8 Top Foods to Avoid for Lung Cancer

8 Top Foods to Avoid for Lung Cancer

Shortness of breath is one of lung cancer’s first symptoms and complications. It also leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs, preventing them from expanding when inhaling. Chest pain, bloody cough, and the chances of cancer spreading from the lungs to other parts of the body are some of the potential complications. Treatments aim to reduce symptoms’ intensity and improve the quality of life and life expectancy for those affected by lung cancer.

Role of food in managing lung cancer
Good nutrition should be the fundamental and underlying factor while preparing meals for a patient who has either been diagnosed with lung cancer or is undergoing treatment. What you eat can directly impact how your body fights cancer and responds to treatment. Oral and intravenous prescription treatments, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy are normal treatments for any cancer, including lung cancer. Food can influence the speed with which the cancer cells spread, the efficacy of treatments, and prevent the chances of recurrence. For example, a sugar-rich meal can influence cancer cell growth. An ideal cancer meal should contain the following:

    • Essential vitamins
    • Folate
    • Selenium
    • Phytonutrients
    • Antioxidants
  • Dietary fiber

Similarly, many foods are detrimental to people with lung cancer. These foods can worsen lung cancer symptoms, wheezing, chest pain, exhaustion, sudden weight loss, and bloody cough.

Eight foods that can worsen lung cancer and treatment
Cancer and treatment can cause mouth ulcers, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue, and the patients are at risk of frequent infection because of a weak immune system. The following uncooked or raw food has to be avoided for many weeks after treatment:

Processed meat
Some data link that high consumption of red meat has a higher risk of cancer. They contain high amounts of nitrates, nitrites, and preservatives, which can increase inflammation and worsen cancer symptoms. Avoid the following types of processed meat:

    • Ham
    • Sausages
    • Hot dogs
    • Deli meats
    • Corned beef
    • Bacon
    • Pepperoni
  • Bologna

Raw and uncooked food
Raw and uncooked food can contain viruses and bacteria, leading to food poisoning. Cancer and the corresponding treatment lead to a weakened immune system for a few weeks. Any infection or food poisoning can lead to severe complications. Avoid the following raw or unpasteurized food:

    • Unpasteurized milk and milk products
    • Salads with uncooked and raw vegetables or sprouts
    • Smoothies made with raw spinach
    • Undercooked meat
    • Raw or undercooked shellfish
    • Sushi,
    • Sashimi
    • Soft-boiled or poached eggs
  • Foods made with raw eggs

Greasy foods
Greasy food can cause indigestion and bloating and add more pressure on the lungs causing shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. It can also trigger nausea and diarrhea. Avoid greasy food like french fries, chips, doughnuts, and cheesy burgers.

Sugary foods
Though sugar may not entirely cause lung cancer, too much sugar can help in the faster growth of cancer cells and help the cells survive. It can also increase blood sugar levels, resulting in fatigue and tiredness and putting you at risk of frequent infections post-treatment.

Smoked food
Meat in high temperatures gives rise to hydrocarbons and other potential carcinogens. Frequent consumption of smoked food increases the risk of cancer. Smoked food can also cause gas, bloating, and cough, putting additional pressure on the lungs.

Acidic Food
Avoid acidic food and beverages like orange juice, lemonade, grapefruit, and tomatoes, as they can cause bloating and gas. It can worsen symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You may feel full quickly, lose appetite, eat less than usual, and your body may not receive the required nutrition.

Spicy food
Capsicin is generally considered suitable for lung cancer as it has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can arrest lung cancer spreading to other parts of the body. However, eating spicy food during treatment can trigger side effects like diarrhea. Mouth ulcers are another common side effect of lung cancer treatment. Spicy food can further irritate mouth ulcers, avoid chili, jalapenos, spicy sauces, and condiments, and use herbs to flavor food.

Fried foods
When fried and cooked at high temperatures, it releases acrylamide, a potential carcinogen. If you eat lots of fried food, it not only increases the risk of cancer. If a person has been diagnosed with lung cancer, fried food can increase inflammation and hasten the growth of cancer cells. If you are recovering from cancer treatment, avoid fried foods, which have zero nutritional value and may aggravate side effects like nausea and cough. Though you may have a craving for potato chips or french fries, you should wait until your doctor allows you to include a broader range of food.

Tips for managing lung cancer
It is now common knowledge that lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While food alone cannot cure lung cancer, it can go a long way in managing lung cancer symptoms and helping those recovering from the treatment’s side effects. The following tips can help you manage lung cancer side effects and symptoms:

    • Mix food from varied groups to ensure a balanced diet containing vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and carbs.
    • Avoid supplements and plan your menu to supply your required daily dietary requirement.
    • Instead of leading three large meals, eat smaller meals.
    • Remember to drink about six to eight cups of water and keep yourself hydrated to compensate for the loss of fluids caused by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
    • Wash fruits and vegetables well to ensure there is no scope for food poisoning or infection.
    • Eat regularly without skipping meals to maintain your ideal weight.
    • If you are losing weight, gradually increase the amount of calorie-rich food.
    • Eat soft foods and avoid rough textured foods right after chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
    • Do not eat snacks before bedtime.
  • Wait about half an hour after a meal before you lie down to prevent acid reflux.
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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

Kidneys help filter waste from the blood and dispose of it off the body via urine. They also help balance the electrolyte and fluid levels in the body. But, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may intervene with their ability to work as required. Furthermore, damage to the kidney might also result in chronic kidney disease. Hence making changes in your meal plan is a vital aspect of treatment. You can prevent damage to these organs by following a kidney-healthy meal plan. Below, we will address some foods to eat and avoid for better kidney health. Foods to eat Cauliflower Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It's an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B, K, and C. It's rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, a fiber source. In addition, you can use mashed cauliflower as a replacement for potatoes. For example, a cup of cooked cauliflower has 40 mg of phosphorous, 176 mg of potassium, and 19 mg of sodium. Sweet potatoes They are relatively similar to white potatoes but have more fiber content, resulting in them breaking down more gradually. Hence, you will experience a less spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium that help balance the sodium levels in the body and lower their impact on the kidneys. But, since sweet potatoes have a high potassium content, people on dialysis or those with CKD should curtail the intake of this vegetable. Red bell peppers They are rich in flavor and low in potassium, but that is not the sole reason they are considered a hit among people with kidney disease. Red bell peppers have Vitamin C and A sources and are also high in fiber, folic acid, and B6 vitamin content. In addition, red bell peppers are also suitable because they have lycopene, an antioxidant that shields against some cancers. You can eat them raw with a dip, mix them into your salad, or enjoy them as an appetizer. Some people also like roasting bell peppers and using them as a topping for lettuce salads or sandwiches. Olive oil It contains healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since it is monosaturated fat, it stays stable even at higher temperatures as you cook. Thus, switching to extra virgin olive oil can give you more antioxidants while you still enjoy your favorite dish. Green vegetables Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and cabbage are hydrating, low in calories, and have high antioxidant and vitamin content. If you wish to be cautious about your mineral levels, you must opt for cabbage and arugula, which are nutrient-rich and lower in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. In addition, kale and spinach have a high potassium content, which is ok for people seeking to improve their kidney health, but best for those already dealing with chronic kidney disease. Blueberries They are called superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and are a low-calorie Vitamin-C and fiber source. You can stock them in abundance from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also shop for frozen berries in the off-season and enjoy healthy smoothies. People with kidney diseases can also eat other berries like raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Apples Apples are low in potassium and rich in fiber when you eat them with peel. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are ideal for your kidneys. Foods to avoid Soda Soda has zero nutritional benefits and instead has high sugar content. It only adds to the extra calories. Some studies link high soda consumption to conditions like kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. If you opt for their lower calorie alternative like coke zero, even that will do you no good, as it has no nutritional value and contains artificial sweeteners and additives. Hence, you must omit soda and opt for healthy beverages like water. If you do not enjoy plain water, add a slice or two of fresh fruit for added flavor. Avocados Avocadoes are known for their many nutritious qualities. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Even though consuming avocado is often considered healthy, people with kidney disease must avoid it as avocados have a high potassium content. An average-sized avocado has about 690 mg of potassium. If you love the taste and do not want to eliminate it, you can reduce the portion size to only 1/4th of the avocado. In addition, it will lower potassium intake.  Salty foods Sodium or salt is one of the most prevalent inclusions in foods you consume daily. However, their density is higher in processed foods. Salt results in water retention and may cause blood pressure, lung, and heart disease. Healthy kidneys work towards maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. So, if your kidneys do not function as desired, the fluid balance may be disturbed. Hence, you must curtail sodium-rich foods like processed foods, packaged items, and soy sauce. When cooking meals at home, opt for low-sodium alternatives. You can replace salt with spices and herbs and keep the salt shaker off the table. Dairy Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and milk are rich in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients. They also contain potassium and phosphorous. People with stage three kidney disease might want to curtail their potassium, phosphorous, and protein intake, which is high in dairy. So, you can instead reach out for dairy alternatives like rice, soy, or almond milk as they have lower potassium, phosphorous, and protein content than cow’s milk. Bananas Though naturally low in sodium, bananas' potassium content is significantly high. So, to ensure your kidney disease does not aggravate, monitor your potassium intake, and it might be challenging if the banana is your staple. Conclusion Whatever you eat or drink will affect your health regardless of any health issue. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced meal plan are prerequisites to staying fit and controlling blood sugar levels. A kidney-healthy meal plan is less about eliminating certain foods but following portion control and finding a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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10 Common Early Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological condition affecting around one million individuals nationwide. Studies suggest a hybrid of environmental and genetic factors is responsible for the condition. Though there is no cure, a combination of therapies can help improve the quality of life for patients with the condition. Understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of the disease can be helpful for an early diagnosis and better management of the condition. Tremor Rhythmic shaking or tremor typically starts in the limb, usually your fingers or hands. You may rub your forefinger and thumb back and forth. It is called the pill-rolling tremor. In people with Parkinson’s disease, the hands tremble while at rest. The shaking usually reduces while performing tasks. However, not everyone experiencing shaking may have Parkinson’s. In some cases, shaking might be routine, especially during stress, after workouts, or after injury. At times, shaking may also be an outcome of ongoing prescription treatments. Small handwriting A sudden change in your handwriting size might also be an early warning sign of Parkison’s disease symptoms. People with Parkinson’s cannot monitor their movements because of neurological changes. It can make motor skills, such as writing, more challenging.  The condition is known as Micrographia. Patients with Parkinson’s disease usually have handwriting that appears cramped. Individual letters look smaller than usual, and words are spaced closely. Somebody with the condition may start writing a letter in regular handwriting but gradually switch to a smaller font. Difficulty walking Subtle changes in an individual’s gait are also early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s disease might walk at a slow pace or drag their feet while walking. This condition is widely known as shuffling gait. People usually walk at an irregular pace. It shifts from walking slower to faster or changing their stride length. Bradykinesia The Greek term for ‘slow movement,’ bradykinesia is also a prevalent Parkinson’s symptom and is typically associated with movement disorders. Beyond the general slowness in movement, bradykinesia manifests as mask-like or reduced facial expression (also called facial masking or hypomimia), issues with fine motor coordination (such as facing challenges while buttoning the shirt), and a decreased blink rate in the eyes. Furthermore, facing trouble turning over is also an indicator of bradykinesia. Restless sleeping Sleepwalking, talking in sleep, or acting out of your dreams are all signs of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder. These can also be warning signs of Parkinson’s disease. A healthy individual sleeps as if in a paralyzed state, but for people with Parkinson’s disease, the brain mechanism that oversees this sleep phase is usually defective. Certain studies indicate that around 33% of people with REM sleep conditions develop a neurodegenerative disorder like Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s after five years. One common sign associated with this health issue is falling off the bed. If you sleep or live with someone else, they will likely hear or see you acting out of your dreams. Sometimes people jump off their bed suddenly or punch or kick in their sleep. Those living alone might wake up yelling or with twisted sheets. Feeling extreme sadness Feeling extreme sadness is also a typical Parkinson’s disease symptom. The physical changes arising from Parkinson’s disease and the stress of dealing with a chronic illness often make one emotionally down. Extreme sadness usually makes it hard to cope with everyday life and results in feelings of hopelessness. Muscle stiffness As we move, we naturally swing our arms. But people with Parkinson’s disease lose their automatic motions. It stems from the stiffness in the legs, shoulders, and arms. Movements start feeling rigid and are often hard to complete. Muscle stiffness may be a sign of other conditions, but it does not go away if it is caused by PD. Voice changes Parkinson’s disease can affect your movement in multiple ways, especially how you speak. For example, you might know of slurred speech, a common symptom in patients with advanced PD. But in the early stages, too, PD might lead to some less dramatic voice changes. However, your pronunciation continues to be crystal clear in the early stages, but you may unintentionally start speaking more quietly. Typically, people with PD have a hoarse voice and talk in low tones or with slight inflection. Posture The uncontrolled, wide, involuntary Parkinson’s disease movements do not happen overnight. Hence, you will notice your posture changing slightly initially. However, it will worsen gradually. You will mostly see it as stooped, slouching, or leaning posture, an early PD sign. It is because of the loss of balance and coordination affecting the body. Injuries to the back also result in stooping, but if this is the trigger factor, it will eventually straighten up after the healing period. However, people with Parkinson’s disease might be permanently unable to regain that skill. Loss of smell Also known as hyposmia, loss of smell is an olfactory dysfunction and affects almost 70-90% of people with PD. It may begin many years before you get diagnosed with PD, or the disease affects your movements. People with hyposmia from PD experience symptoms like the inability to tell the difference between odors, reduced olfactory perception, inability to detect smells, and difficulties in recognizing odors. Doctors employ smell identification tests for hyposmia diagnosis, but the test accuracy widely varies. But hyposmia might not always mean you have PD, as loss of smell may be brought on by various other health issues. The warning signs and symptoms mentioned above necessitate intervention by a healthcare professional. If left untreated, Parkinson’s disease can worsen and lead to deterioration of all brain functions. Treatments for this condition aim to improve mobility and function, maintain the overall quality of life, reduce symptoms like tremors, and improve gait, posture, balance, and motor skills.

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