What is the most effective diet for cancer patients undergoing treatment?

It is crucial to maintain a good diet when you have cancer, as it plays a vital role in your journey to recovery. Your body requires energy to combat the disease, and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can take a toll on your body, potentially causing weight loss, which is not ideal in this situation.

When your body experiences tissue damage from cancer or its treatment, it needs nutrients, especially protein, to aid in the healing process. If you’re not consuming enough food, your body will use up energy and protein, leading to increased fatigue and weaker muscles.

The Vegan Diet: A Powerful Weapon Against Cancer

The vegan diet involves eliminating all animal-derived food products, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Vegans substitute these animal-sourced nutrients with plant-based foods to fulfill their protein, B-vitamin, and calcium needs.

Both the vegan and vegetarian diets primarily consist of cancer-fighting foods. When followed correctly, the diet is rich in fiber and provides all the benefits associated with consuming plant-based foods. However, some processed vegan foods may contain high levels of sodium and added sugar.

What are some foods and drinks that can cause cancer?

Some foods can increase cancer risk, but eating them doesn’t guarantee cancer.

For a healthy, balanced diet, it’s important to reduce:

• Keep in mind the significance of the following: ‘Processed and red meats.’
  Eating a large amount of processed or red meat can increase the risk of bowel cancer. Discover what qualifies as processed or red meat.
   
• Alcohol 
  Alcohol intake is associated with seven different types of cancer. Therefore, reducing your drinking habits can decrease the risk. 
   
• High-calorie foods and sugary drinks.
  Foods high in fat, sugar, or calories can make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight.

Are there foods that can help prevent cancer?

There are no “superfoods” that can guarantee you won’t get cancer, but some foods can reduce the risk, especially for bowel cancer:

• High-fibre foods 
  Incorporating high-fiber foods like whole grains into a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk of bowel cancer. 
   
• Dairy 
  Consuming dairy products such as cheese and milk may lower the risk of developing bowel cancer. Find out more about the link between dairy and cancer.

Foods to Incorporate into Your Diet Before Cancer Treatment

Protein: Before beginning treatment, Statner advises incorporating sufficient protein into your diet to help prevent sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss that can result from cancer and its treatment. “Statner emphasizes the following as outstanding sources of protein:

• Beans
• Chicken
• Cottage cheese
• Eggs
• Lentils
• Seafood
• Yogurt

Omega-3 fatty acids: Statner notes that research is increasingly showing that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, may aid in reducing muscle loss.

Cruciferous vegetables: Statner explains that cruciferous vegetables—such as broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, cabbage, and arugula—have been widely recognized for their ability to help reduce the risk of cancer and its recurrence.

Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables: She also recommends incorporating antioxidant-rich, vibrant fruits and vegetables into your diet, including options like blueberries, blackberries, eggplant, red peppers, papaya, plums, and watermelon.

“These antioxidant-rich foods seem to have cancer-fighting properties, as well as anti-inflammatory effects,” Statner says. “‘Eat the rainbow’ is a helpful way to remember to include these foods in your diet.”

Foods to Steer Clear of During Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatments can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to defend against infections. Because of this, it’s crucial to be mindful of the food you eat and avoid anything that might carry harmful bacteria.

“Statner underscores the necessity of adhering to rigorous food safety practices during treatment. She advises, ‘Avoid any risks when it comes to what you eat.'”

Ensure that all fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed, even if they’re labeled as prewashed. Only eat fully cooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. Statner also warns against deli meats and uncooked hot dogs, as they can harbor Listeria, a bacteria commonly found in these products. Additionally, steer clear of unpasteurized dairy products and beverages for added protection.

To protect your organs, it’s recommended to reduce your intake of red meats and processed meats, including beef, pork, lamb, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and deli meats.

Red meat refers to beef, pork, and lamb, and consuming more than 18 ounces per week has been linked to a higher risk of cancer. While the exact cause is still under investigation, one theory is that the heme compound, which gives red meat its color, may damage the lining of the colon. Additionally, nitrosamines—chemical compounds formed when digesting red meat—can harm cellular DNA.

Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, deli meats, and smoked meats, pose an added risk due to carcinogenic compounds formed during smoking, curing, and the use of nitrate or nitrite additives. It’s best to minimize, or completely avoid, processed meats in your diet. Healthier alternatives to red meat include poultry like chicken, turkey, and duck, as well as fish, seafood, and eggs.