Cancer is a diagnosis that often strikes fear into the hearts of those who hear it. However, with advances in technology and medical treatments, many people are living longer and achieving remission for at least five years. You can also help your cancer treatments by getting good nutrition and eating the right foods. This helps make your treatments more effective and allows you to feel better throughout the process.
Avocados
This fruit is rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. Avocados will attack free radicals in the body that are produced during metabolism, according to the Cancer Cure Foundation. They have more potassium than bananas and have high amounts of beta-carotene and can be useful in protecting against liver damage.
Protein
Protein and calories will help your body to repair the body tissues that are harmed during cancer treatments, according to Cancer.gov. You should eat when your appetite is greatest, often during the morning hours. Have a large breakfast filled with proteins and calorically dense foods, and choose meal replacement drinks later in the day. Proteins that help your body heal and fight infections include dairy products, meats, fish and poultry, according to The Body, an HIV/AIDS resource.
Vegetables and Fruit
Most fruit and vegetables are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are important to your body when you are fighting cancer and receiving treatments that are harsh, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Malnutrition is dangerous for those undergoing cancer treatments and can dramatically increase the mortality rate while decreasing your body response to chemotherapy. The fruits and vegetables can be raw, cooked lightly or juiced to get the best nutrition and vitamins.
Garlic
Garlic is a root herb that is related to onions. It has a number of active ingredients, including selenium, tryptophan and sulfur that are active agents that attack cancer cells, according to CancerActive.com. Garlic does not usually cause side effects, unless taken in amounts that exceed your ability to accommodate to the herb. You may experience strong breath and body odors and occasionally allergies, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to Cancer.gov.
References
- Cancer Cure Foundation: Cancer Fight Foods/Spices
- Cancer.gov: What You Should Know About Cancer Treatment, Eating Well and Eating Problems
- The Body: Eating Well During Cancer Treatment
- Oral Cancer Foundation: Nutrition and Cancer
- CancerActive.com: 12 Foods to Fight Cancer
- Cancer.gov: Garlic and Cancer Prevention
