5 Types of Foods to Boost Your Immune System During Chemo

5 Types of Foods to Boost Your Immune System During Chemo

Going through your worst phase of life, Cancer treatment is not for the weak-hearted. But if you are unfortunate enough to have one, then your health during the treatment will go down drastically, especially when you go under chemo. You will have to sustain strength while eating healthy. 

Boost Your Immune System

What is Chemotherapy During Cancer Treatment? 

Cancer cells in the body grow at a faster pace as compared to other healthy cells. To stop their growth Chemotherapy is used. Chemo treatment involves using powerful chemical drugs to stop the progress of cancer cells that are growing in your body. This type of treatment is very common among cancer patients during which their health deteriorates drastically. That’s why doctors recommend eating as healthy as the patients can. Because a diet low in calories, protein, and other nutrients won’t contribute to a strong immune system. 

Here are the Types of Food to Consumer to Boost Your Immune System During Chemo:

  1. High Protein Superfoods 

While being on Chemotherapy you should stick to foods that are rich in protein. Muscles, tissues, and new cells in your body are produced and maintained by consuming protein, which also includes the immune system cells. You can consume protein with veg, non-veg, or milk products, and choose the type you like. 

Some of the protein-rich foods are: 

  • Tofu
  • Eggs
  • Cheese
  • Beans, peas, and lentils
  • Nuts or peanut butter
  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Fish
  1. Foods High in Carbs

Foods high in carbs will provide more and more energy which will be very beneficial during chemo treatment. You can get a daily share of carbs with a plant-based diet, and different fruits & vegetables. And these types of foods cannot only benefit from nutrients but will also improve your gut health. 

So, a healthy Gut means a strong immune system. Because billions of bacteria that are found in your gut protect you from toxins and inflammation. 

So, from which type of foods you can get healthy carbs: 

Whole Grains

All whole-grain foods are loaded with fiber and carbohydrates. Here are a few of them: 

  • Oatmeal
  • Sprouted whole-grain bread
  • Whole-grain cereal
  • Whole cornmeal
  • Brown rice
  • Whole-wheat pasta
  • Barley
  • Quinoa
  • Buckwheat
  • Bulgur
  • Millet

Foods With Starch 

Starch is an alternative to high-carb foods including: 

  • Corn
  • White and sweet potatoes
  • Yams
  • Butternut
  • Acorn

Fruits & Veggies 

Another version of high carbs is fruits and veggies. Other than the benefit of high energy they also prompt overall health. 

Some of them you can consume during chemo treatment are: 

  • Berries
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Tomatoes
  • Broccoli
  • Celery
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Bok choy

3. Good Fats 

During the treatment, patients are much more likely to lose weight along with muscle mass. So, you will need to concentrate on gaining back your weight along with muscles, thus eating more foods high in good fats. 

Read these tips to regain your weight faster: 

  • You can add almonds and nuts to your cooked vegetables. 
  • Try mixing sunflower seeds in your salad daily. 
  • Consume almond and peanut butter. 
  • Make pasta, veggies, and rice with olive oil. 

4. Foods Rich in Select Nutrients 

Healthy eating can or may not boost your overall health during chemotherapy as there is no scientific evidence. But one thing is sure- if you eat foods rich in nutrients then it may sustain a healthy functioning of your immune system. 

You can eat these types of foods for high nutrient diet: 

Vitamin A Foods 

As per experts, Vitamin A-rich superfoods may help you to boost your immune system, and maintain heart health & vision quality along with lungs. 

Some of the Vitamin A rich foods are: 

  • Green vegetables 
  • Orange fruits and vegetables 
  • Eggs
  • Meat
  • Liver

Vitamin C Foods 

Vitamin C foods not only keep you energized but also protect your cells from getting damaged. Furthermore, Vitamin C also helps boost your immune system. 

Here are some foods rich in Vitamin C: 

  • Citrus fruit
  • Kiwi
  • Bananas
  • Papaya
  • Red and green peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Tomatoes

Vitamin E Foods 

Vitamin E is another essential nutrient your body can get to protect you from damaging free radicals and boost your immune system. 

Here are the best sources of Vitamin E

  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Nuts or seeds oil
  • Spinach and broccoli
  • Fortified breakfast cereal

5. Foods Rich in Zinc

Zinc is one of the most vital minerals which supports the immune system and sustains its functionality. Remember, the perfect balance of this mineral is important as both excess and deficiency can disturb immune system functionality. 

Here are some Zinc rich foods to consume: 

  • Beans
  • Peas
  • Lentils
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Whole grains
  • Lean meat, poultry, and fish

Conclusion

Living with cancer and getting chemo treatment can bear a hard toll on your body. You can witness a loss in weight, muscle mass, and immune system functionality dramatically. So, it’s very essential to make some dietary changes and shift your taste buds towards the foods that boost your immune system to recover faster. 

Read More: Best Ways To Boost Immunity In Kids And Keep Them Healthy
Read More: SpreeOwl is a modern media blogging website focusing on business, finance, technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle.

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