Cabbage family vegetables, legumes, white meat, vitamin C from peppers, garlic, berries, and omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and fish are essential foods for cancer patients.
Cancer patients often face challenges in maintaining proper nutrition. This is partly due to changes in taste and the side effects of treatment such as nausea and diarrhea. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to fatigue, increased susceptibility to infections, and may even disqualify patients from treatment or interrupt their treatment process.
Understanding which foods to eat and which to avoid helps patients manage their illness and reduce side effects. The diet should be flexible based on the type of cancer and health status, with the primary goal being to provide sufficient calories and protein.
Below are the foods that cancer patients should consume:
Cabbage Family Vegetables
Vegetables from the cabbage family include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, and collard greens, which can combat cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence. A study has shown that compounds in these vegetables have anti-proliferative and anti-tumor properties, inhibiting the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. The bioactive compounds in cabbage family vegetables also promote the elimination of certain carcinogens from the body.
Protein-Rich Foods
Protein is crucial for recovery, repairing cell damage, and providing energy after chemotherapy. Before starting treatment, it is advisable to increase protein intake to prevent muscle mass loss.
Foods rich in protein that cancer patients should consume include legumes, white meat, eggs, barley, fresh cheese, lentils, various fish, yogurt, soybeans, and oats.
Regarding soybeans, many believe that this food contains isoflavones, considered plant estrogens, which are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. However, the mechanisms of isoflavone consumption in animals and humans are very different. Currently, there is no research confirming that soybeans increase the risk of breast cancer.
In fact, there is ample evidence suggesting that consuming soy products like tofu, soy milk, and miso can reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially in Asian women.
Moreover, soybeans are rich in protein and fiber, both beneficial for health.
Berries
Diverse berry consumption helps prevent cancer. (Image: Freepik).
Berries such as black raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries have antioxidant properties that are beneficial in managing cancer symptoms. A study has shown that berries can prevent cancer, primarily gastrointestinal and breast cancers. Additionally, they may reduce the risk of prostate, liver, pancreatic, and lung cancers.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known for its ability to boost natural immunity. Cancer often diminishes resistance, so consuming foods rich in vitamin C is an effective way to mitigate long-term negative health impacts.
Foods high in vitamin C include red and green peppers, oranges, kale, and papaya.
Garlic
Research indicates that consuming garlic may reduce the risk of stomach cancer. Patients are advised to eat 2-5 grams of garlic daily to enhance health. Other foods such as onions, shallots, and leeks have similar effects.
Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids may slow the growth of breast and prostate cancers. Since the body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own, they must be obtained from food or supplements. However, for cancer patients, obtaining omega-3 from food rather than supplements is preferable.
Foods rich in omega-3 include flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans. Fish such as mackerel, salmon, herring, oysters, sardines, anchovies, and tuna are also excellent sources.
After cancer treatment, the body’s energy and nutritional demands are very high. Therefore, it is essential to consume energy-rich foods with high protein content, low fat, and easy to digest. Additionally, the diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and plant-based proteins.
Note: The macrobiotic diet is not suitable for cancer patients. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that this type of diet can treat or cure cancer. Furthermore, a macrobiotic diet can lead to malnutrition and even death in patients.
Dr. Lê Văn Thành
K Hospital, currently working at Showa University Hospital, Japan
