Good diet for people undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer

Lung cancer patients undergoing treatment must eat enough calories and protein to maintain energy, prevent weight loss, and increase resistance during treatment.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer and treatments such as chemotherapy can lead to weight loss. Patients should try to choose foods rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals for balanced meals. Protein is important for people with cancer because muscle loss and weight loss are common, especially in the late stages.

People undergoing treatment for lung cancer must eat enough calories to maintain energy and prevent weight loss. Adding more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods can help increase calories and reduce the risk of lung cancer recurrence and other chronic diseases.

Chemotherapy is a powerful drug that kills cancer cells and can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, changes in smell and taste, and mouth sores. Eating and avoiding certain foods can help reduce these side effects.

If nausea and vomiting occur, the patient should eat bland foods such as toast, crackers, and rice. Eat small meals more frequently instead of three large meals. Eat cool foods, avoiding hot foods to reduce nausea.

When you have diarrhea, eat salty foods like crackers or broth to replace lost sodium. Drink a glass of water or a sports drink after each loose bowel movement. Eat rice, bananas, and toast until diarrhea subsides. Avoid milk, fatty and greasy foods, and sweets, as they can make diarrhea worse. Limit high-fiber foods like whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables unless directed by your doctor.

Cancer patients with constipation should eat foods rich in fiber such as whole grains and breads, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, fruit juices and dried fruits such as prunes and apricots. Drink plenty of water and sterilized fruit juices. Warm drinks such as tea or coffee help relieve constipation. Limit foods that aggravate the condition such as cheese and processed foods.

When losing appetite, patients should regularly eat small meals and snacks instead of three large meals. Increase the intake of high-calorie, high-protein foods such as peanut butter, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, nuts, and take protein supplements.

Protein-rich eggs are good for people with lung cancer who have lost their appetite. Photo: Freepik

If taste and smell changes, eat cold or room temperature food; chill fruit before eating. Mix a teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of baking soda in 4 cups of water and rinse your mouth before eating to make food taste better. Use plastic utensils (spoons, knives, forks...) instead of metal.

People with mouth ulcers should ask their doctor if they can take medication before meals to reduce mouth pain. Eat soft foods such as oatmeal, applesauce, and cold foods such as yogurt or ice chips. Avoid spicy or salty foods, or acidic foods such as oranges, lemons, or tomatoes.

Patients should avoid consuming alcohol, because this drink can interact with cancer drugs, drinking alcohol also increases the risk of recurrence and death for cancer patients. Limit sugary drinks to help maintain a healthy weight, avoid processed foods and refined grains because they increase the risk of cancer. Each person has different needs, so patients should ask their doctor to have a diet appropriate for their condition and overall health.

According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is the main cause of lung cancer and causes about 80% of deaths from this cancer. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables also helps protect against cancer, especially in smokers. People who eat a lot of whole grains and fruits are less likely to develop lung cancer than those who eat less of these foods. Nutrients such as beta carotene and vitamin A found in foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and watermelon can reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Replacing red meat and other foods high in saturated fat with unsaturated fats such as olive oil, nuts and avocados helps reduce the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers. Studies also show that having high levels of vitamin D in the blood can protect against lung cancer. However, vitamin D supplements are necessary if you have low levels of vitamin D. Maintaining a healthy body weight and regular physical activity can prevent cancer.

Mai Cat (According to Healthline )

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/che-do-an-tot-cho-nguoi-hoa-tri-ung-thu-phoi-4620897.html