Ayurvedic Diet for Cancer Patients: Foods to Include and Avoid

Cancer is a complex disease that has a far-reaching impact on not just your body, but on your mind as well. While undergoing cancer treatment, a supportive diet that is nutritious plays a vital role in quickening your rehab. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian holistic system of wellness, stresses massively on consuming a balanced diet for improved health in cancer patients. Ayurveda for cancer patients in India is astutely focused on incorporating diet changes that may help with their recovery in the long run. Consuming a diet that promotes good health in cancer patients is directly linked with an alleviation of symptoms in the patients. However, as a cancer patient, you must know what to include or exclude in your diet so that you get maximum benefits from your daily diet. This article will discuss the food items that cancer patients should include or exclude from their diet.

Foods to Include in an Ayurvedic Diet for Cancer Patients

1. Fresh, Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

• Reasons: A high concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals ensures that they neutralize free radicals, resulting in a reduction in the oxidative stress in the body of cancer patients. This leads to better overall health in people suffering from cancer.
• Recommended Choices:
  • Leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale): Good for detoxification and boosting immunity. Consuming them supports healthy digestion in the cancer patients.
  • Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower): They have compounds like sulforaphane that are helpful in cell repair.
  • Bright-colored fruits (e.g., pomegranates, berries): A high concentration of anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants helps repair damaged cells in the cancer patients.
  • Gourds (e.g., bottle gourd, ash gourd): Hydrating and very easily digestible.

2. Whole Grains

• Reasons: Great choice for sustained energy and easily digestible too.
• Recommended Choices:
  • Rice (preferably white basmati)
  • Quinoa
  • Barley

3. Legumes

• Reasons: With a high concentration of protein and fiber, they support tissue repair and promote good digestive health. They also help support normal muscle building in the cancer patients.
• Recommended Choices:
  • Mung beans (Green gram): Easy on the digestive system and highly nutritious.
  • Red lentils (Masoor dal): High in protein and easily digestible.

4. Spices and Herbs

• Reasons: Come with loads of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and help boost the immune system, delay the progression of the disease, and reduce oxidative stress in the cancer patients.
• Recommended Choices:
  • Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Ginger: Alleviates nausea.
  • Cumin, Coriander, and Fennel: Good for detoxification.
  • Tulsi (Holy Basil): Strengthens immunity and reduces stress.

5. Healthy Fats

• Reasons: Boosts brain health and encourages healthy cell repair.
• Recommended Choices:
  • Ghee (clarified butter): A high nutrient absorption rate.
  • Coconut oil: Easily digestible and contains anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Flaxseeds and chia seeds: High concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids.

6. Dairy

• Reasons: Rich source of calcium, however, dairy products must be consumed in moderation by cancer patients.
• Recommended Choices:
  • Warm milk with turmeric (Golden milk): Immune booster.
  • Fresh yogurt (preferably diluted as buttermilk): Promotes good gut health.

7. Hydration

• Reasons: Remaining well-hydrated is necessary for effective flush-out of toxins.
• Recommended Choices:
  • Warm water with lemon or ginger.
  • Herbal teas (e.g., tulsi, chamomile).
  • Coconut water: Rich in electroytes.

Foods to Avoid for Cancer Patients

1. Processed and Refined Foods

• Reasons: High amounts of preservatives, additives, and unhealthy fats result in high inflammation in cancer patients. Processed foods have a high concentration of salt as well, as sodium is used for preservation.
• Examples:
  • Packaged snacks.
  • Sugary cereals.
  • White bread and pasta.

2. Excessive Sugar

• Reasons: High sugar intake results in insulin resistance and high blood sugar.
• Examples:
  • Sweets and desserts.
  • Sugary beverages like sodas and energy drinks.

3. Heavy and Oily Foods

• Reasons: Negative for the digestive system in cancer patients.
• Examples:
  • Fried foods.
  • Full-fat cheese and cream-based sauces.

4. Red and Processed Meats

• Reasons: May increase cancer risk and also linked with inflammation in cancer patients.
• Examples:
  • Bacon, sausages, and cured meats.

5. Cold and Raw Foods

• Reasons: Particularly bad for the digestive system.
• Examples:
  • Raw salads.
  • Ice-cold beverages.

6. Alcohol and Caffeine

• Reasons: Bad for liver and overall health, may compromise immunity in the cancer patients.
• Examples:
  • Coffee.
  • Beer and spirits.

Personalization and Moderation

Each cancer patient is unique and making sweeping diet changes can be dangerous. Additionally, not consulting with your healthcare provider before may also prove an unwise choice. Cancer patients should consult a certified Ayurvedic practitioner for dietary recommendations that are tailored to their specific cancer type, symptoms, etc.

Conclusion

Keeping a check on what you eat assumes importance as a cancer patient. Consuming a well-balanced diet, while staying away from unhealthy food choices should be your go-to plan as a cancer patient. An Ayurvedic nutrient-dense diet dominated by easily digestible foods should be your regular diet. Completely stay away from processed foods, and heavy and stale meals. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for the best diet suited to your unique medical needs.