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.