Sticking to healthy habits is very important to lead a healthy life. Eating a balanced diet, getting good sleep, moderate drinking habits, no smoking, regular exercise, hygiene and cleanliness, etc are signs of healthy habits. It is important to follow all these habits to avoid major health consequences.
Living with kidney cancer makes life difficult and reduces appetite, so it is very important to watch one’s daily eating habits. The diet during the treatment for kidney cancer should help the body cope up with treatments and stress. Here is the list of food items that can benefit the body during treatments of cancer.
Whole Grains and Starches – Food products which are high in iron, vitamin B and fiber such as whole wheat pasta, whole bread and wild rice increases energy levels in the body. Few whole grain products contain a good source of Potassium and Phosphorus in them. This helps in the functionality of the kidney. However, these food products need to be limited to a certain amount as they might increase the stress on the kidney’s work process. Always consult an expert before consuming these products.
Fruits and Vegetables – Including fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet helps build a strong immune system. Fruits and vegetables are known for containing soluble fibers which help in maintaining healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They also contain a high source of essential minerals and vitamins in them.
Proteins – Proteins are vital nutrients required to develop and maintain muscle mass in the body and need to be part of one’s daily diet. Those suffering from kidney problems need to control the intake of proteins as they increase the stress on the kidneys’ functionality. People diagnosed with kidney cancer should limit their protein intake to fewer portions as the waste produced from the food gets piled up in the bloodstream and causes severe problems.
Avoid food with high salt content – High intake of salt leads to high blood pressure which is caused due to imbalance in body fluid levels. This imbalance increases stress levels on the kidney and leads to kidney damage. Avoid food that contains high sodium such as canned food, deli meats, fast food and salty snacks. Instead, try replacing salt with spices and herbs to enhance the flavors and taste of food.
Avoid Food High in Phosphorus – Phosphorus is abundant in food items such as nuts, seeds, beans and processed bran cereals. It is an important nutrient that helps in maintaining bone strength. However, excessive intake of phosphorus while one has kidney cancer increases stress on the kidney. Phosphorus piles up in the bloodstream and reacts severely to cause symptoms such as joint pain and itchiness.
Avoid Overhydration – Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water every day is healthy and ideal for everyone. Overhydrating yourself by drinking too much water can cause unnecessary stress to kidneys. It is important to monitor the amount of water consumed every day to avoid complications. It is recommended that kidney patients drink less water when compared to others as their kidneys are already under stress.
Diet During Treatment – Appetite is greatly reduced in patients diagnosed with cancer. It is important to eat a balanced diet with all nutrients that can help in quick recovery. Most often, cancer patients feel nauseous and lose interest in eating as their palettes have failed to identify the taste. These shouldn’t be a reason to stop healthy eating habits. Here are a few tips that can help with eating better during cancer treatment.
Eat small portions of food in small intervals. This will maintain energy levels at all times.
Do not wait to be hungry. Have meals on time.
Cancer treatments weaken the immune system. Always rinse all fruits and vegetables before cooking or eating raw.
Stay cautious while eating outside. Avoid street food.
Ensure meat products are cooked well before eating.
Do not eat raw foods like shellfish, sushi and vegetable sprouts.
Do not drink unpasteurized juice or milk. Remember to boil milk before drinking.
Eating healthy food is the key to wellbeing. It is important to watch what you eat and avoid edibles that do not suit the body. Consult a dietician and nutrition to suggest foods that suit your body.
