What foods are good for cancer patients? - Arizona Oncology Foundation (2023)

FAQs

What foods are good for cancer patients? - Arizona Oncology Foundation? ›

There are many different foods you can eat to kill cancer cells; here are some of the most effective: legumes, flaxseeds, tea, garlic, whole grains, and more. All of these foods have been studied and shown to have beneficial effects at inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Eat a variety of raw and cooked vegetables, fruit and legumes (e.g. dried beans, lentils). Eat plenty of cereals (including breads, rice, pasta and noodles), preferably wholegrain. Eat red meat no more than three to four times a week. On the other days choose fish, poultry, dried or canned beans or lentils.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) block chemical messengers (enzymes) called tyrosine kinases. Tyrosine kinases help to send growth signals in cells, so blocking them stops the cell growing and dividing. Cancer growth blockers can block one type of tyrosine kinase or more than one type.

Sugar comes in many different forms, but the simplest form is a single molecule called glucose. All cells, including cancer cells, use glucose as their primary fuel. Glucose comes from any food that contains carbohydrates including healthful foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dairy.

Bananas. Bananas can be a great dietary addition for those recovering from cancer. They're not only easy to tolerate for those with swallowing difficulties but also a good source of many important nutrients, including vitamin B6, manganese, and vitamin C ( 15 ).

Citrus fruit, like grapefruits and oranges, may have a role in preventing certain cancers. One large study in Japan found that people who had citrus fruits or juices 3-4 days a week were less likely to get cancer than those who had them 2 or fewer days a week.

l Avoid unpasteurized milk, juice or cider. cheese, cottage cheese, hard cheeses (like cheddar, Swiss and havarti) and processed cheese are fine. l Canadian Cancer Society .

Is yogurt good for cancer patients? ›

Intake of yogurt has been found to be associated with lower risks of colorectal and bladder cancer. On the other hand, some (but not all) studies have reported that yogurt consumption is associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer and squamous cell skin cancer.

Oncolytic viruses kill individual cancer cells, but studies also suggest that they can boost the immune system's ability to recognize and kill a tumor. The viruses enter tumor cells specifically and replicate, eventually breaking the cells apart.

Strawberries and raspberries have a phytochemical called ellagic acid. This powerful antioxidant may actually fight cancer in several ways at once, including deactivating certain cancer causing substances and slowing the growth of cancer cells.

Most cancer-causing DNA changes occur in sections of DNA called genes. These changes are also called genetic changes. A DNA change can cause genes involved in normal cell growth to become oncogenes. Unlike normal genes, oncogenes cannot be turned off, so they cause uncontrolled cell growth.

New gene faults or mutations can make cancer cells: grow faster.

Antioxidant supplements such as co enzyme Q10, selenium and the vitamins A, C and E can help to prevent cell damage. But there is some evidence that taking high dose antioxidant supplements during cancer treatment might make the treatment less effective.

Drinks to Avoid

If you're suffering from constipation from medication or diarrhea from chemo, definitely avoid fizzy drinks such as soda and energy drinks, as they can give you gas. Give your mouth tissues a break, too, by avoiding acidic drinks like lemonade or orange juice that can burn a sore mouth.

Resveratrol – this antioxidant has been shown to cut off blood supply to growing cancers and inhibit cancer cell growth. Found in both raw and roasted peanuts, as well as peanut butter, resveratrol has exhibited evidence for cancer protection, as well as promise in treating Alzheimer's and diabetes.

Is avocado good for cancer patients? ›

Avocados are high in healthy fats, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, potassium and fiber. This makes them rich in antioxidants and nutrients that are essential in a healthy diet and have been shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties.

Studies show that resveratrol has the potential to possibly stop cancer from starting in the breast, liver, stomach and lymphatic system. “The grape's skin has the most resveratrol, so leave the skin intact,” Wohlford says. Red and purple grapes have significantly more resveratrol than green grapes.

Dairy foods should be eaten as part of a varied and nutritious diet. Cancer Council supports the Australian Dietary Guidelines, which encourage adults to eat at least two and a half serves of dairy foods (milk, cheese and yoghurt) each day and to choose reduced fat varieties of dairy foods where possible.

Pineapple – Blueberry – Ginger Juice

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which have been shown to fight certain types of cancer. The ginger aids digestion, and sets a South Pacific mood when combined with pineapple. Makes 12 ounces = 80 calories, 0g fat,16g carbs, 7g protein.

Regular exercise increases your sense of well-being after cancer treatment and can make your recovery faster. Cancer survivors who exercise may experience: Increased strength and endurance. Fewer symptoms of depression.

Oatmeal provides numerous nutrients that can help your body during chemo. It boasts ample amounts of carbs, protein, and antioxidants, as well as more healthy fats than most grains. It also helps regulate your bowels because of its beta glucan, a type of soluble fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut ( 2 , 3 ).

Hot or cold cereal.

Your best choices include puffed brown rice, shredded wheat and granola made with ingredients you'd find in your own kitchen (no corn syrup or hydrogenated oil). Rice-based cereals are particularly good if you are having digestive difficulties.

Limit eggs to 1 or 2 times per week; soft and hard boiled will be a better option than scrambled or fried. Consider avoiding eggs completely if you have had a reproductive cancer or are at high-risk for breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. Limit red meat to once a week or less and avoid cooking at high temperatures.

Can I eat pizza during chemo? Many people wonder if they can continue eating their favorite foods during chemo. Good news—you can! Unless something upsets your stomach, feel free to keep eating foods you enjoy.

Avoid milk, ice cream and puddings for now since they can upset your stomach. Yogurt, sherbet, cheese and custard may be tolerated since these foods contain smaller amounts of lactose.

Is canned tuna good for cancer patients? ›

Salmon, tuna, anchovies and mussels are among the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. For cancer patients struggling with digestive issues and weight loss, seafood may help them maintain a healthy weight while providing key nutrients.

While we do not recommend such butter, modest amounts consumed infrequently might not be harmful. Another alternative is carefully-selected margarine.

Looking for a quick, healthy snack to increase your protein and calcium intake during cancer treatment? Greek yogurt could be a great option. What is in Greek yogurt? It contains all the benefits of regular yogurt, plus extra protein (17 grams per serving).

Have snacks readily available so that you can eat when you're up to it. Cheese, ice cream, canned fruit in heavy syrup, dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter with crackers, cheese with crackers, muffins, cottage cheese and chocolate milk are examples of high-calorie snacks requiring little or no preparation.

Your best bet is to stick with a balanced diet with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Limit your sugar, caffeine, salt, and alcohol.

"Cancer-fighting foods"

The list is usually topped with berries, broccoli, tomatoes, walnuts, grapes and other vegetables, fruits and nuts. "If you look at the typical foods that reduce cancer risk, it's pretty much all plant foods that contain phytochemicals," says Wohlford.

You may also want to avoid certain fruits based on your symptoms. For example, citrus fruits may irritate mouth sores and worsen the feeling of dry mouth. Lastly, whole fruits like apples, apricots, and pears are hard for some people with cancer to eat due to mouth sores, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, or nausea.

Choose desserts that aren't as sweet, such as yogurt, custard, pumpkin pie, fruit, baked fruit, fruit with cottage cheese, fruit crumble, plain doughnuts, or graham crackers.

– Choose whole grains. Brown rice, whole wheat pasta and whole wheat bread are better choices than refined grains like white rice and white bread.

Walnuts. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, all nuts appear to have cancer-preventing properties, but scientists have studied walnuts more than other types. Walnuts contain a substance called pedunculagin, which the body metabolizes into urolithins.

Can a cancer patient eat pizza? ›

Can I eat pizza during chemo? Many people wonder if they can continue eating their favorite foods during chemo. Good news—you can! Unless something upsets your stomach, feel free to keep eating foods you enjoy.