Things to know about diet in lung cancer

The article is written by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastroenterologist - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

A healthy diet is the key to the prevention and treatment of many diseases, including lung cancer. Let's find out what's so special about the diet in lung cancer.

The treatment process for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is different for each patient because it depends on the individual's health status. The following are the stages in the treatment of lung cancer:
Stage 1: You may have surgery to remove part of your lung. Chemotherapy may also be recommended, especially when you have a high risk of recurrence. Stage 2: You may need surgery to remove part or all of your lung. Chemotherapy is usually recommended at this stage. Stage 3: You may be asked to combine chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Stage 4: A particularly difficult stage to treat. Options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Options for small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) also include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. In most cases, the patient's cancer is too advanced for surgery.
Some people with terminal lung cancer choose not to continue treatment. You can still choose palliative care treatments, which focus on treating the symptoms of the cancer rather than the disease itself.

There is no evidence that any particular diet can treat lung cancer. However, eating healthy can help boost your overall health, help improve energy, and gain strength during treatment.
It can be difficult to stick to a strict diet right away. Lung cancer and its treatments can reduce your appetite. In particular, chemotherapy can change the taste of food and make your mouth too sore to eat anything.
Talk to your doctor and dietitian to find a healthy eating plan that's right for you. They will help you choose foods to maintain your weight and optimize your health during lung cancer treatment.
2.1. The Best Diet for Lung Cancer There is no single "best" diet for lung cancer patients. The diet that is right for you depends on:
Your lung cancer treatment plan and the side effects you experience. Your favorite. Weight. Other medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. The goals of any lung cancer diet are:
Give you enough calories to prevent weight loss. Provides you with the essential nutrients your body needs; includes vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates. Helps relieve treatment side effects such as diarrhea, nausea or constipation. Talk to your doctor and a dietitian who specializes in cancer so they can tailor your diet to your needs and eating preferences.

2.2. The Ketogenic Diet, or Keto, is a very low carb, high fat diet. Some research suggests that the keto diet may be effective for treating advanced cancers, including lung cancer.
However, scientists have shown that the keto diet is difficult to follow for people with lung cancer, especially while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can lead to a reduction in calorie consumption. Research on this is still underway. It is important that you consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet. Your medical team will work with you to decide what is the best diet for you based on your general health and outlook.
2.3. How Nutrition plays a role Food plays an extremely important role in having good health. Whether you are sick or healthy, you should choose nutritious foods to keep your body full of energy. This can help improve treatment outcomes and promote overall health.
Following a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods can help reduce your risk of developing a number of chronic diseases, including cancer.
Try to choose foods that provide protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals; Also, choose balanced meals and high-protein snacks. Protein is important for people with cancer because muscle loss is common, especially in people with late-stage cancer.
However, the most important thing is to make sure that you are well-nourished and eat enough calories to keep yourself energized and prevent weight loss. Please consult your doctor and specialist for advice.
2.4. Preventive Diet Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer. It causes about 80% of lung cancer deaths. There is evidence that diet plays some role in lung cancer risk, especially in smokers.
In a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who ate a lot of whole grains and fruit had a lower risk of lung cancer than those who had a diet low in these foods. this healthy.
Replacing red meat and other foods high in saturated fat with unsaturated fat sources like olive oil, nuts and avocados may also help reduce the risk of lung cancer, especially in people smoke.
Fruits and vegetables are an important addition to a cancer-fighting diet, especially in smokers. Nutrients like beta carotene and vitamin A found in foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, and cantaloupe may help reduce the risk of lung cancer.
Studies also show that having high levels of vitamin D in the blood can also protect against lung cancer. Your body makes vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D is also added to some fortified foods. Vitamin D supplementation is necessary if you have low vitamin D levels.

2.5. Effects of diet on treatment Lung cancer treatments can affect:
Your appetite. Your ability to eat. How the body absorbs nutrients. Cancer itself and treatments like chemotherapy can both lead to weight loss. Eating healthy can keep you from losing too much weight and becoming malnourished.
Eating a balanced diet and staying energized can help you stay healthy during lung cancer treatment. It may help reduce the risk of treatment-related side effects such as weight loss.
Good nutrition can give you more energy and strength and, at the same time, can help improve your quality of life during treatment.
2.6. Diet and side effects Chemotherapy drugs are powerful drugs that work to kill cancer cells throughout your body. Because these drugs are very strong, they can cause side effects such as:
Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea. Constipation. Eat delicious. Changes in smell and taste. Mouth Sores. Consuming certain foods may help reduce the side effects associated with chemotherapy. Here are some general tips for you:
For nausea and vomiting: Eat bland foods like toast, crackers and rice. Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals. Eating cold or room-temperature foods can be helpful when you're feeling sick. For diarrhea: Eat foods containing salt; such as biscuits or broth, to replenish the sodium lost due to diarrhea. Drink at least 1 cup of water or sports drink after each loose bowel movement. Eat bland foods like rice, bananas and toast until the diarrhea goes away. Avoid dairy, high-fat foods, greasy foods and sweets, which can make diarrhea worse. Limit high-fiber foods like whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. For constipation: To ease bowel movements, eat foods rich in fiber like cereals and whole-grain breads, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit with seeds and peels, fruit juices and dried fruit like prunes and apricots. Drink more fluids, including filtered water and pasteurized juice. Warm beverages like tea or coffee can help relieve constipation. Limit foods that can make constipation worse, such as cheese and eggs. To limit the problem of anorexia during treatment: Regularly eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day instead of three large meals. Increase the amount of high-calorie, protein-rich foods in your diet; like peanut butter, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, and nuts. Take a nutritional supplement like a protein shake.

To change the taste and smell: If you can't stand the smell of cooking, eat food cold or at room temperature. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 4 cups of water and gargle before eating to help food taste better. Use plastic forks, spoons, and knives instead of metal utensils. Freeze fruit before eating. Try new spices and sauces until you find one that appeals to you. For mouth sores: Ask your doctor if you can take medicine before meals to relieve mouth pain. Eat soft foods like oatmeal and apple sauce. Try frozen foods like ice cubes, frozen yogurt, or shaved ice. Avoid spicy or salty foods. Do not eat anything acidic; such as oranges, lemons or tomatoes.

Nutrition is an important part of lung cancer treatment. Cancer itself and the side effects of treatment can reduce your appetite, making it harder for you to get the calories and nutrients your body needs. Eating more nutrient-dense and high-calorie foods can help you stay healthy and feel better during treatment.
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