Research shows that certain foods and the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in them may increase or decrease cancer risk. But what if you already have cancer?

Research shows that certain foods and the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in them may increase or decrease cancer risk. But what if you already have cancer? What foods should you eat or avoid to increase the odds in your favor?

Eat more of these types of foods!

1

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that prevent the oxidation process. This effect can be seen in food, such as when lemon juice is applied to apple slices. Ascorbic acid (commonly referred to as vitamin C) prevents oxygen from rapidly discoloring the apple.

Antioxidants also help the body prevent free radicals from oxidizing and damaging cells. Antioxidants are said to help protect cells from becoming cancerous and slow the growth of cancer cells. There is research to support the claim that antioxidants have anti-tumor, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.

Commonly recommended antioxidants include carotenoids, flavonoids and other phytochemicals. Sulforaphane is abundant in cruciferous plants such as broccoli, kale, and northern carrots. It is a common antioxidant and one of the plant active substances with the best anti-cancer effect found in vegetables.

2

Adequate Dietary Protein

If you have cancer, consuming enough dietary protein can help prevent sarcopenia, which is common during treatment.

For high-quality animal protein, such as lean meat, poultry, fish, milk, eggs, etc., according to the "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents 2016", the recommended daily intake is: 40g~75g of fish and shrimp, 40g~ of livestock and poultry meat 75g, eggs 40-50g.

For plant-based high-quality protein , such as beans and soy products, it is recommended to consume about 50g of soybeans per day, and other soy products are calculated based on their moisture content.

3

Healthy Fats

Omega-3 fatty acids are "good fats" that can help prevent heart disease, cancer, arthritis and other diseases. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids include: flax seeds, fish (such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and anchovies), eggs and milk, walnuts. Patients are advised to eat less or no foods containing saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids, such as animal oils, butter and margarine.

4

Healthy Carbohydrates

When choosing carbohydrates, choose the least processed foods, such as whole wheat, bran, and oats. They contain soluble fiber, which helps maintain good gut bacteria . Soluble fiber also promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which help with everything from metabolism to cell repair.

5

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals contribute to our body’s enzymatic processes, which play an important role in enhancing immune function and reducing inflammation. If possible, choose foods rich in vitamins B, C, and D. These foods may include milk, orange juice, yogurt, and some cereals.

6

Foods rich in dietary fiber

Dietary fiber helps cancer patients lose weight. Cancer patients should avoid excessive weight gain. Moreover, it also helps create a good gastrointestinal environment .

In addition, the second edition of the "Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer Prevention" guidelines issued by global authoritative organizations such as the World Cancer Research Fund states: Foods containing dietary fiber can prevent colon and rectal cancer; there is also some evidence that contains Dietary fiber foods can prevent esophageal cancer. In addition, dietary fiber also has an indirect protective effect. This is reflected in the low energy content of dietary fiber itself, which can prevent obesity, etc., as well as prevent the occurrence and development of some tumors caused by excess nutrition.

Dietary fiber is mainly found in plant foods such as whole grains, whole grains and miscellaneous grains, vegetables and fruits, and beans, such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, millet, oats, buckwheat, etc. It is appropriate to consume about 25 grams per person per day.

Foods to avoid

1

Foods containing sugar

Foods high in sugar may increase the risk of a variety of health problems. A 2020 study found that higher total sugar intake is associated with the risk of all types of cancer, especially breast cancer. Simple and refined carbohydrate foods, such as white bread, desserts, candies, and ice cream, are considered high-sugar foods.

2

Drinks containing alcohol

Studies have shown that DNA damage occurs in humans after heavy drinking, and this damage may be caused by acetaldehyde. Heavy alcohol consumption may lead to nutritional deficiencies, reduce the intake of micronutrient-rich foods, impair intestinal absorption and alter metabolic pathways.

The most relevant effect appears to be folate metabolism , which alters DNA methylation and thus controls genes with carcinogenic potential. Alcohol may affect the intake, absorption, and metabolism of vitamin B12 and vitamin B6, leading to further changes in DNA methylation pathways. Vitamin A deficiency has also been implicated as an alcohol-mediated carcinogenesis mechanism. People who drink a lot of alcohol have lower serum vitamin A and carotene concentrations. Long-term drinking will change the metabolism of vitamin A. Alcohol consumption reduces immune surveillance, thereby favoring cancer development and metastatic potential.

3

Processed meat and red meat

Studies have shown that a diet high in fat in processed meat and red meat can promote the occurrence and development of cancer through various pathways. Therefore, you should pay attention to a healthy diet in your life, consume red meat appropriately, and do not eat excessive amounts to avoid affecting your health. Cancer patients should choose a scientific diet plan under the guidance and advice of a doctor.

4

Saturated fat

A diet high in saturated fat may increase the risk of cancer, especially HER2-positive breast cancer. Saturated fat may also affect breast cancer development, according to a 2017 meta-analysis. Foods high in saturated fat include butter, red meat, sausage and bacon, cheese and full-fat dairy products.

Reference source:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[Important reminder] This official account [Family members said] The article information is for reference only. Please follow the doctor's advice for specific treatment !