Eating healthy with lung cancer is, basically, following a heart healthy diet as stipulated by the American Heart Association. You need to concentrate on improving your arterial health since following an unhealthy diet can increase your risk of lung cancer and/or hinder its healing capabilities within your body. Knowing what to eat is as important as knowing what needs to be limited or avoided. In addition to the food knowledge, there are other considerations you need to become aware of in order to live a more productive and healthy lifestyle.
Step 1
Eat whole grains. Whole grains contain soluble fiber which helps keep your arterial walls clean by removing harmful cholesterol from your body, states the Mayo Clinic. Choose products made with whole grains instead of those made with refined flours. Refined flours are also known as bleached enriched flours. Eat three servings daily of whole grain foods such as pasta, bread and crackers.
Step 2
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. According to the USDA, you need to eat a colorful diet consisting of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are nutrient-rich foods that, according to the American Cancer Society, can either lower your risk of lung cancer or can diminish cancer's effects upon your body. These foods are also low in fat and cholesterol. It is recommended you eat fruits and vegetables five times daily.
Step 3
Eat lean protein. Get your protein from beans, lentils, fish and poultry without skin states the American Cancer Society. Higher-fat protein products contain saturated fats. Saturated fats are known for contributing to various forms of cancer. Also, choose low-fat dairy products over whole-fat versions.
Step 4
Eat soy foods. Soy foods are plant-based protein sources that are rich in isoflavones and can help combat the effects of lung cancer, states the USDA. Choose soy milk instead of dairy milk. Add tofu to your chili instead of red meat. Eat soy ice cream instead of dairy versions.
Step 5
Choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of vending machine foods. Substitute salsa for cream-based dips. Choose crackers made without partially hydrogenated oils.
Choose healthy nuts such as pistachios, walnuts and almonds. Add some to your salad greens. A palm full is considered a serving size.
Eat a fresh apple instead of apple pie.
Step 6
Limit harmful saturated fats, which come from animal-based products. Foods high in saturated fats, according to the American Cancer Society, can increase your risk of lung cancer and/or worsen its effect upon your body. These fats are found in red meat, fried foods, deep fried foods, processed foods and whole fat dairy foods. Monitor processed meats such as sausage, pepperoni, bacon and ham. Replace them with fish, beans or poultry, states info.cancerresearchuk.org.
Tips and Warnings
- Use heart healthy cooking methods. According to the American Heart Association, make certain you use healthy cooking methods. Choose steaming, grilling, poaching or baking (without excess oils).
- In order to gain the best results from your heart healthy diet for lung cancer, it is advised you seek professional consulting from a Registered Nutritionist. That way, you can have a diet specially suited to your needs. It also is important to exercise. Exercise has been shown to lower the effects of lung cancer upon your body when combined with healthy eating, states the Mayo Clinic. Do this under supervision.
Things You'll Need
- Whole grain foods
- Fruits and vegetables
- Lean protein
- Soy foods
- Healthy snacks
References
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference;Release 20, USDA; 2008
- Mayo Clinic
- info.cancerresearchuk.org
