Nutrition is essential for liver cancer patients, as it supports their overall health and strengthens their ability to combat and recover from the disease.
1. Beneficial foods for liver cancer patients
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, they help boost the immune system. Additionally, fresh fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which help fight cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and prevent cancer. The abundant fiber in green vegetables and fruits helps reduce constipation. Some good fruits for liver cancer patients include strawberries, oranges, and red bell peppers. Some recommended vegetables are squash, carrots, cabbage, and broccoli.
- Whole grains: Grains like bread, rice, and noodles are important carbohydrates that provide the body with glucose, a crucial energy source for cells. Some recommended grains include brown rice, oats, corn, and sesame.
- Low-fat foods: Some low-fat foods beneficial for liver cancer patients include nuts, olive oil, and canola oil. Low-fat foods are easy to digest and help prevent the liver and kidneys from being overworked.
- White meat: Various studies worldwide confirm that eating white meat (such as poultry like chicken, duck, and goose) instead of red meat helps the body better fight liver cancer. It is recommended to prepare dishes by steaming or boiling to make them easier to digest and limit the amount of oil and fat.
- Milk and yogurt: Drinking milk and eating yogurt have been shown to reduce the risk of developing liver cancer and improve recovery chances.
- Tea: Green and black tea are sources of polyphenols, a group of antioxidants that can help prevent the division and metastasis of cancer cells. According to the Cancer Treatment Foundation, dried green tea leaves are also beneficial as they contain 40% polyphenols by weight. These antioxidants can help enhance protection and prevent lung, rectal, colon, stomach, and liver cancer. Green tea offers more benefits than black tea, and both are superior to herbal teas.
Dishes should be prepared by steaming or boiling to make them easier to digest and to limit the amount of oil and fat.
2. Foods to avoid for liver cancer patients
- Fried and stir-fried foods with high oil content
- Red meats and processed, canned foods
- Salty foods and foods with high salt content
- Animal organs: These contain high levels of fat and cholesterol, which are not good for the body.
- Alcoholic and carbonated beverages: These should be eliminated from the diet as they stress the liver, which needs rest due to the disease.
- In addition to a balanced diet, liver cancer patients should have a reasonable rest schedule and exercise regularly to maintain weight and health. Moreover, liver cancer patients should keep a positive and optimistic mindset.
In April & May 2021, when you need to examine and treat liver cancer at Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital, you will receive double benefits:
- Free specialist examination and 50% discount on liver cancer screening package
- 50% discount on treatment costs for customers with treatment indications after examination. The program is limited to specific techniques at each hospital and for customers undergoing this treatment technique for the first time at Vinmec.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
