Increased protein requirements during cancer treatment
You should know this – why proteins are so important and how you can meet your needs with protein powder. This post is intended for cancer patients, but it also fits for every single one who has a high need for protein, e.g. due to muscle building and Co.
Hello dears,
During cancer treatment, diet plays a crucial role. What many cancer patients do not know, however, is that the protein requirement for us is usually much higher than in the “normal” state. Especially during chemotherapy, it is therefore important to cover the increased protein requirement to support physical regeneration.
Protein is essential for cell formation, repairing tissues and strengthening the immune system. However, many patients, like me, struggle with loss of appetite, taste changes or nausea, which simply complicates food intake. Here, protein powders can be a valuable addition to cover the need for protein easily and effectively.
In this article, you will learn why the protein requirement is increased during a cancer treatment, what protein is needed in the body for and how you can create tasty and nutritious alternatives with protein powder.
I will also show you my Favourite products from BODYLAB and link to you my products that I use and gladly recommend.
Why do you have an increased protein requirement during cancer therapy?
During a cancer treatment, the body is used quite heavily. Chemotherapy does not only attack cancer cells, but also healthy cells. This results increased cell damage that needs to be repaired – and this is precisely where things come here. Protein in the game.
Protein is a building material for new cells and the tissue, which is why the need for about 1.2 to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight during treatment rises, which is often twice as much as under normal circumstances.
A lack of protein can delay recovery, reduce muscle mass and weaken the immune defense.
And why is protein so important for the body?
Muscle building and muscle maintenance: During the cancer treatment, muscle loss can occur, since the body is under stress or you are not physically so fit. However, protein helps to preserve this muscle mass better.
Regeneration and wound healing: chemotherapies and surgery can damage cells. However, proteins play a central role in cell regeneration and healing after surgical interventions.
Strengthening the immune system: The immune system is often weakened in cancer patients. Since many immune cells consist of proteins, a protein-rich diet supports the immune system.
Source of energy: Although carbohydrates are the primary source of energy, protein can also be used as an energy source, especially when the body is under stress.
Protein powders: an easy way to meet protein requirements
Sometimes honestly for many people, it is difficult to cover the increased protein requirement by solid food alone. Especially during chemotherapy, nausea, taste changes or loss of appetite can play a major role and make the topic of food more likely to be put a burden.
I could eat very badly and pay attention to a covered protein requirement, I was very difficult. But protein powders provide a practical solution. It can be easily integrated into smoothies, shakes, porridge or even pastries and helps to absorb the necessary amount of protein without having to eat large portions.
5 delicious recipes with protein powder
1. RECIPE: Protein-Spoothie-Bowl
Ingredients :
- 1 banana
- 100 g frozen berries
- 30 g protein powder (Vanilla or neutral)
- 200 ml almond milk (or another plant milk)
- 1 TL Chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon of oats
- Toppings: nuts, coconut flakes, berries
Preparation: Put the bananas, frozen berries, protein powder and almond milk in a blender and puree to a creamy mass. Fill the smoothie mixture into a bowl and garish with chia seeds, oatmeal and the desired toppings. This smoothie bowl is rich in protein and vitamins and is perfect as a refreshing breakfast or snack.
2. RECIPE: Protein-Pancakes
Ingredients :
- 2 eggs
- 1 banana
- 30 g of protein powder (e.g. vanilla or chocolate)
- 50 ml of milk (or plant milk)
- 1 TL baking powder
- Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon or vanilla extract
Preparation: crush the banana and whisk it with the eggs. Add protein powder, milk and baking soda and mix everything well. Heat a pan on medium heat and bake the pancakes in portions. They can be served with fruit, Greek yoghurt or a splash of honey.
3. RECIPE: Choco-protein energy balls
Ingredients :
- 100 g of oatmeal
- 30 g Choco protein powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoon peanut butter
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 El Chia seeds
- 2-3 tbsp water (if necessary)
Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a bowl. If the mass is too dry, add some water. Shape small balls from the mixture and leave them firm in the refrigerator. The energy balls are a perfect snack for in between, deliver a lot of protein and are made quickly.
4. RECIPE: Protein-Porridge
Ingredients :
- 50 g of oatmeal
- 200 ml of milk (or plant milk)
- 30 g protein powder (Vanilla or neutral)
- 1 TL flaxseed
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Optional: Cinnamon, Nuts, Fruits
Preparation: Bring the oatmeal to the boil in a pot with the milk and simmer over low heat until the porridge reaches the desired consistency. Remove from the heat and stir in the protein powder. Add flaxseed and honey and garnish with cinnamon, nuts or fruit as desired.
5. RECIPE: Choco protein shake
Ingredients :
- 300 ml almond milk (or normal milk)
- 1 frozen banana
- 30 g Choco protein powder
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- Optional: 1 TL honey
Preparation: Put all the ingredients in a blender and mix well until the shake is creamy and mixed. This protein shake is ideal as a snack or after sports and provides a lot of protein and healthy fats.
My Favourite Products from Bodylab!
Even before my illness, I regularly consumed protein powders, because I wanted to support my body with enough protein in muscle building. At that time, I tried, researched and finally found the best protein powder – for me personally.
Important to me in my selection were the ingredients, the taste, the quality and also the price-performance ratio. Bodylab has been my favourite choice for about two years and it really covers any need.
At Bodylab there are even vegan protein powders, protein milkshakes, protein bars and much more.
The All-rounder: Bodylab Whey Protein – neutral
I always prefer to use the neutral protein powder from Bodylab. This protein powder tastes so good as nothing. I find that perfect because I can get mixed it anywhere.
If I want a taste, I grab the so-called “Flavour Drops” from Bodylab. These flavor drops are flavours, so to speak, which can be mixed in protein shakes, drinks, yoghurt and co. They are calorie-free and provide a delicious taste.
You can get these Flavour Drops here: to the Bodylab Shop.
However, if you don’t want Flavour Drops, you can buy the whey protein in your desired taste. There are now so many varieties as strawberry, vanilla cookie, milk chocolate, pistachio and more.
My conclusion about the protein requirement during cancer therapy
Protein plays a central role in cancer treatment, especially during chemotherapy, if the need is greatly increased. Protein powder can be a valuable support to cover the protein requirement easily and conveniently, especially if the appetite is limited or a quick and practical solution is required.
With the recipes presented here, the protein powder can be easily integrated into everyday life without sacrificing taste. Personally, it was very difficult for me to keep a balanced protein intake – possibly it will be a little easier for you with my tips.
