Lung cancer – Foods to avoid
Lung cancer is a chronic condition where the cancer cells multiply to form a tumor, disrupting the function of the lungs. This illness usually affects the quality of life. However, on the bright side, it is treatable, and if the patients take the proper care, they can even manage the symptoms of the illness to decrease discomfort. Following treatment options and changing food and lifestyle habits are essential for lung cancer management.
Food plays a significant role in giving the body the nutrition it needs. While some foods can be beneficial for health improvement, some foods cause harm to the body, especially if one suffers from an illness. Lung cancer is one of the diseases that also cause a lot of damage to the immune system, making the patient even more susceptible to bacteria and other germs. To prevent any further health complications, one must consider avoiding the following foods at the earliest.
Dairy products
Drinking raw milk and having other dairy products like soft cheese and yogurt may cause immense harm to the body as they contain harmful bacteria such as listeria, E.coli, etc. In addition, casomorphin derived from the breakdown of milk products increases the mucus and phlegm production released by the body. This may increase the pain and discomfort of lung cancer patients.
Processed meats
Processed meats that are often served at the deli, like cold-cuts, dry sausages and salami, are a strict no-no for lung cancer patients. These contain harmful bacteria and nitrates that may increase the risk of food poisoning and cause a lot of discomfort to the patient.
Soft-cooked eggs
Eggs, if not completely cooked, can cause problems for patients. Even though the shells might be clean, these eggs may contain salmonella. This increases their risk of illnesses as their bodies are already weak, making them prone to other problems such as food poisoning.
Fried foods
Fried foods are usually greasy and are not easily digestible. When a person has lung cancer, their body becomes very weak, sometimes making it difficult to carry on the day-to-day activities. Hence, it is advised to steer clear of fried foods such as French fries, onion rings, and fried chicken, among others.
White bread
White bread contains simple carbohydrates that do not have nutritional value. It also has a high glycemic index. The rise in blood sugar levels may also affect the patient. It is advised to switch to whole grain bread, which improves the health of the lungs.
In addition to following these food tips, it is also necessary to visit a healthcare expert to prepare a treatment plan according to the symptoms and the severity of the condition. Also, consult a nutritionist for additional food-related help.