Nutrition can be an important factor in your liver cancer journey, your diet is adjusted to meet your body’s needs. If you eat a healthy diet, your liver will thank you and your liver is able to function properly. Consuming a healthy, balanced diet before, during and after your treatment can help you feel better, maintain your strength and promote your recovery.
Here are some general food tips for a healthy or healthier liver:
Go organic
Because the liver is responsible for detoxification, a liver cancer patient should avoid processed foods and foods that have lots of chemicals. Choose natural and organically grown foods if your body don’t want to process pesticides and stay away from highly processed foods, such as bacon, hot dogs, and bologna. Even pasta is processed, so you might want to avoid it, too.
Think small
Plan to consume six to eight smaller meals a day, instead of three large ones. Eat them in two- to three-hour intervals. This strategy will help ensure that your body receives a sufficient influx of nutrients, proteins and calories. At the same time, it can help reduce your risk of experiencing side effects related to your liver cancer treatment, such as nausea.
Go lean
Avoid fatty meats, such as beef, lamb, and pork, and go for lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts and soy, which can boost your immune system and promote healing. And be careful how you prepare these foods; it is much more healthy to broil, poach, or bake, instead of charbroiling or frying.
Whole grains
Whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread, brown rice and whole grain pasta, which are good sources of carbohydrates and fiber that can increase your energy level.
Avoid alcohol
Depending on the state of your liver, you should avoid alcohol. If you’re allowed alcohol by your doctor, limit it to no more than one drink a day if you’re a woman and two drinks a day if you’re a man.
Fruits and vegetables
Colorful fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants that can help your body fight cancer, so fill your plates with lots of fruits and vegetables. Vegetables and fruits are rich in nutrients, which help to over all health and boost up your immunity.
Stay hydrated
Our body is made up of 60% of water. Drink Plenty of water and other fluids to keep your body well hydrated, which is essential during liver cancer treatment and helps your liver to function better.
Healthy fat
Healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil, which can help your body absorb essential nutrients and antioxidants.
Additionally, it is important to limit your intake of sweets. Desserts, candies and other foods that contain added sugars provide minimal nutritional benefits and may take the place of other foods that are better for you.
