Milk and dairy products, fruits and green vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to strengthening the immune system and improving the effectiveness of lung cancer treatment.
Nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of cancer in general and lung cancer in particular. Dr. Nguyen Chi Thanh, Oncology Unit, Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, said there is currently no research proving that any food helps cure or prevent lung cancer. However, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains can help patients improve their health and enhance the effectiveness of treatment to fight cancer.
Dr. Thanh noted that nutritional therapy should start from the time cancer is detected and be maintained throughout the patient’s treatment. The main goal is to maintain the patient’s physical condition, strengthen the immune system, limit side effects and improve treatment effectiveness. Depending on factors such as the level of tumor invasion, disease stage, treatment methods, prognosis, underlying diseases, etc., each patient’s nutritional regimen will be different.
Below are some foods that patients should choose.
Milk and dairy products Usually soft, has a delicious and pleasant taste, supports digestion and stimulates taste buds. The nutritional content in milk is very high, including protein, calcium, vitamins D, A, B12, B2, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, contributing to strengthening the immune system and quickly improving health.
Fruits and vegetables Rich in antioxidants that help reduce cancer symptoms. They provide vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, promote energy production for the body, and are beneficial for people with lung cancer.
Types of vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and cabbage, provide all groups of vitamins, fiber and minerals for the body. Green vegetables also contain a lot of folate, which plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells, supporting healthy cell growth through participating in the process of creating and repairing DNA. .
Food rations for patients at the Oncology Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City. Image: Hospital provided
Foods rich in proteinthe diet of lung cancer patients needs to be supplemented with foods high in protein, such as low-fat milk, oats, almonds, tuna, and eggs. Protein is an important and necessary nutrient for cancer patients, contributing to providing energy, maintaining muscle mass, promoting wound healing due to side effects of treatment and support. immune system.
Drink plenty of water about 2-2.5 liters of water per day to prevent dehydration. Patients can supplement other fruit juices to diversify their diet.
Nutrition for lung cancer patients plays an essential role, affecting treatment results. Dr. Thanh recommends that patients and their families need to proactively discuss with doctors and nutritionists to get appropriate instructions, optimize treatment effectiveness and improve quality of life.