Our kidneys play a crucial role by filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood to keep us healthy. Here, diet management can significantly impact kidney health.
Maintaining diet and lifestyle changes is more crucial for those diagnosed with kidney cancer. While being diagnosed with kidney cancer or renal cancer is overwhelming, there is still a lot of hope with kidney cancer treatment and managing symptoms.
Whether you or someone you know is undergoing treatment under an expert kidney surgeon in Delhi or in the recovery process, it’s important to adopt a healthy lifestyle and well-planned diet to improve your health condition and the quality of your life.
Let’s explore how lifestyle adjustments and diet management can make a pivotal difference for kidney cancer patients.
Why Diet Matters for Kidney Cancer Treatment
Since kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and surplus substances from the blood, cancer spread through the kidneys massively affects the system. Now, diet and lifestyle management have become crucial to
- Support immune activities
- Safeguard remaining kidney function
- Maintain muscle mass and strength
- Enhance treatment efficacy
- Minimize the side effects of cancer treatment
- Improve the quality of life
Depending on the stage of kidney cancer diagnosis and the overall health conditions of the patient, a urologist decides the right treatment approach between robotic surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy.
In recent years, robotic surgery performed by a highly skilled robotic urologist surgeon in Delhi, like Dr Rajesh Taneja has successfully achieved positive outcomes among kidney cancer patients.
However, along with the right treatment plan, maintaining a balanced diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle can have a significant impact on a kidney cancer patient’s well-being.
Dietary Adjustments
Foods to Include for Kidney Cancer Management
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals can boost immunity. Include the following fruits and vegetables, which are known for their cancer-fighting properties –
· Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, spinach, kale and lettuce considered great sources of vitamins A, C and K
· Berries: Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation
WHOLE GRAINS
Whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice and oats are high in fibre, which helps digestion. Include whole grains in the diet that contain phytochemicals to defend cells from damage.
LEAN PROTEIN
A kidney cancer patient should take adequate protein to maintain muscle mass and strength. Some great sources of lean protein are –
· Poultry: Skinless chicken and turkey
· Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, etc, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
· Legumes: Lentils, beans and chickpeas, high in fibre and plant-based proteins
HEALTHY FATS
Some sources of healthy fats are –
· Olive oil
· Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and various essential nutrients
Foods to Avoid for Kidney Cancer Management
RED MEATS AND PROCESSED FOOD
Excessive consumption of processed meats is often linked to a higher risk of kidney cancer. Red meat consumption should be limited.
· Red Meats: Mutton, beef, and pork
· Processed Meats: Bacon, sausages, salami, ham and deli meats
SUGARY FOODS AND BEVERAGES
Limit the consumption of excessive sugar as it can heighten the risk of kidney cancer. Things to avoid –
· Sugary Drinks: Energy drinks, sodas and juices with added sugar
· Sweets: Desserts, pastries and candies
SODIUM-RICH FOOD
Consuming high-sodium food can lead to hypertension, a potential risk factor for kidney cancer. Hence, a kidney cancer patient should avoid food with added salt and choose unprocessed, fresh food.
· Fast Food: Food with unhealthy fats, high in calories and sodium
· Canned Food: Canned food with preservatives high sodium
ALCOHOL
Drinking alcohol is often linked to an increased risk of cancer, including kidney cancer. Hence, it is advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
Hydration Tips
Along with dietary changes and kidney cancer treatment by a robotic urologist surgeon, one should drink plenty of water to keep themselves hydrated. Avoid beverages, caffeinated drinks and alcohol that can cause dehydration.
Lifestyle Changes
Physical Activity
Indulging into regular physical activities is crucial for a kidney cancer patient. Light to moderate exercises, swimming, walking and yoga can help them maintain a healthy weight, reduce fatigue and boost mood. Besides, physical activities are essential for cardiovascular health, while promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Being diagnosed with cancer is always overwhelming. Then, undergoing cancer treatment and surgeries by a kidney surgeon in Delhi is even more stressful. At this stage, taking care of one’s mental and emotional well-being is as important as physical well-being.
· Seek support from loved ones and even from professionals to cope with stress and anxiety.
· Follow different stress management techniques including mindful meditation, deep breathing and hobbies to relax and unwind the mind.
· Look for a strong support system from family, friends or support groups to get support and encouragement.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking is harmful to kidney function and even worsens the cancer treatment. If you cannot quit smoking easily, seek support and resources to avoid this unhealthy habit.
Final Thought
Living with kidney cancer needs more than medical treatment. Studies show that kidney cancer patients can see significant results from diet management and lifestyle changes.While you ensure the best treatment by a renowned kidney cancer surgeon in Delhi like Dr Rajesh Taneja, opt for a consultation to get comprehensive care and personalized dietary plans to speed up your recovery.
