Tips To Reduce Inflammation In Cancer Patients

Tips To Reduce Inflammation In Cancer Patients:

Tip #1: Add more plant foods to your plate:

Plant foods are the only foods that contain anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. Make one-half of your plate non-starchy vegetables and/or fruits of all colors. Make one-quarter of your plate whole grains or starchy vegetables, like potatoes, corn and peas.

Tip #2: Limit processed foods:

Choosing whole, fresh foods and doing your own prep maximizes nutrients and phytonutrients. Skip highly processed foods, like fast food, packaged and instant foods. Steer clear of processed meats, like deli-meats, bacon, sausage, hotdogs and pepperoni. Avoid sodas and sports drinks.

Tip #3: Balance fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids can help protect your body from chronic inflammation. On the other hand, omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammation. Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, halibut, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, pecans and avocado. Use oils high in omega-3, such as olive and canola.

Tip #4: Limit red meat

Eating too much red meat, like pork, beef, lamb, deer and buffalo, can increase your cancer risks. Try to limit red meat to 18 oz. or less each week to keep your cancer risks low. Choose animal proteins, such as skinless chicken, turkey and fish. Replace animal proteins with plant proteins, such as beans and lentils, at some meals.

Tip #5: Eat more fermented foods

Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and miso contain probiotics that help reduce inflammation. To get the most health perks, eat at least one small serving of a fermented food each day. Choose low-fat, plain organic yogurt and kefir. Enjoy a cup of miso soup or kombucha tea.

Source: http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-information/cancer-topics/prevention-and-screening/food/inflammationandcancer.html