Experts advise good diet for kidney cancer patients

Some kidney cancer treatments often affect a person's ability to eat and digest food. Therefore, a healthy, nutritious diet is needed to reduce fatigue and maintain health.

A proper diet can also help kidney cancer patients respond better to treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. (Source: GHV Ksol)

The importance of diet for kidney cancer patients

According to Master, Doctor Bui Xuan Noi, Department of Urology, K Hospital, kidney cancer is common in Vietnam. Patients need to be detected early and treated promptly. In addition to drug treatment, diet also needs special attention.

Although diet does not cure disease, it plays an important role in helping to restore, strengthen health, and fight disease.

Master, Doctor Bui Xuan Noi said that to ensure nutrition, patients need to eat enough foods from the groups of protein, starch, fat, vitamins, and minerals. However, each disease will have a separate diet.

According to medical experts, kidney cancer is a malignant lesion of the kidney, accounting for about 3% of cancers in adults. The disease is more common in men than in women. Some risk factors for the disease have been shown to include: smoking, exposure to asbestos and tanning chemicals, polycystic kidney disease, etc.

If kidney cancer is not diagnosed, it can affect the whole body. Possible complications include: weight loss, hematuria, ruptured kidney tumor causing acute bleeding... Therefore, when there are suspicious symptoms, the patient needs to go to a medical facility for early diagnosis and treatment. If treated at an early stage, the survival rate for more than 5 years is about 60-80%.

Some kidney cancer treatments, especially systemic treatments, can cause nausea or gastrointestinal problems. These side effects affect a person's ability to eat and absorb nutrients.

Kidney cancer patients often have problems eating due to side effects of treatment such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, making it difficult for them to chew, swallow and absorb food. Therefore, a complete and balanced diet is very important, helping to reduce fatigue, maintain health, strengthen the immune system, improve the mood and spirit of the patient.

A suitable diet can also help kidney cancer patients respond better to treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Some foods can help increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of recurrence, such as foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, which help protect the body and reduce the harmful effects of chemotherapy.

Some foods can help reduce symptoms of kidney cancer such as nausea, vomiting, constipation... For example: ginger, mint, chamomile can help reduce nausea; green vegetables and fruits can help reduce constipation.

Patients should eat many small meals a day. Choose soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Divide food into small portions. Limit spicy, greasy foods, fast food, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol, beer, etc. Avoid eating foods that are too hot or too cold.

Essential nutrients for kidney cancer patients

According to the American Cancer Institute, diet plays an important role when it comes to preventing and managing kidney cancer. People can reduce their risk of developing cancer and maintain kidney health by consuming certain foods and nutrients, including:

Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

Consuming fruits and vegetables is an important part of a healthy diet, especially for people with kidney cancer. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and they also have anti-inflammatory properties. All of these properties help boost immune function and facilitate the treatment process.

Some fruits and vegetables that should be included in the diet of kidney cancer patients are: green leafy vegetables, berries, grapefruit, mango, carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers...

Fiber

In addition to vegetables and fruits, whole grains such as oats, brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat, and whole wheat bread should be added to the diet of kidney cancer patients to get fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They help improve digestive function, reduce constipation, and strengthen the body's immunity.

Lean protein

Protein is essential for tissue repair and immune function, but lean protein sources should be chosen to reduce the burden on the kidneys. Foods rich in lean protein that are good for people with kidney cancer include: fish, chicken, tofu, beans. Healthy fats

Supplementing with healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts helps balance nutrition and reduce inflammation.

Provide enough water

Staying hydrated is important for people with kidney cancer, as it can help flush out toxins and reduce the risk of dehydration. Patients should drink at least eight glasses of water a day, as well as other beverages such as herbal teas and low-sugar fruit juices.

Low sodium foods

Excess sodium is harmful for people undergoing kidney cancer treatment because it can increase blood pressure and cause fluid retention. Choose low-sodium foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, canned foods, salted foods, and junk foods.

Green vegetables, fruits, and lean meat are good foods for people with kidney cancer.

Some foods to limit when having kidney cancer

Red meat and processed meat

Red meat and processed meat are high in saturated fat and increase the risk of kidney cancer. Patients should limit or avoid red meat and processed meat such as beef, sausage, hot dogs, cold cuts, etc.

Foods rich in phosphorus

Phosphorus is an essential mineral but people with kidney cancer should limit it because the kidneys may have difficulty processing it. Foods high in phosphorus include dairy products, processed foods, baked goods, and soft drinks.

Foods rich in potassium

People with kidney cancer may need to limit their intake of foods high in potassium, as the kidneys have difficulty excreting potassium due to reduced kidney function. Foods rich in potassium include: bananas, oranges, tomatoes, spinach, and potatoes.

Sugary foods and drinks

Sugary foods and drinks are not good for people with kidney cancer because they can contribute to weight gain, increasing the risk of diabetes. Patients should limit foods and drinks that are high in sugar such as candy, soda, soft drinks, desserts...

Alcohol

Alcohol is harmful to people with kidney cancer because it increases the risk of dehydration and interferes with the metabolism of certain medications. People should avoid or minimize alcohol consumption, especially during cancer treatment.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/chuyen-gia-khuyen-che-do-an-uong-tot-cho-benh-nhan-ung-thu-than-273504.html