Best Foods for Lung Cancer Patients

Top Anti-Cancer Foods for Lung Health and Recovery

Nutrition can impact a person's physical well-being. Numerous studies have confirmed that following a healthy diet helps one live longer and promotes good health. Similarly, there are certain foods which can help slow down the progression of lung cancer. Read on to learn all about the best foods for lung cancer patients.

Top Foods to Have for Preventing Lung Cancer

Here is a list of some foods to have for effectively slowing down the progression of and promoting the healing of lung cancer:

• Protein-Based Food : Protein is a requirement of the body. It aids with tissue and cell repair. A few such food items with great protein sources are nuts, eggs, low-fat dairy, soy foods and beans. Other sources of protein are lean meats, fish, turkey and chicken.
• Plant-Based Diet : Colourful vegetables and fruits offer phytonutrients and antioxidants in the diet. It helps to prevent any kind of cell damage and proves to be more effective for people with lung cancer. Numerous fruits and vegetables can be added to the diet. A few examples of vegetables are cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. They contain sulfur-rich compounds which act as cancer-fighters. As for fruits, papayas, peaches, tangerines, oranges, carrots, and bell peppers are helpful.
• Whole Grains : In such a dire time when suffering from lung cancer, the body needs to build up energy. To fulfil this need, an individual can include carbohydrates in a diet and get carbs from whole-grain sources rather than just refined food. A few good options include oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, and whole-grain pasta.
• Healthy Fats : Omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy fats help support the brain and the nervous system to reduce any inflammation in the body. A few good sources of healthy fats are nuts, avocados, olive oil and seeds.

Prevention of Harmful Foods for Lung Cancer

Here is an overview of some harmful foods to avoid during lung cancer:

• Processed Meats : Processed meats are harmful to health, especially for patients who have lung cancer. Food items like sausages, bacon and deli meats contain preservatives and nitrates that increase inflammation in the body.
• Greasy Foods : Foods that are fried and greasy have unhealthy fats and lead to digestive problems. It is best to prevent having such foods during lung cancer.
• Alcohol and Smoking : Smoking is directly related to lung cancer, and it must be avoided. Consuming alcohol is also linked to a higher risk of developing cancers, which includes lung cancer as well.
• Salty Foods : Diets with high sodium can lead to fluid retention in the body. It is problematic, specifically when undergoing cancer treatment.

By following a proper diet, one can effectively curb the symptoms of lung cancer and get help during their healing journey. Having a well-balanced diet can prevent the growth of cancer cells.