Diet for Liver Cancer Patients

Did You Know?

Having fermented soy products, such as tempeh, may contribute in reducing the size of cancerous tumors.

Fresh vegetables have the ability to restrict cancer cell growth. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, red cabbage, spinach, and beetroot are considered to be the top anticancer vegetables. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, that can also reduce the risk of various types of cancer. These vegetables are full of antioxidants, that are known as disease-preventing agents. They also protect the body from cancer-causing free radicals.

Fruits may also help in suppressing cancer growth. Some fruits display cancer fighting properties, and hence, their inclusion in a liver cancer diet is strongly recommended. Fruits like red and purple grapes, watermelon, grapefruit, kiwifruit, figs, papaya, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries can help to stop the spread of cancer. These fruits contain anticancer compounds that may contribute in retarding the growth of cancer.

While talking about herbs to combat liver cancer, one simply cannot forget ginger and garlic. Garlic displays anticancer activity that can substantially reduce blood circulation to cancerous tumors. Having fresh, chopped garlic is necessary to reap its benefits. Ginger too has anticancer properties, and can contribute to reduce tumor size. Having ginger powder, or organic ginger tea is the best way to incorporate its anticancer mechanism in your diet, and destroy cancer cells. Turmeric, better known for its spicy flavor, can also play a key role to slow down cancer growth. Curcumin, an important substance in turmeric, is found to be effective in killing cancer cells.

Patients who are comfortable eating meat can have fish (wild salmon), as it is a good source of high quality protein. Lean cuts of chicken is yet another source of healthy protein that one can have in moderation.

Whole grains contain carbohydrates, that provide energy for various body functions. Moreover, they are also a good source of dietary fiber, that can help regulate bowel movement. So, liver cancer patients should eat whole grain products, such as whole wheat bread and brown rice.

As decrease in appetite and nausea are common in the later stages of liver cancer, patients may not feel like having solid foods. Instead of only taking water, one can have fruit juices, as they are nutritious and can be digested easily. When chewing green vegetables is difficult, having green smoothies is certainly a healthy alternative. A glass of fresh orange or plum juice can make you feel better. Drinking pomegranate juice, that contains cancer-fighting nutrients, is also good for liver cancer patients. Chicken soup, fish soup, green tea, ginseng tea, and even lime juice have a high nutritional profile and help increase the appetite.

► For liver cancer patients, avoiding processed foods is as important as following a healthy diet. Research has shown that regular consumption of processed foods increase the risk of cancer development. So, be it processed meat (hot dogs, bacon, sausages) or other foodstuffs, such as pasta, cookies, and fast foods, they are simply unhealthy, and must be avoided. Red meat, including beef, pork, and lamb should also be discarded from a liver cancer diet.

► Alcohol also has no place in a liver cancer diet. Most of the alcohol consumed directly goes to the liver, where it is broken down. Considering that an unhealthy liver is unlikely to handle this additional task of processing alcohol, one should refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages.

► Frying is a strict no-no for liver cancer patients. Fried foods tend to spread the growth of cancer, and hence, need to be excluded from the diet. In order to ensure that the cooked food retains its nutritional value, one should prefer baking, grilling, roasting, or broiling.