Lung Cancer Diet Tips to Ease Treatment Side Effects

Lung Cancer Diet: Managing Nausea, Fatigue & Appetite Loss

While no specific food or diet can cure lung cancer, your eating habits during treatment and recovery are vital for supporting overall health and strengthening immunity. A well-chosen diet can aid healing and improve quality of life. Focus on nutrient-dense foods, incorporating healthy fats and limiting refined carbohydrates to help your body cope better with the demands of treatment.

What is Ideal Food in the Diet of a Lung Cancer Patient?

There is no one-size-fits-all diet that works for everyone. Instead, you need to create a personalised eating plan by including foods that specifically support your individual health needs and offer the most benefit. Here are a few examples of them:

1. Protein-Rich Food

Protein is essential for repairing damage to tissues and cells. It also boosts your body's immunity, which will help you recover faster. Therefore, try to include a source of lean protein in all meals. Some of the good sources of lean protein are:

• Meat or fish
• Eggs
• Low-fat dairy products
• Nuts and their butter
• Beans
• Soy foods

2. Whole Grain Food

They are a good source of both carbohydrates and fibre, which will be your daily source of energy. Some of the good sources of whole-grain food are:

• Oatmeal
• Whole wheat breads
• Brown rice
• Whole grain pasta
   

3. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants, which help support your body's overall health and immune function during treatment. You can have fruits and vegetables that are of various colours, as they get their colour from carotenoids, a type of antioxidant.

• Berries
• Leafy green vegetables
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Tomatoes
• Carrots
• Avocado
   

4. Healthy Fats

Instead of consuming fried, greasy, and unhealthy fatty foods, lung cancer patients should include healthy fats in their diet. These support energy levels, reduce inflammation, and promote overall healing. Opt for:

• Olive Oil
• Nuts
• Seeds
   

Healthy Eating Tips to Subdue the Effects of Lung Cancer Treatment

During the treatment of lung cancer, you experience various side effects like nausea, lack of appetite, weight loss, dehydration, and fatigue:

1. For Weight Loss: You will be losing significant weight during lung cancer treatment. Therefore, maintaining calories is essential for weight management. Take small meals throughout the day, including calorie-dense foods, such as eggs, poultry, fish, dairy, meats, peanut butter, and tofu.
2. For Fatigue: During lung cancer, it is normal to experience fatigue. For such days, prepare ready-to-eat protein-rich meals. Also, have nutritious snacks like granola bars, nuts, cottage or string cheese, peanut butter, yoghurt, and fruit.
3. For Dehydration: Staying hydrated is crucial. Aim to drink fluids throughout the day. A good general goal is around 8 glasses (about 2 litres), but your needs may vary. Your care team can provide personalized advice, and a good sign of hydration is pale yellow urine. 
4. For Nausea: Have small quantities in a meal, but eat more frequently. This will ensure that you have a full stomach throughout the day. However, if strong smells nauseate you, try eating bland and low-fat meals.
5. For Lack of Appetite: Add calorie-dense food items to all your meals, such as peanut butter, olive oil, avocado, butter, and cheese. This will ensure that you have a consistent supply of calories, but in low quantities.
    

For patients undergoing treatment for lung cancer, following a specific diet is essential. If you find your meals repetitive, try adding variety by experimenting with new recipes, herbs, and spices to make eating more enjoyable and ensure you get the nutrients you need.

A Mediterranean-style diet is often recommended for its balanced approach. Some patients may explore other eating patterns, like a plant-based diet, but any major dietary change, especially restrictive diets like keto, should be discussed with your doctor or a registered dietitian to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual situation.