7 Foods That Boost Immunity For Cancer Patients

Foods That Boost Immunity For Cancer Patients

Cancer can turn life upside down, however, due to increased science and technology, this deadly disease isn’t always life taking even when one is on chemotherapy. Proper lifestyle and maximum intake of foods that boost immune system for cancer patients can help the situation.

In fact, rebuilding the immune system after chemotherapy very much depends on the food that one takes. Besides, it is important to know the foods to take to fight cancer and also to improve overall immunity.


Foods That Boost Immune System For Cancer Patients

There are many immune system booster foods for cancer patients that can aid in recovering from cancer in a quick time. Here are those foods to eat if you are suffering from cancer. These foods also aid persons to withstand chemotherapy and aftermath effects.

1. Oatmeal

A person suffering from cancer needs nutrients in large quantities especially if they are on chemo. One best way to give your body the needed nutrients is by eating oatmeal as they are rich in numerous nutrients. Besides nutrients, oatmeal also has high amounts of protein, carbs, and antioxidants. Oatmeal helps cancer patients by regulating the bowels. Oatmeal is also neutral in flavor and creamy in texture and this is advantageous if one is experiencing mouth sores or dry mouth which are common side effects of chemo.


2. Avocados

Lack of appetite is a common problem for cancer patients and eating avocados is the simplest and best answer to this situation. These are packed with needed nutrients and calories and as such even a small portion of these can make a person full. This fruit is high in monounsaturated fat and helps lessen LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. It is even filled with fiber. All these good things aid in warding off weight loss due to cancer conditions. It’s also a great option for constipation that’s the outcome of cancer medicines.


3. Eggs

Fatigue is the most common symptom of cancer and the one-shot food to get back the lessening energies is by eating an egg. Fats and protein in eggs help in fighting general tiredness. Fat gives energy and protein provides mass to the muscles. Both these are needed at the time of chemo. It is also a good source of snacking for the ones suffering from mouth sores.


4. Broth

Change in taste of foods we take and water we drink is common at the time of chemotherapy. In such a condition broth is not only a great option but is also a tasty option. It keeps one hydrated. Make it more healthful by adding herbs, vegetables, and meats. Experiencing vomits, diarrhea and sweat is common, this leads to the loss of electrolytes. To make up for this loss broth is the best option. Broths are also rich in chloride, potassium, sodium, and calcium which are vital for the overall health of cancer patients.


5. Pumpkin Seeds

These are highly useful to snack between the appointments. These seeds are rich in protein, fats, and antioxidants such as vitamin E, which can aid in fighting inflammation. They are also rich in iron, the much-needed mineral to increase blood count during chemo.

[Also Read: Health benefits of pumpkin]


6. Nuts

Nuts such as cashews and almonds are easy to consume on the go. Such easy to pack and eat snacks are highly useful for cancer patients. They act as quick energy boosters. They are loaded with ample quantities of healthy fats, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Cancer patients need powerful antioxidants and this is what one gets by eating nuts.


7. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower give quick nutritional addition. All these vegetables are rich in vitamin C-the most essential vitamin for increasing immunity. Broccoli especially should be relied upon as it has sulforaphane that increases brain health, lowers inflammation, and protects cells during chemo.

Apart from the above-said foods, the diet plan to boost the immune system during cancers and chemotherapy should also consist of seafood such as fish.


Foods To Avoid For Cancer Patients

A healthy diet to answer cancer and withstand chemotherapy doesn’t end with knowing foods to eat. One should also know foods to avoid in this condition. Here are the foods to avoid when suffering from cancer.

  • Any food that is deeply grilled, fried, baked, or barbequed
  • Excessive eating of sugar, salt, and oily foods
  • Red meat and processed meats like ham, bacon sausages
  • Stay away from preserved foods
  • Minimized alcohol or no alcohol

Hope you now know foods that boost the immune system for cancer patients and also the foods that are bad for cancer patients.

Author:

Sudheendra Reddy

Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. His writings particularly focus on health, medicine, diet & lifestyle. For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. His write-ups aim at educating people not by just giving facts but by infusing human touch.