Kidney cancers affect 51,000 adults in the United States every year, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Forms of kidney cancer include renal cell cancer, which is the most common, and transitional cell cancer. According to Moffitt Cancer Center, there is a strong link between cancer and diet, although the specifics of the relationship still remain undetermined. Some symptoms of the disease include blood in the urine, back and side pain, and fatigue, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy, low fat diet that contains a rich assortment of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help lower your risk of kidney cancer, and help improve your health if you have kidney cancer. According to the Kidney Cancer Foundation, it is important when you have kidney cancer and are undergoing treatment to ensure that you take in enough calories. This will help keep your energy levels up and provide your body with the nutrients needed to fight infections.
Considerations
Eating a diet rich in red meats and processed meats can increase your risk of kidney cancer. According to a study published by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association and reported by the Reuters website, you are four times more likely to develop kidney cancer if you consume red meat five or more times a week than if you eat it less than once a week. Also, eating a diet that contains a lot of refined grains, such as white bread, and white potatoes can increase your risk of kidney cancer.
Role of Weight
Obesity is linked to increased risks of kidney cancer, notes the Kidney Cancer Foundation. Therefore, to reduce your chances of kidney cancer, as well as other forms of cancer, it is important to keep excess weight off. According to the Kidney Cancer Foundation, if you have kidney cancer and are overweight, it is important to talk with your doctor before starting a weight loss plan, because at certain times during treatment, weight loss may not be recommended.
Alternative Treatment
Treatments for kidney cancer often include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy, but there is an alternative dietary therapy. According to the A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research, there is a formulate amino acid therapy, known as the Controlled Amino Acid Therapy, or CAAT, that strategically uses the chemical reactions between certain amino acids, foods and supplements to starve the cancer cells until they die. This treatment has been successful and is generally done in conjunction with other cancer treatments. This dietary therapy is very specific and must be consumed under the recommendation and supervision of your physician.
