Good diet for people undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer

Lung cancer patients undergoing treatment must eat enough calories and protein to maintain energy and prevent weight loss, and increase resistance during treatment.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer and treatments such as chemotherapy can lead to weight loss. Patients should try to choose foods rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals for balanced meals. Protein is important for people with cancer because muscle loss and weight loss are common, especially in the late stages.

People undergoing treatment for lung cancer need to eat enough calories to maintain energy and prevent weight loss. Adding more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods can help increase calories and reduce the risk of lung cancer recurrence and other chronic diseases.

Chemotherapy is a powerful drug that kills cancer cells and can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, changes in smell and taste, and mouth sores. Eating and avoiding certain foods can help reduce these side effects.

If nausea and vomiting occur, eat bland foods such as toast, crackers, and rice. Eat small, frequent meals instead of three large ones. Eat cool foods and avoid hot foods to reduce nausea.

When you have diarrhea, eat foods that contain salt, such as crackers or broth, to replace lost sodium. Drink a glass of water or a sports drink after each loose bowel movement. Eat rice, bananas, and toast until the diarrhea subsides. Avoid milk, fatty and greasy foods, and sweets, which can make diarrhea worse. Limit high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Cancer patients with constipation should eat foods rich in fiber such as whole grain cereals and breads, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, fruit juices and dried fruits such as prunes and apricots. Drink plenty of water and sterilized fruit juices. Warm drinks such as tea or coffee help relieve constipation. Limit foods that aggravate the condition such as cheese and processed foods.

When losing appetite, patients should eat many small meals and snacks instead of three large meals. Increase the amount of high-calorie, high-protein foods such as peanut butter, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, nuts, and take protein supplements.

Eggs are rich in protein and are good for people with lung cancer who have lost their appetite. Photo: Freepik

If taste and smell changes, eat cold or room temperature food; chill fruit before eating. Mix one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of baking soda in 4 cups of water and rinse your mouth before eating to make food taste better. Use plastic utensils (spoons, knives, forks...) instead of metal.

People with cold sores should ask their doctor if they can take medicine before eating to reduce mouth pain. Eat soft foods such as oatmeal, applesauce, and cold foods such as yogurt or ice chips. Avoid spicy or salty foods, or acidic foods such as oranges, lemons, or tomatoes.

Patients should avoid alcohol consumption, because this beverage can interact with cancer drugs, drinking alcohol also increases the risk of recurrence and death for cancer patients. Limit sugary drinks to maintain a healthy weight, avoid processed foods and refined grains because these increase the risk of cancer. Each person has different needs, so patients should consult their doctor to have a diet suitable for their condition and overall health.

According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and causes about 80% of deaths from this cancer. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables also helps protect against cancer, especially in smokers. People who eat a lot of whole grains and fruits are less likely to develop lung cancer than those who eat less of these foods. Nutrients such as beta carotene and vitamin A found in foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and watermelon can reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Replacing red meat and other foods high in saturated fat with unsaturated fats such as olive oil, nuts and avocados may help reduce the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers. Studies have also shown that having high levels of vitamin D in the blood may protect against lung cancer. However, vitamin D supplements are necessary if you have low levels of vitamin D. Maintaining a healthy body weight and regular physical activity can help prevent cancer.

Mai Cat (According to Healthline )

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