Lung cancer is caused when the cells of lung tissues grow uncontrollably and form tumors. Lung cancer ranks as the second most common disease and causes the most cancer deaths in U.S. A loss of appetite is common in cancer patients, especially among those undergoing chemotherapy. However, getting proper nutrition can help patients stay strong and retain energy.
Here are some foods that lung cancer patients may want to include in their diet:
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables, some of which are referred to as healing foods, should be an essential part of your diet. They are rich in antioxidants which eliminate the chain reaction that produces free radicals in the body.
Green tea, garlic, onions, tomatoes, soy, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are high in antioxidants and should form a part of your regular diet.
Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants and is believed to be 500 times as effective as vitamin C. Garlic and onions can also help limit the production of cancer-causing chemicals. Tomatoes, meanwhile, contain antioxidants called lycopene. Fruits such as watermelon and papaya also contain lycopene. Lycopene helps prevent some types of cancer. Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage contain sulforaphane, which boosts production of Phase II enzymes. These enzymes remove carcinogens from cells.
Healthy fats
The body requires fat to function. Healthy fats and oils help regulate the nervous system, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood vessel constriction as well as blood clotting. The body benefits in many ways from consuming foods that contain fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Healthy fats include olive oil, flaxseed oil, and essential fatty acids such as Omega-3. Essential fatty acids aid in preventing the growth of cancer cells and can be found in salmon, shrimp, walnuts, and raw tofu. They are also available in pill form.
Eating the right food and getting the right nutrients is important when fighting lung cancer. Care should be taken to ensure that a lung cancer patient gets a well-balanced diet, especially one that includes all of the foods mentioned above. It is wise to consult your doctor before starting any diet or exercise.
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