What Nutritional Supplements Are Recommended Following Gastric Cancer Surgery?

Consequences and Management of Gastric Cancer

Poor eating habits can easily lead to stomach diseases, which can escalate into gastric cancer if left untreated promptly. Currently, the treatment landscape for gastric cancer encompasses surgical intervention and chemotherapy. Following surgical excision of cancerous cells, early-stage gastric cancer patients often experience physical frailty and necessitate substantial nutritional support. During this phase, supplementing with proteins can bolster the body's resilience.

1. Nutritious Supplements Post-Gastric Cancer Surgery

Post-operative diets for gastric cancer patients encompass a diverse array of nourishing options. Beyond staples like rice, wheat, millet, and soybeans, protein-rich foods such as chicken, lamb, and beef fortify qi and cater to patients experiencing physical debility. Aquatic delicacies like duck, turtle, crucian carp, and certain fish nourish the spleen. Seafood treasures like sea cucumbers, jellyfish, abalones, kelp, water chestnuts, and water caltrops aid in softening and dissipating hardened masses. Furthermore, edible mushrooms, notably shiitake, exhibit anticancer properties. Shiitake mushrooms stand out for their exceptional nutritional value, encompassing seven essential amino acids, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, and other trace elements, along with sugars and enzymes that bolster immunity.

2. Post-Operative Care for Gastric Cancer Patients

Psychological Care: Foster a positive and optimistic mindset.
Physical Exercise: Engage in outdoor activities and exercises tailored to individual capabilities, such as walking, Tai Chi, tennis, travel, cultural pursuits, and socializing.
Dietary Care: Gradually progress from thinner, smaller meals to thicker, larger portions, while increasing caloric intake.

3. Precautions Following Gastric Cancer Treatment

Prompt medical consultation is advised if any of the following symptoms manifest:
- Post-gastrectomy, initial recovery seems favorable, but recent onset of indigestion, abdominal pain, vomiting, or even hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (black, tarry stools).
- Noticeable decline in health status since gastrectomy.
- Persistent and progressively worsening upper gastrointestinal symptoms, which may signify gastric cancer recurrence.