Published Jan 16, 2020
Treatment options for lung cancer can vary, but they usually comprise some combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery to remove cancerous tissue and nearby healthy tissue. The effectiveness of these treatment options varies based on the severity and spread of lung cancer, as well as your own personal health needs. And for those who seek holistic treatment for lung cancer, these conventional cures won’t help.
While diet alone won’t be the key to healing lung cancer naturally, the foods you eat affect your health and can reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the effectiveness of your treatment. Look at some foods that help fight lung cancer and are good for lung cancer prevention too.
Cancer-Fighting Foods for Lung Cancer
1. Green Tea
Green tea features a rich blend of plant-based compounds known as polyphenols that present antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Other compounds, like theaflavin and EGCG, were found to improve the effects of cisplatin, a common drug used in chemotherapy for lung cancer. Green tea is also known to calm the mind and relax the body. However, be aware that green tea contains caffeine, which could prevent you from getting a good night’s rest.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is best known for helping with calcium absorption and supporting healthy bones. Aside from its typical health benefits, it may also protect against forms of cancer. Research has found that patients who received surgery for their lung cancer and had high levels of vitamin D intake showed a five-year survival rate of 56 percent. By comparison, those with low vitamin D intake had a survival rate of 23 percent. This suggests that vitamin D may help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Your body naturally produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to direct sunlight. On cloudy days or when that’s otherwise not possible, vitamin D can be found in milk, eggs, and seafood. Many foods, including cereal and orange juice, are also fortified with vitamin D.
3. Ginger
Ginger is a common home remedy for nausea and digestive issues, but it may also help to fight lung cancer. Ginger contains a compound known as 6-shogaol that may work to inhibit certain signaling pathways used by cancerous cells to grow and spread. This suggests that the compound may help to prevent lung cancer metastases.
4. Turmeric
The main active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which provides the spice with its distinct yellow color. Curcumin has been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, along with immune-boosting potential, but it may also be one of the best lung cancer-fighting foods. Research suggests that curcumin may help to inhibit lung cancer cells’ invasive properties and encourage cell death in cancer cells, making this holistic approach of curcumin IV therapy increasingly popular for cancer treatment. Curcumin may also help to make tumors more susceptible to certain forms of treatment.
However, it should be noted that curcumin does not have the best bioavailability, meaning that it is not absorbed into the blood well. Curcumin may have better absorption when consumed in the form of curry or used in combination with black pepper.
5. Cruciferous Vegetables
Referring to members of the cabbage family, including kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, cruciferous vegetables have been studied for their anti-cancer potential. Studies suggest that cruciferous may be loosely associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer. These vegetables are naturally high in dietary fiber to promote dietary health and contain a rich mix of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that may help to support all aspects of your health. Incorporating these vegetables into your cancer-fighting diet will be a huge step in your attempt to aid your cancer naturally.
6. Red Wine
The key ingredient in red wine is the compound resveratrol, which is also found in grape skins. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that makes cancerous cells more sensitive to treatments. Studies also show that resveratrol may inhibit the spread of cancer cells and induce cell death in cancer cells, both of which may come as a result of resveratrol’s ability to inhibit the cell signaling pathways involved.
7. Berries
Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that can help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Their high content of vitamin C and flavonoids makes them powerful lung cancer-fighting foods and aids in lung cancer prevention.
8. Whole Grains
Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats are high in fiber, which can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce cancer risk. They also contain various nutrients and antioxidants that support overall health.
9. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds, including almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, are packed with healthy fats, proteins, and minerals. These nutrients can help boost the immune system and fight inflammation, making them excellent foods that fight lung cancer.
10. Garlic and Onions
These vegetables are known for their strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to compounds like allicin in garlic and quercetin in onions. They have been linked to a lower risk of several cancers, including lung cancer, making them essential foods that prevent lung cancer.
Foods to Avoid with Lung Cancer
It’s also crucial to be aware of foods that may not be beneficial for lung cancer patients. Processed meats, sugary snacks and beverages, and high-fat dairy products can contribute to inflammation and may hinder the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Reducing or eliminating these foods from your diet can help make your body stronger and more capable of fighting cancer.
Making Healthy Choices Throughout Cancer Treatment
Adopting a healthy diet is vital during cancer treatment. Staying hydrated, limiting processed foods, and eating small, frequent meals can help manage treatment side effects and maintain your strength. Remember, making healthy choices can significantly impact your well-being and recovery.
By incorporating these lung cancer-fighting foods into your diet and being mindful of foods to avoid, you can support your body’s natural defenses and contribute to a holistic approach to cancer treatment. Fighting lung cancer naturally involves making informed dietary choices that support your health and treatment plan. At Immunity Therapy Center, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and options for diseases we treat, including lung cancer, through alternative therapies tailored to each individual’s needs.
Natural Treatment Route for Lung Cancer
While food is not by any means the only way to fight any type of lung cancer, eating the right foods and incorporating a cancer-fighting diet may give you a leg up in treatments and potentially minimize the risk of cancer spreading. Taking any natural approach to fighting your cancer is something we stand for. Our holistic cancer treatment center believes in putting the power back in your hands and tailoring your treatment. After all, no two cancers are the same, so your treatment plan should be unique to you. If you are starting to notice the early signs of lung cancer and want to pursue a holistic approach to fighting cancer, check out our alternative lung cancer treatment options today.
Written By: Dr. Pablo Orozco
Dr. Pablo Orozco is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Orozco has been a treating physician at the Immunity Therapy Center for more than 3 years providing daily on site patient care. He works with patients on a daily basis and guides them through the treatment process. Dr. Orozco’s passion for Alternative Cancer Treatments along with his commitment to patient care is key to insure that our patients have the best experience and results possible.
Sources:
- Very Well Health. Lung Cancer Fighting Foods. https://www.verywellhealth.com/lung-cancer-fighting-foods-2249268
- WebMD. Top Cancer Fighting Foods. https://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/top-cancer-fighting-foods
- NIH. Cruciferous vegetable consumption and lung cancer risk: a systematic review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2735794/
- NIH. Effects of Resveratrol against Lung Cancer: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707703/
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.