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Lung Cancer Fighting Foods – Cancer vs Phytochemicals

Sharmela Devi

Sr. Onco-Dietitian
4baseCare

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that accounts for over 1.80 million deaths in 2020. According to WHO, one-third of deaths are caused due to practicing an unhealthy lifestyle like lack of physical activity, high BMI, consumption of alcohol and tobacco, etc. The chances of survival can be increased simply by consuming the right food that acts as soldiers preventing the growth of cancer.

The Fault in our Genes
To prevent cancer, one must understand the root causes of cancer cell growth.

The main cause of cancer is due to mutations. Mutations are changes in the DNA resulting in errors in the function of the cell. When the cell is unable to repair these errors, it would result in the accumulation of mutations in the body. Thus cancer is formed. The other factors that lead to cancer are angiogenesis (growth and expansion of new blood vessels), and metastasis (spreading of cancer cells to other sites). We are also exposed to various carcinogens in our surroundings, including the food that we intake. Therefore, it is important to be aware of carcinogens in food. Carcinogens are cancer-causing agents that may be produced by cooking, and micro-organisms while storing food and some foods contain these chemicals. Food that is refined, burnt, and processed may contain carcinogens.

The Food Warriors – Phytochemicals
Research states that phytochemicals such as phloretin, vitamin D, compounds such as 6-shogaol, quercetin – powerful antioxidants, curcumin, chlorogenic acid, resveratrol, lycopene, lignans are effective in fighting lung cancer based on lab tests.

These compounds can be incorporated by including pears in mid-morning snacks, green tea as evening drinks (preventive and treats lung cancer too), fatty fish such as salmon, and mackerel, being out for yoga, or a simple walk in the sun for 15 minutes provides a healthy dose of vitamin D. Ginger tea with honey before dinner, red onion chutney with tiffin, consuming blueberries in its season, the inclusion of turmeric powder in all dishes that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, boosting apoptosis in cancer cells. Curcumin in turmeric works in making the tumors sensitive to lung cancer chemo drug cisplatin. Sauteed carrots, pineapple, and flax seeds help in interrupting angiogenesis. Fluids like fresh red grape juices in summer and also during chemo, tomato soups, or rasam in daily diet help a lot in lung cancer patients for faster recovery.

The above mentioned are some beneficial foods, especially for lung cancer patients. Apart from the listed ones, it is recommended to consume all bright-colored vegetables and fruits which have an anticancer effect in common.

Role of Onco-Dietitian
An Onco-Dietitian analyses the right form of food to be taken by the cancer patient. Each patient is different and therefore, using similar diet plans showcased on the internet will not prevent cancer. Onco-Dietitian will provide a complete understanding of the type and quantity of food to be consumed as it helps to recover from all the treatments undergone by a cancer patient. Moreover, these food diet plans provided by the Onco-Dietitian are personalized or specific to each and every cancer patient.

Conclusion
People suffering from lung cancer must concentrate on their dietary practice and correct it immediately for the betterment of treatment and to prevent metastasis and recurrence. Including beneficial foods such as apple, pear, red grapes, tomatoes, red onions, ginger, green tea, and other mentioned ones helps a lot.

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