Getting diagnosed with lung cancer can be hard to come to terms with. The treatment plan that follows can take a toll on the body; fortunately, eating certain foods can help alleviate the side effects of the treatments. As with foods that can help patients get better and give their bodies essential nutrients, they are foods that patients should avoid. This article lists certain foods that lung cancer patients should avoid:

1. Processed meats like bacon
Processed meats like bacon, sausages, and lunch meats usually have extra nitrates and chemicals to keep them fresh. These things can be harmful during lung cancer treatment, as they might cause swelling and possibly stop the body from getting better.

2. High-fat dairy products like whole milk
Dairy is a great source of calcium and vitamin D, but products like whole milk with lots of fat can be tough on the body, especially for those undergoing treatment for lung cancer. These foods can cause inflammation and trigger mucus production.

3. Desserts like cakes
Eating too much sugar is usually not advised during cancer treatment because it might affect the immune system and cause inflammation. Also, sweet snacks and treats can lead to the intake of excess empty calories.

4. Salty foods like chips
Foods with lots of salt like chips can make the body retain extra water, thus raising blood pressure. This adds extra problems for people with lung cancer.

5. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli
One often hears that vegetables are good to eat because they are filled with fiber. However, some people with lung cancer should not eat too many vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables can cause bloating and gas issues, further exacerbating digestive issues caused by cancer treatments.

6. Caffeine
Drinking too much caffeine can cause diuretic effects, which means one might lose water. Some cancer treatments can already cause patients to get dehydrated. That’s why tracking how much caffeine the patient drinks is vital.

7. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can mess with some medicines and hurt liver function. This is a problem for people who are getting cancer treatment. It’s a good idea to reduce or completely stop drinking alcohol.

8. Spicy foods like salsa
For some people getting treated for lung cancer, spicy foods like salsa, kimchi, and curries might hurt their stomachs or make digestion problems worse. Keeping the gut healthy is vital to helping the body absorb nutrients well.

9. Undercooked or raw seafood and eggs
People who are getting cancer treatment have weakened immune systems. This can make them more likely to get sick from foods that are uncooked. It’s smart to avoid raw or undercooked seafood and eggs. Well-cooked food decreases the chance of bacterial contamination that can make people sick.

10. Fried and greasy foods
Oily foods can be hard for the system to digest. They might make the patients sick, which is a common problem caused by treatments given to people with cancer. Picking ways to make baked or grilled food can be easier to digest.

Consulting a nutritionist or a doctor is essential when making a meal plan for cancer patients. Incorporating nourishing foods that are good for the gut can help patients deal with the side effects of chemical treatments. Each kind of cancer is unique and needs a different approach to fight it off. While certain foods might help bolster the immune system, the same foods can aggravate symptoms, depending on the condition one has.