Your kidneys are constantly removing impurities from your blood and you need healthy kidneys to keep all your other organs healthy. There are four types of kidney cancer that can negatively affect the health of your kidneys and diet can play a role in the treatment of these cancers and the prevention of kidney cancer or its return.
Impact of Sodium
Cutting down on your sodium intake can help reduce the strain you put on your kidneys. High salt intake strains your kidneys, which can be unhealthy if you have kidney cancer. Avoid adding salt to your food and use herbs and spices to add flavor to your food instead. Do not buy prepackaged foods that have added salt such as frozen foods and canned goods.
Role of Protein
According to Cancer Research UK, diets high in protein have been liked to diseases of the kidneys such as cancer. Also, eating too much protein can overwork your kidneys because your kidneys separate the protein in your blood. Limiting your protein intake will help to reduce the work your kidneys have to do. Also, it can help you achieve a healthy weight because many high-protein foods are higher in fat. Reduce your protein intake by replacing some animal-based proteins with plant-based proteins such as beans, tofu and nuts. Plant-based protein generally contains lower amounts of protein.
Vitamins
According to the Kidney Cancer Association, foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin A are often recommended as part of the treatment for kidney cancer. Despite this recommendation, taking supplements that increase your intake of vitamin C is not generally recommended. Taking large dosages of vitamin C, such as those found in supplements, can cause further damage to your kidneys. Therefore, it is important to talk with your doctor before taking vitamins or supplements to help determine the specific risks and benefits.
Alternative Therapy
Controlled Amino Acid Therapy or CAAT is an alternative treatment used along with traditional kidney cancer treatments. CAAT is a treatment that uses specific foods and scientifically formulated amino acids to deprive the cancer cells of the nutrients they need to grow. This dietary and amino acid treatment must only be undertaken with the recommendation, care and oversight of your doctor.
Weight Loss Diet
Eating a diet that helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight can help reduce your risks of kidney cancer in the first place and may help keep the cancer from returning. According to the findings of a study published by the "British Journal of Cancer" and cited by the National Cancer Institute, if you are overweight your risks of developing kidney cancer go up by as much as 36 percent and if you are classified as obese your risks of developing kidney cancer increase by 84 percent.
Eating a diet based in plants such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts will help you keep your calorie intake down. In addition, these foods will provide you with high amounts of fiber and carotenoids, which can help reduce your chances of kidney cancer.
