Although diet helps tolerate cancer treatment, it must also be monitored. Just as some products can alleviate side effects, there are others that intensify them. And although there is no strict list of foods prohibited for cancer, it is advisable to moderate and/or eliminate the consumption of certain foods and take care with their preparation to minimize risks.
Do not forget that each person with cancer has specific nutritional needs. There is no general list of “what to eat and what not to eat,” it is essential that a specialist helps you choose foods that make you feel better and tolerate treatment better.
Therefore, before learning about foods prohibited for people with cancer, make sure you know what the general guidelines for nutrition are while treating this disease:
Are there foods that are forbidden for people with cancer?
You already know that treatment can leave you without energy and with the desire to eat anything, but not everything is acceptable. As we said, there is no strict “no-no” list, but there are certain foods that may not be your body’s best friend right now. For example, if you have an irritated mouth, spicy foods are not your best bet.
That’s why you need to reduce or avoid certain condiments, saturated fats, and/or processed meats to help your body be 100% fit for the disease it’s fighting and to overcome the effects of the therapy you’re receiving.
Where’s the list? Here’s what the National Cancer Institute (NIH) recommends regarding the no-no list for cancer.
Avoid eating raw fish or shellfish. For example, sushi and uncooked oysters.
Don’t eat saturated fats or processed meats.
Don’t eat foods with signs of mold, including cheeses. For example, Roquefort or blue cheese.
Avoid letting meat, chicken, turkey, or fish defrost on their own. alone.
Be careful with the expiration date on products. Under no circumstances should you eat food that has expired.
Do not eat in restaurants, bars or buffets. Hygiene in preparation is absolutely important during cancer treatment.
Do not buy food in bulk.
Be careful with perishable foods that have not been refrigerated or have been exposed to room temperature for more than two hours.
Do not eat prepared foods that have been stored in the refrigerator for more than three days.
Foods to avoid for cancer patients who experience some of these side effects during their treatment are as follows:
The National Cancer Institute (NIH) makes the following recommendations regarding foods to avoid for people with cancer who experience some of these side effects during their treatment.
If your mouth hurts
Avoid crunchy, sharp, or pointy products. For example: tostones, crackers, tortilla chips.
Do not eat spicy products or foods.
Avoid fruits with a lot of acid, such as oranges and lemons.
Eliminate foods with a lot of sugar, from candy to soft drinks.
Eliminate products that contain alcohol and tobacco.
If you have diarrhea
void hot or very cold drinks. Let them cool down a bit first.
Do not consume milk or dairy products. For example, milk, milkshakes, cheese, cream.
Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks.
Avoid spicy foods.
Avoid foods that have a lot of fiber: beans, raw fruits and vegetables.
Avoid foods that produce a lot of gas: beans, broccoli, cabbage, soy milk.
If you retain fluids
Avoid or reduce salt and salty foods.
Limit the amount of liquid you drink.
To control nausea and vomiting
Avoid foods with strong odors: coffee, onions, garlic, foods that are cooking.
List of foods to watch out for
When you are facing cancer or receiving cancer treatment, your immune system can be weakened, increasing the risk of infections by microorganisms present in some raw foods.
Therefore, rather than being forbidden foods for people with cancer, you have to be very careful with their preparation when consuming them.
Eggs
Eggs can contain Salmonella, both on their surface and inside, which is why it is key to cook them until both the yolks and the whites are firm.
Avoid consuming undercooked eggs and any food that includes raw eggs, such as salad dressing, raw cookie dough, cake mixes and hollandaise sauce.
Dairy products
Make sure that milk, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products are labeled as pasteurized.
Avoid soft cheeses or cheeses with blue mold such as Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola and blue cheese.
Avoid unpasteurized cheeses such as Queso Blanco fresco and Cotija.
Fruits and vegetables
Wash all fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs under cold, running water.
Avoid raw sprouts, such as alfalfa or green soybean sprouts.
Avoid fresh sauces and dressings sold refrigerated in supermarkets.
Only drink juices that are labeled pasteurized.
Sweets
Don't eat raw honey; opt for honey that has been heat-treated.
Avoid sweets with creamy fillings.
Read also Caring for caregivers: the importance of supporting families
Beyond food: face cancer with specialized care
At the Astorga Oncology Clinic, we offer you comprehensive care, from diagnosis to recovery. Our team of specialists, with extensive experience in various areas of oncology, will provide you with a personalized treatment plan adapted to your specific needs.
In addition, we have cutting-edge technology and a human approach that will make you feel accompanied at all times.
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