benefits one patient might harm another.

Potentially beneficial supplements for LGSOC patients include:

• Vitamin D and Calcium: Working together, these are crucial for immune function and bone health. They’re especially important during chemotherapy which can increase the risk of osteoporosis, and when treatment side effects make it difficult to get enough through diet alone.
• Omega-3s: This may help combat inflammation if dietary intake is insufficient.
• Probiotics: They can support gut health, especially during or after antibiotic use.

However, the golden rule remains: always discuss supplements with your healthcare team before incorporating them into your regimen. Your doctor can help determine if you have any deficiencies and recommend appropriate dosages based on your specific needs and treatment plan.

Emotional Aspects of Eating

For LGSOC patients, the relationship with food can become complex. Guilt, frustration, and anxiety often accompany dietary choices. Many patients report feeling guilty for not eating “healthy” enough, or for not being able to eat at all on some days.

To navigate the emotional aspects of eating with LGSOC:

• Practice self-compassion: Recognize that some days will be better than others, nutritionally speaking.
• Find alternative ways to comfort yourself: Explore non-food methods of self-care and celebration.
• Seek support: Consider therapy or support groups to process food-related emotions.
• Reframe your mindset: View food as a tool in your cancer-fighting toolkit rather than a source of stress.
• Engage in mindful eating: When possible, focus on the sensory experience of eating to reconnect with the joy of food.

Personalizing Your Approach

The most effective diet for LGSOC patients is tailored to individual needs and tolerances. Keeping a food diary can be helpful to track how different foods impact energy levels, digestion, and overall well-being. This personalized approach allows patients to make informed decisions about their diet.

Remembering that while nutrition is essential, it’s just one piece of the LGSOC treatment puzzle. Patients should work closely with their ovarian cancer doctors and healthcare team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes proper nutrition without adding unnecessary stress.

A Message of Hope

To all LGSOC warriors: Your strength is immeasurable. While your dietary needs may be complex, they’re manageable. With patience, persistence, and the support of your medical team, you can develop a nutritional strategy that supports your body’s fight against cancer.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Every small step towards better nutrition is a victory in your cancer journey. Keep fighting, keep nourishing your body, and above all, keep hope alive. Your plate may look different these days, but your resilience remains unshaken.