Foods Liver Cancer Patients Should Avoid

Liver cancer starts in your liver, which is your largest organ. The most common form is hepatocellular carcinoma, according to the American Cancer Society, which accounts for 75 percent of all cases. A liver transplant or aggressive surgery can effectively treat liver cancer, particularly if it's caught early. Chemotherapy and radiation may be used to shrink tumors. Once you've been diagnosed, a nutritious diet can help you feel better throughout treatment and guard against complications.

Salty Foods

Doctors encourage liver patients to cut back on salt, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, which can increase your blood volume and pressure and lead to complications. Common salty foods, or high-sodium foods, include canned vegetables and soups, frozen entrees, soy sauce, fast food and processed snack foods, such as pretzels, crackers, French fries and popcorn. Nutritious alternatives include fresh fruits and vegetables, low-sodium soups and air-popped popcorn seasoned with natural herbs.

Certain Starches

Starches, such as breads, rice, pasta and cereals, provide rich amounts of glucose -- your body's main dietary source of energy. Although whole grains are the most nutritious varieties, their high fiber content may worsen diarrhea, which is a potential side effect of liver cancer and its treatment. If you are experiencing diarrhea, avoid fiber-rich starches, such as whole grain breads and pasta, oatmeal, barley and popcorn. Otherwise, stick to whole grains for enhanced vitamin, mineral and antioxidant intake, which support your body's ability to resist infections and heal.

Fluids During Meals

Fluids, including water, milk, juice and broth, benefit many healthy diets by promoting hydration and, in some cases, supplying nutrients. If your appetite is reduced as a result of cancer treatment, however, drinking fluids during your meals can increase a sense of fullness, making it difficult to meet your calorie and nutrient needs. To avoid this, MayoClinic.com recommends stopping fluid intake 30 minutes or more before each meal.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages, particularly consumed on a regular or excessive basis, can cause liver damage and inflammation, according to the ACS. These complications can disrupt your healing process and increase your risk for cancer recurrence. Because alcohol loses its toxic effects when cooked, meats and sauces containing alcohol are typically acceptable.

Strong-Smelling Foods

Strong-smelling foods can bring on or worsen nausea and appetite loss following liver cancer treatment. MayoClinic.com recommends awareness of the aromas you find unappealing and avoiding foods that produce them. For example, if the smell of cooked eggs, fish or chili cause discomfort, choose milder, pleasant-smelling foods such as cinnamon-topped oatmeal and vegetable soup.