Diet Foods For Lung Cancer Patients

Submitted by Nic on March 13, 2013

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the US. While this disease usually occurs due to cigarette smoking, other factors like your diet may also play a part in its development. According to a recent study conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), around 30% to 40% of the cancer cases could have been prevented by following a healthy diet and getting an adequate amount of exercise each day.

While there is no specific lung cancer diet, patients who are already suffering from this disease are advised to follow a diet that is high in antioxidants, in order to improve their chances of fighting off cancer.

Patients who are at a high risk of this disease should ideally follow an anti-lung cancer diet plan. The best diet to prevent lung cancer includes foods that are high in -

Flavonoids: According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a diet that is high in flavonoid-rich foods can lower the risk of lung cancer by around 50%. Some of the foods that are high in this phytonutrient include apples, pears, blackberries, grapes, raspberries, cherries, oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit, peaches, plums and apricots. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, broccoli, snap beans and okra are also good sources of flavonoids.
Lutein: This carotenoid vitamin helps prevent several diseases, including cancer. Foods that contain lutein include zucchini, grapes, orange pepper, spinach, squash, orange juice, kiwi fruit, broccoli, corn and kale.
Lycopene: Because of its strong antioxidant properties, this carotenoid can help prevent lung cancer. Foods that contain this pigment include pink grapefruit, watermelon, tomatoes, guava, papaya and red carrots.
Protein: Patients suffering from lung cancer should consume high amounts of protein, as this nutrient helps their tissues and cells to heal faster. Some of the best sources of high-quality protein are fish, skinless poultry, egg whites, lean beef, low fat cottage cheese, tofu, soybean and yogurt.
Fat: There are two types of fat found in food, the healthy or unsaturated fats and unhealthy or saturated fats. The healthy fats improve the absorption of nutrients, boost energy levels and enhance brain function. These fats also keep you from losing an excessive amount of weight, which usually happens while undergoing cancer treatment. The NCI advises cancer patients to add nuts and peanut butter to food items like toast and waffles. You could also increase your consumption of healthy nuts by adding them to your salad or yogurt. Other foods with healthy fats include salmon, avocados, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, olive oil and eggs.

A lung cancer diet is incomplete without plenty of water, as it flushes out the toxins from your body. People who consume green tea on a regular basis also seem to have lower oxidative DNA damage, which reduces the risks of cancer.

There are several foods and beverages that should be strictly avoided by those who are suffering from cancer. Given below is a list of foods that you should cut down on, or eliminate from your diet, in case you are undergoing treatment for lung cancer -

Alcohol
Refined flour or bleached enriched flour
Red meat
Fried food
Processed food
Whole fat dairy products

In addition to an anti-lung cancer diet, it is also important to get at least half an hour of exercise each day. Try to walk or jog for about 30 to 45 minutes daily. Engaging in moderate physical activity such as gardening, twice a week can also help reduce the risks of lung cancer.

While the dietary tips mentioned above are safe, it is always best to check with a doctor before you make any changes to your existing diet.

References

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