Liver cancer is a serious illness, and while there isn’t a specific diet for it, doctors often suggest eating certain foods that might help with healing. The most common reasons people get liver cancer are infections from hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. But other things like genetics, being around harmful chemicals, and how we live our daily lives can also increase the chances of getting liver cancer.
What we eat, just like other parts of our lifestyle, can affect how likely we are to survive liver cancer. It might even change the chances of getting liver cancer in the first place. Eating healthy and balanced meals, especially those rich in specific foods, might help lower the risk of liver cancer.
This article will talk about foods that might help reduce the risk of getting liver cancer and could help people who already have it live longer. It will also explain which foods might be better to eat during treatment.
Always talk to a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, especially when dealing with a serious illness like liver cancer. They can give advice that’s best suited to your specific health needs.
Food To Eat and Avoid Guidelines for Liver Cancer Patients
Liver cancer, especially a type called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the most common form of primary liver cancer in adults. It often develops after cirrhosis, which is a serious liver condition. Cirrhosis can make it hard for people to eat well and absorb the nutrients they need, and it also makes the body need more energy. Because of this, people with HCC are at risk of not getting enough nutrition, which can be very dangerous. Getting the right nutrition is important for managing this cancer.
Doctors may create a special nutrition plan based on a person’s needs. This plan might involve a thorough check-up, looking at the person’s medical history, lab results, and other factors related to the cancer. While healthcare professionals will usually give specific advice based on individual needs, there are some foods that are generally considered helpful for people with liver cancer. On the other hand, some foods might make symptoms worse or even increase the risk of liver cancer.
Foods to Include
Here are some foods that doctors might recommend for people with liver cancer:
Whole Grains: Eating whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat might help reduce the risk of liver cancer. A 2021 study found that people who ate the most whole grains had the lowest risk of liver cancer and lower death rates from it. This might be because whole grains are high in dietary fiber, which is good for the body.
Legumes: Legumes include beans, lentils, and chickpeas. These foods are also high in fiber and might protect against liver cancer. Research suggests that eating 8–40 grams of legumes daily could be beneficial.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Eating them regularly might help prevent different types of cancer. A 2023 study suggested that certain vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce, might help reduce the risk of liver cancer and lower the chances of dying from chronic liver disease. Another study from 2019 found that men who ate more vegetables had a 50% lower risk of liver cancer.
Fish: Eating fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, and sardines, might help protect against liver disease. These fish are rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), which could protect people with hepatitis B or C from developing liver cancer. Lean fish, shellfish, and other seafood might also help lower the risk of liver cancer.
Foods to Avoid
There are some foods that people might want to limit or avoid because they could increase the risk of liver cancer:
Aflatoxins: Aflatoxins are toxins that can increase the risk of liver cancer. They are found in foods like corn, rice, peanuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, wheat, and some dried foods and spices. These toxins come from fungal infections or contamination of crops before or after harvest. While aflatoxins are found in many foods around the world, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regularly tests food to ensure it is safe, and there haven’t been any known outbreaks of illness from aflatoxins in the United States.
Red Meat: Eating a lot of red meat, like beef and pork, might increase the risk of liver cancer. A 2017 study found that high consumption of red meat is linked to a higher risk of liver cancer and liver disease. A review in 2021 also found that eating a lot of red meat might increase the risk of death for those already living with liver cancer.
Processed Meat: Processed meats, like sausages, bacon, and deli meats, are considered Group 1 carcinogens, which means there is strong evidence that they can cause cancer in humans. These meats are high in iron and saturated fat, which are linked to cancer. Eating processed meat is also associated with a higher risk of developing conditions like diabetes and obesity, which are risk factors for liver cancer.
Before making any changes to your diet, especially when dealing with liver cancer or any serious illness, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice to ensure that your diet supports your health and treatment.
Simple and Healthy Eating Tips During Liver Cancer Treatment
When someone is getting treatment for liver cancer, they might have to go through chemotherapy or have surgery to remove part or all of the liver. Eating certain foods can help manage the symptoms that come with these treatments.
What to Eat During Chemotherapy
During chemotherapy, it’s really important to eat enough protein and calories. Chemotherapy can make people lose their appetite, and it can also cause other problems like mouth sores or diarrhea, which can make eating difficult. Because of this, it’s helpful to try new foods and add high-protein, high-calorie snacks to the diet. Some good options are:
- Chicken or Fish Salad with Crackers: These can provide protein and are easy to eat.
- Greek Yogurt: This is high in protein and can be a good snack.
- Nuts and Seeds: These are packed with healthy fats and protein.
- Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and can be prepared in different ways to keep meals interesting.
What to Eat After Surgery
After surgery, it’s important to eat well-balanced and healthy meals to help the body recover. Some foods are known to help lower the risk of death from chronic liver disease. These foods include:
- Lettuce: A leafy green that’s light and easy to digest.
- Sweet Potatoes: These are full of nutrients and can be comforting to eat.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are good for the liver.
- Legumes: Beans and lentils are high in fiber and protein.
- Carrots: These are easy to digest and full of vitamins.
After surgery, doctors often recommend avoiding alcohol, as it can make recovery harder and could cause more damage to the liver.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before changing your diet, especially during cancer treatment. They can give you the best advice for your specific situation, ensuring your diet helps you feel better and supports your recovery.
Also Read: Liver Cancer Treatment in India
Alternative Diets During Cancer Treatment
There are many popular diets that claim they can treat or even “cure” cancer, but it’s important to know that there is no scientific proof to support these claims. No diet can take the place of proper medical treatment from doctors.
Some of these diets include:
- Alkaline Diet: This diet focuses on eating foods that are thought to make the body less acidic.
- Gerson Therapy: This is a diet that includes drinking lots of juice, taking supplements, and doing other treatments, which some believe can cure cancer.
- Ketogenic Diet: This diet is high in fats and low in carbohydrates. Some people think it can help treat cancer by starving the cancer cells of sugar.
- Intermittent Fasting: This involves eating only during certain hours or fasting for certain days, with the idea that it might help with cancer.
It’s very important to talk to your doctor before trying any alternative diets, especially when dealing with something as serious as cancer. Only a healthcare professional can guide you on the best and safest way to support your health during treatment.
Conclusion
Taking care of your diet is very important when dealing with liver cancer. Eating the right foods can help your body heal and manage treatment better. While some diets claim to cure cancer, it’s crucial to remember that there is no substitute for professional medical care. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or trying new eating plans. They can guide you on the best way to support your health during this time, ensuring that your diet helps you feel stronger and better throughout your treatment.
Also Read: Liver Cancer Treatment Success Rate
