An effective liver cancer diet can strengthen and support your immune system during treatment.
Avoid high fat foods and consume frequent small meals instead of one or two large ones to manage fatigue and reduce obesity risks. Limit sugary drinks that offer minimal nutrition; their intake could raise your chances of obesity further. Try eating lean proteins to increase energy and stay lean!
1. Green Vegetables
Green vegetables such as spinach and kale contain essential nutrients that can support liver health, such as antioxidants that may lower your risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Avoid eating foods high in saturated fat, like burgers and french fries, which can make it harder for your liver to function effectively. Instead, opt for green tea over sugary beverages.
2. Plum
Plums and prunes (dried plums) are rich sources of essential vitamins and nutrients, offering plenty of fiber, potassium and antioxidants while being an excellent source of Vitamin C and other B-vitamin supplements.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of natural products derived from umeboshi plums as an anticancer agent, inducing tumor cell apoptosis while providing anti-inflammatory and immune system enhancement properties. At Irvine Cancer Center for Healing under Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy’s direction, holistic approaches are utilized as part of cancer care treatment plans.
3. Whole Grains
Whole grains contain fiber, vitamins and minerals that can support liver health. Furthermore, whole grains reduce other risk factors associated with hepatocellular cancer like obesity, cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels.
Eat foods such as rye, oatmeal, pumpernickel, brown rice and pasta; avoid highly processed starches like fried food that could damage your liver.
4. Nuts
The liver is one of the body’s main internal organs, processing food into nutrients while filtering out toxins. Antioxidant-rich vegetables like kale and spinach may help combat free radicals that damage livers.
Salmon and other fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels. Nuts and seeds also provide beneficial sources of healthy fats and antioxidants.
5. Fish
Studies have revealed that fish could provide protection from liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may be responsible for this protective effect.
Before, during and after your treatment for liver cancer it is crucial that you consume a well-rounded diet. Speak to a dietitian about what nutrients are necessary. Also avoid sugary food products which provide minimal nutrition but contain too much added sugar.
6. Lean Meat
Lean meats like chicken, turkey, fish and soy as well as low-fat dairy products provide essential nutrition during liver cancer treatment. Avoid eating high-fat meats which could add excess saturated fat to the body.
Consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and calcium-rich milk products (yogurt, cheese or alternatives) could help protect you from liver cancer while simultaneously improving overall health.
7. Seafood
Eating seafood can help satisfy your appetite while providing essential proteins, potassium, selenium and iron for health benefits. Look for fish such as salmon, tuna or anchovies.
Broccoli is packed with antioxidants that may protect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Add it to salads with almonds, dried cranberries and tangy vinaigrette dressing for a nutritious meal. Avoid salty and fried foods which can overload the liver; additionally limit consumption of processed meats that contain Listeria bacteria.
8. Fruits
Diets rich in fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrition during cancer treatments, while adding ginger can help ease nausea caused by chemotherapy or other forms of treatment.
Eat blueberries and cranberries to get an antioxidant boost that may help combat liver cancer, or enjoy prickly pear juice or dried fruit as additional options.
9. Vegetable Juices
Fresh fruit and vegetable juices contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals and other beneficial compounds that boost the immune system while helping manage cholesterol. They’re an easy and delicious way to nourish both bodies and minds alike!
Add leafy greens to your juice recipes for optimal liver health, such as kale which contains liver-protecting polyphenol kaempferol and green parsley and apple juice for a vitamin C boost that assists the liver with nutrient absorption.
10. Alcohol
Though alcohol and cancer do not necessarily go hand in hand, heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption increases your risk for certain forms of it. This is partly because excessive drinking can damage and scar the liver leading to cirrhosis – another potential source of cancer risk.
Consuming healthy foods can support your liver. Consume leafy greens, berries and olive oil regularly while limiting fatty, salty, or sugary items in your diet.