• Vital Nutritional Support for Cancer Recovery: Protein shakes provide essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals that aid energy and muscle repair during treatment.
• Plant-Based Protein Benefits: Plant-based proteins are gentle on digestion, offer a complete amino acid profile, and are low in inflammatory compounds.
• Convenient and Digestible Meal Options: Protein shakes are easy to consume and support daily nutrient intake, especially when treatment affects appetite or digestion.

Why Protein Is Essential For Cancer Patients

Protein is vital for cancer patients, who often need extra healing, energy, and immunity support. As the body works hard to repair itself and manage the effects of treatment, protein helps maintain muscle mass, keeps energy levels up, and assists in rebuilding damaged tissues. These functions are essential for those experiencing treatment side effects like fatigue, weight loss, or muscle loss, which can weaken the body over time.

Yet, getting enough protein from whole foods alone can be challenging, especially when appetite, taste changes, or nausea are part of the journey. That’s where protein shakes come in. They provide a balanced, easy-to-digest source of nutrients without placing additional stress on the digestive system. These shakes ensure that the body receives the essential proteins it needs in a gentle, accessible form, helping cancer patients stay stronger and feel more supported every step of the way.

Nutritional Needs During Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment changes how the body uses nutrients, often requiring more protein, vitamins, and other essentials. While maintaining balanced nutrition can be challenging due to side effects, prioritizing the right nutrients supports recovery and energy. Here’s a closer look at nutritional needs during treatment and how protein shakes can help:

Increased Protein Needs

During treatment, the body requires more protein to repair tissues, support immunity, and maintain muscle strength. Higher protein intake helps combat the physical toll cancer treatment can take, especially as it allows the body to recover from chemotherapy or surgery. Protein shakes offer an efficient way to meet these needs without putting extra strain on the digestive system.

Essential Vitamins And Minerals

Cancer treatments may deplete certain vitamins and minerals crucial for immune health and energy. Vitamins like B12, D, and iron are essential, as they aid in red blood cell production, bone health, and energy metabolism. Including these nutrients in protein shakes provides a quick, digestible way to help patients meet their daily requirements.

Managing Appetite And Digestion Challenges

Side effects like nausea and taste changes can make eating challenging, often leading to nutrient gaps. Smooth, flavorful protein shakes provide a palatable option that’s easy to consume even when appetite is low. Shakes help cancer patients maintain their nutritional intake with various flavors without compromising taste.

Choosing the right protein shake for cancer patients means balancing nutritional value with gentleness and ease of digestion. A well-chosen protein shake can be a nourishing addition, helping to fill potential nutrient gaps and support energy. Here are vital considerations when selecting a protein shake:

• Look for Clean Ingredients: Cancer patients often benefit from shakes free of artificial additives, preservatives, and sweeteners. Organic, non-GMO ingredients provide a clean source of protein that’s easy on the body. Clean ingredients ensure the shake offers pure nutrition without unnecessary or potentially irritating extras.
• Prioritize Complete Plant-Based Proteins: Not all proteins provide the full range of essential amino acids crucial for repair and recovery. Plant-based shakes that blend proteins like pea and brown rice often deliver a complete amino acid profile. This ensures that patients are getting well-rounded protein sources that help support muscle and tissue health.
• Consider Flavor and Texture Preferences: Flavor and texture play a significant role, especially when appetite is limited or taste changes occur. Various flavors allow patients to find an option that feels comforting and enjoyable to consume. Smooth textures and mild, pleasant flavors make protein shakes a convenient, nourishing choice without added stress on the palate.

ALOHA’s Plant-Based Protein Shakes

ALOHA’s plant-based protein shakes are crafted with simplicity, quality, and taste in mind, perfect for those looking to support their wellness journey naturally. Each shake provides a balanced 20 grams of protein sourced from plant ingredients like peas and brown rice, creating a complete protein profile without added fillers or artificial sweeteners.

12oz Vanilla Protein Drink

The Vanilla Protein Drink is a smooth, creamy shake made with 100% USDA Organic ingredients, delivering a delicious and wholesome protein boost. With 20g of plant-based protein, it naturally supports energy and muscle recovery. Certified as a B Corporation, Non-GMO Project Verified, and kosher, it’s a trusted option for those prioritizing health and quality.

12oz Coconut Protein Drink

Our creamy Coconut Protein Shake features a silky, high-quality texture from a Fair Trade Certified coconut milk base. It delivers 20g of plant-based protein from pea and brown rice, along with prebiotics for gut health, electrolytes for hydration, and natural energy from organic coconut MCT oil. This shake is a clean and refreshing way to refuel free from gluten, dairy, soy, stevia, and sugar alcohols.

12oz Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Drink

Our Chocolate Protein Shake offers a top-tier texture with Fair Trade Certified coconut milk, rich cocoa, and naturally sweet coconut sugar. This blend creates a velvety, indulgent shake that’s as satisfying as nourishing. Its smooth, chocolatey flavor is the perfect way to enjoy a delicious, wholesome protein boost.

How To Incorporate Protein Shakes Into A Cancer-Focused Diet

Incorporating protein shakes into a cancer-focused diet can be a convenient way to ensure balanced nutrition without overloading the digestive system. Protein shakes can serve as meal replacements, snacks, or even boosts to existing meals, helping to meet increased protein needs and sustain energy. Here are a few practical ways to make the most of them:

As A Nutritious Breakfast

Starting the day with a protein shake offers an easy way to get essential nutrients, especially when appetite may be low. Simply blend the shake with fruits, leafy greens, or a spoonful of nut butter for added nutrients and flavor. This approach helps ensure patients begin the day with a solid nutritional foundation.

For Midday Energy Support

Protein shakes are great as midday pick-me-ups, providing a gentle source of energy between meals. A small shake in the afternoon can help maintain stamina and keep hunger at bay, making it easier to stay nourished even when full meals feel too heavy. Choosing flavors like Vanilla or Coconut adds a comforting, tasty break.

As A Light Evening Snack

For patients with evening appetite fluctuations, a small protein shake can offer a satisfying, nutrient-dense snack. Sipping a Chocolate Sea Salt or Vanilla shake before bed supports muscle repair and helps maintain energy, making it a comforting way to end the day. It’s a simple addition that promotes restful recovery without being overly filling.

Read also:

• Are Protein Shakes Good For Weight Loss?
• Our Favorite Protein Smoothie Recipes You Must Try
• A Guide To Daily Protein Requirements For Men

Sources:

1. Nutrition During Cancer. (2024, October 15). Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/nutrition
2. Prado, C. M., Purcell, S. A., & Laviano, A. (2020). Nutrition interventions to treat low muscle mass in cancer. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 11(2), 366–380. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.12525
3. Board, P. S. and P. C. E. (2003). Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®). In www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Cancer Institute (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66004.2/?report=reader
4. Tardy, A.-L., Pouteau, E., Marquez, D., Yilmaz, C., & Scholey, A. (2020). Vitamins and minerals for energy, fatigue and cognition: A narrative review of the biochemical and clinical evidence. Nutrients, 12(1), 228. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010228
5. Aborode, A. T., Onifade, I. A., Olorunshola, M. M., Adenikinju, G. O., Aruorivwooghene, I. J., Femi, A. C., Osasere Jude-Kelly Osayawe, Osinuga, A., Omojowolo, E. A., Adeoye, A. F., Segun Olapade, Adelakun, I. O., Moyinoluwa, O. D., Adeyemo, O. M., Scott, G. Y., Ogbonna, R. A., Fajemisin, E. A., Omama Ehtasham, Soyemi Toluwalashe, & Bakre, A. A. (2024). Biochemical mechanisms and molecular interactions of vitamins in cancer therapy. Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpt.2024.05.001
6. Milliron, B.-J., Packel, L., Dychtwald, D., Klobodu, C., Pontiggia, L., Ogbogu, O., Barksdale, B., & Deutsch, J. (2022). When Eating Becomes Torturous: Understanding Nutrition-Related Cancer Treatment Side Effects among Individuals with Cancer and Their Caregivers. Nutrients, 14(2), 356. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020356

ALOHA's products are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure disease. ALOHA's products should not replace prescribed medications or the variety of foods important to a healthful diet.

Do not self-diagnose any health condition. Work with your healthcare provider to determine how best to achieve optimal health.