PT Health Life – Some kidney cancer treatment methods often affect the patient’s ability to eat and digest. Therefore, patients need to have a healthy, nutritious diet to reduce fatigue and maintain health.
1. The importance of diet for people with kidney cancer
kidney cancer is common in Vietnam. Patients need to be detected early and treated promptly. In addition to medical treatment, diet also needs special attention.
Although diet does not have the effect of treating disease, it plays an important role in helping restore, improve health, and fight disease.
patients need to eat enough foods from the groups of protein, flour, fat, vitamins, and minerals. However, for each disease a separate diet will be applied.
According to medical experts, kidney cancer is a malignant lesion of the kidney, accounting for about 3% of adult cancers. The disease is more common in men than women. Some risk factors for the disease have been shown to include: smoking, exposure to asbestos and tanning industry chemicals, polycystic kidneys…
Kidney cancer, if left undiagnosed, can affect the whole body. Possible complications include: Weight loss, excessive hematuria, ruptured kidney tumor causing acute bleeding… Therefore, when there are doubts, the patient needs to go to a medical facility for diagnosis and treatment. early treatment. If treated at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is about 60-80%.
Some kidney cancer treatments, especially systemic treatments, can lead to nausea or gastrointestinal problems. These side effects affect the patient’s ability to eat and absorb nutrients.
Kidney cancer patients often have problems eating due to side effects of treatment such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, making it difficult for them to chew, swallow, and absorb food. Therefore, a complete and balanced diet is very important, helping to reduce fatigue, maintain health, strengthen the immune system , and improve the patient’s mood and spirit.
A suitable diet can also help people with kidney cancer respond better to treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Some foods can help enhance treatment effectiveness and reduce the risk of disease recurrence, such as foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, which help protect the body and reduce the harmful effects of chemotherapy. .
Some foods can help alleviate symptoms of kidney cancer such as nausea, vomiting, constipation … For example, ginger, mint, chamomile can help reduce nausea; Green vegetables and fruits can help relieve constipation.
Patients should eat many small meals throughout the day. Choose foods that are soft, easy to chew, and easy to swallow. Divide food into small portions. Limit spicy, greasy foods, fast foods, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol… Avoid eating foods that are too hot or too cold.
2. Essential nutrients for the body of kidney cancer patients
2.1 Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
Consuming fruits and vegetables is an important part of a healthy diet, especially for people with kidney cancer. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and they also have anti-inflammatory properties . All these properties help strengthen immune function and facilitate the treatment process.
Some fruits and vegetables that should be included in the diet of people with kidney cancer are: green leafy vegetables, berries, grapefruit, mango, carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers…
2.2 Fiber
In addition to vegetables and fruits, whole grains such as oats , brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat, and whole grain bread should be added to the diet of people with kidney cancer to get fiber, vitamins, and minerals. mineral. They help improve digestive function, reduce constipation, and strengthen the body’s immunity.
2.3 Lean protein
Protein is essential for tissue repair and immune function, but lean sources of protein must be chosen to reduce the burden on the kidneys. Foods rich in lean protein that are good for people with kidney cancer include: fish, chicken, tofu, and beans.
2.4 Healthy fats
Adding healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, nuts helps balance nutrition and reduce inflammation.
2.5 Provide enough water
Staying hydrated is important for people with kidney cancer, as it can help eliminate toxins, reducing the risk of dehydration. Patients should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, other drinks such as herbal tea, and low-sugar fruit juice.
2.6 Foods low in sodium
Excess sodium is harmful to people being treated for kidney cancer because it can increase blood pressure and fluid retention. Choose low-sodium foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Be careful to avoid processed foods, canned foods, salty foods, and junk foods.
3. Some foods need to be limited when you have kidney cancer
3.1 Red meat and processed meat
Red meat and processed meat are high in saturated fat and increase the risk of kidney cancer. Patients should limit or avoid red meat and processed meat such as beef, sausage, sausage, cold meat, etc.
3.2 Foods rich in phosphorus
Phosphorus is an essential mineral but people with kidney cancer should limit it because the kidneys may have difficulty processing it. Foods rich in phosphorus include dairy products, processed foods, baked goods, and soft drinks.
3.3 Foods rich in potassium
People with kidney cancer may need to limit their intake of foods high in potassium, because the kidneys have difficulty excreting potassium due to decreased kidney function. Foods rich in potassium include: bananas, oranges, tomatoes, spinach and potatoes.
3.4 Sugary foods and drinks
Sugary foods and drinks are not good for people with kidney cancer because they can contribute to weight gain, increasing the risk of diabetes. Patients should limit foods and drinks high in sugar such as candy, soda, soft drinks, desserts…
3.5 Alcohol
Alcohol is harmful to people with kidney cancer because it increases the risk of dehydration and interferes with the metabolism of some drugs. Patients should avoid or minimize alcohol consumption, especially during cancer treatment.
