Foods That Help With Lung Cancer
Health

Foods That Help With Lung Cancer

People often associate lung cancer with aging, but this is a disease that in non discriminant against any age group. The symptoms of the disease include coughing persistently, chest pain that worsens with breathing or laughing, hoarseness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, weakness, coughing up blood, and recurring infections. The most common types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer, and non-small-cell lung carcinoma. Lung cancer treatment include surgery for the removal of the cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Other traditional lung cancer treatments may include targeted therapy, which is the use of drugs that will block the spread and growth of the cancer cells. A lung cancer diet is recommended to help fight against the disease in conjunction with other doctor-prescribed therapies. Certain foods are beneficial to the treatment of lung cancer, such as:

1. Protein rich foods
Foods that are rich in protein will help the body repair cells, and help the recovery of the immune system. This includes lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish, eggs, and low fat dairy products. Also included are nuts, beans, and soy products.

2. Complex carbohydrates
Whole grain foods should also be included in the healthy diet for lung cancer. These are good sources of fiber and carbohydrates, and include oatmeal, brown rice, whole wheat bread, and whole grain pastas. These foods help keep the energy level up.

3. Fruits and veggies
Fruit and vegetables should be eaten every day. These offer antioxidants for the body to help fight the cancer. For maximum benefits, choose the many different varieties and colors of fruit and vegetables. It is suggested that five servings be eaten every day.

4. Healthy fats
Healthy fats should be chosen over the fatty, and fried foods. Either bake, broil, or grill foods for better benefit. Healthy fats include olive oil, nuts, avocados, and seeds like flax.

5. Avoid refined sugar
Limiting sugars in the diet is a necessity. Foods that are high in sugars have very little nutritional value, and they can make you feel full when you could have had something that is better for you. Eliminate the sugary treats, desserts, and snacks from your diet, and eat a piece of fruit instead.

6. No to alcohol
Alcohol contributes to dehydration, and it can lower the abilities of the immune system. Alcohol also has no nutritional benefits for the body.

7. Food safety
To better enhance the treatment of lung cancer, it is important to practice good food safety. This includes washing the hands often when preparing food, and using a different knife or cutting board when cutting raw meats or vegetables. Food must be cooked at the correct temperature, and if there are any leftovers, they should be refrigerated immediately. Your lung cancer is unique to your treatment. You may sometimes experience side effects that make it difficult to follow these suggested food tips. If you have nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or other concerns with nutrition, you may have different needs. Your nutritional guidelines can be better suggested by a registered dietitian. Eating a healthy diet is beneficial for the overall health of the body, but is definitely essential for the treatment of lung cancer in people of any age group and gender.

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