Living with blood cancer is not an easy feat; however, something you could be consuming daily is crucial in battling this disease: food. “The Right Foods Can Make All the Difference.” Here, we will discuss some everyday foods that fight blood cancer. We have tried to break down how they work and how to fit them into your meals in easy-to-understand language.
What is blood cancer, and how does food fight it?
Let us say just a little bit before we start talking about the foods that cause blood cancer. Blood cancer works on the production and functioning of your blood cells. Some common forms include leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. These cancers make you feel weak, tired, and rather sick.
Well, you probably ask yourself, How could food be involved in something this serious?
The fact is that the food you eat is much like the gasoline in your car. The right gasoline has been demonstrated to enhance the functions of your body better, help repel disease, and even slow the multiplication rate of cancerous cells. Many foods have specific compounds that positively impact your body in other ways. They may enhance your immunologic system, help reduce inflammation, or even kill off the cancer cells directly.
Food is not a treatment. Think of it as a helper. The right foods work together with your treatments to keep your body strong and give you the best shot at fighting the cancer.
Which fruits help blood cancer patients?
Fruits are nature’s candy, and they are also a severe killer of blood cancers. Among all of them, all the berries are superstars. Antioxidants are similar to the garbage disposal team in your body. You never want to know what is there but need them nonetheless. It goes through your body, rescuing all the awful things that could damage your cells.
- On the other hand, oranges, lemons and grape fruits are also very good. They contain moderate vitamins C; these are useful in maintaining the immune system active and healthy. After all, the motto regarding fighting blood cancer is to be as healthy as possible.
- The other fruit that gets much discussion is pomegranate. It contains compounds that scientists feel may slow down the growth of cancerous cells. And it tastes divine!
- Don’t forget to eat apples. Have you heard of the statement, ‘An apple a day helps to keep a Doctor away?’ There is some truth to that. Some studies suggest that apples contain one compound called quercetin, which may help prevent blood cancers.
Remember that it is not necessary to consume all of these fruits daily. It’s better to choose all or some to accompany your meals during the week. For instance, have berries with your breakfast, a fruit like an apple for a snack, or orange pieces with your lunch. The focus should be on having fruits present and engaging with every meal.
What vegetables should the plate of someone who has blood cancer hold?
- Vegetables are very important in fighting blood cancer. First start from green, leafy ones like spinach and kale, and broccoli. These veggies are powerhouses of folate, a B vitamin, really key in the production of new, healthy blood cells. So, when you have blood cancer, your body desperately needs all the help it can get to make good blood cells.
- Another family that you should guard yourself against is the cruciferous. Think of cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. They contain chemical factors that scientists believe can hinder the fast movement of cancerous cells. They are tiny warriors in your body fighting cancer.
- You can also take carrots, sweet melons and any other vegetable that may be orange in color. These are rich in beta-carotene which your body will process into Vitamin A.
- Garlic and onions can supprot your health to a great extent. They may carry compounds that can help your body fight the inflammation and strengthen its immunity levels. You can serve a massive salad with various vegetables or roast many vegetables and serve them as a side dish.
- Another good one is tomatoes. These belong to the fruit family in fact. They contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that fights blood cancer.
The different colors of colorful vegetables have varying levels of benefit. For instance, you may prepare a bowl with many vegetables or bake many vegetables to make a side dish. The more variety, the better!
Are there specific proteins that assist patients with blood cancer?
Proteins also play an essential role when it comes to fighting blood cancer. This is because they will help your body restore and create new cells. They also make the immunity system quite strong. However, not all of the proteins are similar in the fight against the disease.
- First, you should take fat fishes salmon, sardines, and mackerel. They have omega-3 fatty acids, which diminish the inflammatory processes that occur in your body. The lower the inflammation, the more energy your body will consume in fighting cancer. If your body can take it, feed on as much fish as possible at least twice a week.
- If you hate the taste of fish, rest assured that you still have other alternatives with good protein sources. Lean meats, for example chicken and turkey are good for your health. They contain protein but without too much unhealthy fat.
- Eggs are another source of excellent proteins. Some of these foods are simple and can be prepared in various ways.
- I think beans and lentils are a plus for vegetarians and anyone who loves vegetable protein. They are rich in proteins and contain a relatively large amount of fiber, which is most beneficial to the tummy. Nuts and seeds are also excellent —they are protein and healthy fats that assist the body in overcoming inflammation.
- Soy includes foods like tofu. Researchers say soy has characteristics that can prevent or even reduce the effects of certain cancers.
Remember that you want to consume different protein sources. This will help ensure you get all the amino acids your body requires- the building blocks of protein.
Grains and starches: Good or bad for blood cancer patients?
Grains and starch are starches, but the common word is “whole.” Fresh grains are better than processed grains, which may be an aspect of fighting blood cancer.
- Whole grains contain three parts: bran, germ, and endosperm. From refined grains,most good stuff is removed.
- Brown rice, quinoa, and oats are a couple of nice whole grains. They provide you with energy while at the same time providing your body with substances that can fight inflammatory responses. The less inflammation, the more your body’s system can focus on the cancer.
- Whole wheat bread and pasta also go a long way. They are filled several times more with nutrients than the white version. Add small portions to your refined versions if you are used to eating relatively few whole grains. For example, you could start mixing brown rice and white rice, gradually increasing the brown rice portion to go forward.
- Sweet potatoes are fit for a diet plan as they contain starch along with essential vitamins, minerals, and other compounds. Another advantage is that they can be prepared in many forms.
However, you should not overdo whole grains and starch. They should be part of an ideal diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and proteins.
Are there special drinks in the fight against blood cancer?
Yes, sometimes what you drink may be equally as important as what you eat when you are fighting blood cancer. The most important drink is water. Proper hydration keeps the body working at peak performance, which, not surprisingly, makes all the difference in the battle with cancer.
Another favorite beverage that people think can help combat cancer is green tea. Green tea contains some potent antioxidants. In fact, it is still too early to state; because studies reveal that green tea may inhibit the growth of cancer cells through regular intake. If you do not enjoy green tea, do not worry. Black tea and white tea also contain these compounds, although less prolifically.
Within a few weeks, raw juices of vegetables can become an excellent source of much-needed nutrients. Carrot, beetroot, and other leafy greens will fill your body with many vitamins, minerals, and other active compounds against cancer. The only thing is that juices have plenty of natural sugars, so drink them in moderation.
Some swear by the benefits of bone broth. Liquid from animal bones simmered for hours and is moderately nutrient-rich and compound-rich in many ways known to reduce inflammation and bolster your immune system.
These drinks could be healthy. But there are some which one should limit or avoid altogether. Of course, alcohol can counteract specific treatments and also increase the risk of some cancers. Sugary drinks, including soda, also must be avoided because so much sugar is detrimental, even in the best of times, less so when you are fighting cancer.
Conclusion :
Also, do not expect to attempt all the strategies outlined at once. Start by introducing one or two more foods into your diet per week. Though those little changes don’t seem like much initially, they really add up over time.
Pay attention to your body, too. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause changes in a patient’s desire to eat and ability to relish what is being consumed. If you wake up not feeling like eating much, try to make it a point to buy or prepare the most nutritious food possible. Sometimes, when you feel like having few solids, then smoothies are an excellent way of taking a lot of vitamins & minerals because you will be drinking.
Last but not least, seek your doctor or a registered dietitian for advice in case of a major shift in your diet. It is the most convenient way of personalizing a diet that suits you best.
Remember, you have far more than just food in your arsenal against cancer. Food is used hand in glove with medical treatments, not in their place. Nutrient-rich foods help support your body to the best of its ability in the fight against blood cancer. With each healthy meal, you are closer to better health and a stronger you.
REFERENCE LINKS:
- https://bloodcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/living-well/eating-well-blood-cancer/
- https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/36-foods-that-can-help-lower-your-cancer-risk.h12-1592991.html
- https://www.moffitt.org/endeavor/archive/10-cancer-fighting-foods-you-should-be-eating/
- https://anticancerlifestyle.org/diet/?adgroup=Diet&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Vital%20-%20Diet&utm_term=cancer%20diet&utm_content=649716712552&hsa_acc=5646275131&hsa_cam=19741011021&hsa_grp=149032291400&hsa_ad=649716712552&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-22224130&hsa_kw=cancer%20diet&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrunB4NihiQMV56NmAh2aQz08EAAYAiAAEgLiCvD_BwE
- https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/food-and-nutrition
- https://llsnutrition.org/i-have-leukemia-what-should-i-eat/
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/nutrition