DAILY FOOD MENU FOR LUNG CANCER

Malnutrition is one of the major causes of all cancer deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute. Therefore, proper nutrition is an integral part of the cancer treatment process. Adequate calories and other nutrients will help you to stay strong during treatment and speed-up your recovery after, maintain body weight and muscle mass, reduce side effects of treatment, improve sense of well-being and prolong life.

GOALS OF NUTRITION THERAPY

Malnutrition in people with lung cancer is common and results from the cancer itself as well as cancer therapies. Significant rapid weight loss and muscle wasting is associated with poor response to any type of treatment, whether it is surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and may lead to shorter overall survival. This is why the main goal of nutrition therapy is to prevent weight and muscle mass loss. In addition, good nutrition may help to reduce treatment-associated nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, strengthen immunity and improve quality of life. The daily diet for people with lung cancer should include adequate calories to maintain weight, sufficient protein for muscle mass and healing, complex carbohydrates for energy, healthy fats for proper cellular function, and plenty of fruits and vegetables to support immune function and detoxification of the body.

PROTEIN

The most important nutrient for people with lung cancer is protein. Besides muscle wasting prevention, protein is also essential for proper immune function. If you have lung cancer, make sure to eat some protein with every meal and snack. Good sources of protein include fish and seafood, poultry, lean cuts of meat, eggs, low-fat dairy products, beans and nuts. Choose fish, beans and nuts more often. In addition to protein, these foods have extra health benefits. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that can help people undergoing chemotherapy maintain weight and also decrease side effects of the treatment. Moreover, fish is a good source of vitamin D, zinc and selenium that have antioxidant and cancer-fighting abilities. Beans are a good source of fiber, while nuts supply healthy fats and antioxidants. Of note: Do not chose low-fat products if you have poor appetite and are losing weight; in this case, select full-fat food options for added calories.

COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES

Complex carbohydrates will provide your body with energy as well as certain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Eat whole grains and cereals instead of refined ones. Examples of whole grains are whole wheat and whole rye breads, brown rice, whole wheat pasta and barley. You will need six to 11 servings of these foods daily depending on your weight status and daily activity level.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Fruits and vegetables are a crucial part of a diet for people with lung cancer. Besides essential vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables contain numerous antioxidants and cancer-fighting phytochemicals that can help to detoxify the body, strengthen immunity and improve general well-being. Eat a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. It is important to include a variety of them into an everyday diet, since different fruits and vegetables contain different nutrients and phytochemicals that can be beneficial for people with lung cancer. If your immune system is compromised due to cancer treatment and you have developed condition called neutropenia, avoid fresh and dried fruits and vegetables until your immunity has returned to normal. Meanwhile, use cooked or canned options.