Patients with brain tumours should have a full pack of nutritious and healthy diets to support their overall health. Many patients get healthy with a good diet whereas many worsen their condition by not following a healthy diet. In this blog, we have covered 10 immune-boosting foods for brain tumour patients.
Why Diet Matters for brain tumour patients
Diet plays a very important role in patients with brain tumours. A healthy & nutritious diet helps boost the patient’s immune system and also supports the body to cope with the stress of cancer treatment. Dr Nikhil Mehta, the best cancer specialist in Jaipur, emphasises the importance of a nutrient-rich diet for patients with brain tumours as it helps them manage symptoms and enhance their quality of life. Here are the diet for brain cancer patients with 10 Immune boosting foods, that Dr Nikhil recommends for patients.
10 Immune-Boosting Foods for Brain Tumour Patients
Immune-boosting foods are rich in nutrients and vitamins that support the body in multiple ways, Let’s get to know about the foods for brain tumour patients.
1. Leafy Green Vegetables
Green leaves like kale, swiss or spinach are rich in vitamins C, E and A, which are powerful antioxidants that help in protecting the body’s cells from damage by harmful radicals. These leafy foods provide nutrients like fibre & folate that support overall health & digestion in the body.
2. Berries
Berries are of many types such as raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants. These foods support the overall immune system and give strength to the body to fight inflammation.
3. Fatty Fish
Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are fishes that are considered fatty fishes. These fishes have omega-3 that helps strengthen the immune systems of brain tumour patients.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin can help fight cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and enhance the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments. Adding turmeric to meals can provide significant health benefits.
5. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are the best sources of healthy protein, fibre and fats. Chia seeds. Flaxseed, walnuts and almonds provide essential nutrients like vitamin E that act as magnesium & antioxidants that support nerves to function better in the body.
6. Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a great addition to a cancer patient’s diet. It has immune-boosting properties due to its high content of sulfur compounds, such as allicin. These compounds can help enhance the body’s defence mechanisms by stimulating the activity of immune cells and reducing inflammation.
7. Green Tea
Green tea is best for the health. This improves brain function and lowers the risk of certain cancers. The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea help in managing overall health.
8. Whole Grains
Whole grains like quinoa, oats and brown rice provide nutrients like fibre, vitamin B & minerals that help in managing energy levels in the body. Fibre helps in maintaining regular blood sugar levels in the body
9. Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are some cruciferous vegetables that support detoxification and are rich in vitamins C, E, and K, as well as fibre and folate. These nutrients help boost the immune system, protect against cellular damage, and support the overall health of a brain tumour patient.
10. Citrus Fruits
Oranges, grapefruits and lemons are considered in a category of citrus fruits. These are high in vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant and protects cells from damage along with reducing the risk of inflammation.
Also, Read another blog by Dr. Nikhil Mehta on Diet To Prevent Breast Cancer
5 Foods That Brain Tumour Patients Should Avoid
People with brain cancer should be more careful with their diets to recover from the disease. Here are some of the foods that a brain cancer patient should avoid.
● Processed Meat contains preservatives and other chemicals that can increase inflammation in the body
● Sugary food drinks like soda, cold drinks etc can lead to weight gain and many other health issues like poor blood sugar control, and inflammation that harms health and worsen the symptoms of cancer.
● White rice, bread and pastries can increase the blood sugar level in the body and directly crash the energy levels affecting inflammation in the body.
● Food that is too oily or fried such as french fries, fried chicken pakodas etc are high in unhealthy fats that lead to inflammation in the body and affect the overall health.
● Consumption of excessive alcohol can impair liver function, weaken the immune system and decrease the body’s ability to heal & fight cancer.
In conclusion
a well-balanced diet is important for patients with brain tumours. Having immune-boosting foods and avoiding those that can cause harm can make a significant difference in managing the disease and improving quality of life. Always consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian like Dr Nikhil Mehta the best oncologist in Jaipur to tailor dietary choices to individual health needs and treatment plans.
By focusing on nutrition, brain cancer patients can support their body’s fight against cancer, maintain strength, and enhance overall well-being.
