Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Dr Twinkle Gupta
Cancer, as known by all is a deadly disease of the 21st century, characterized by an abnormal growth of the cells. The disease tends to affect the immune system of individuals that might prove to be fatal. With varied therapies available in the realm of modern science, ayurveda for cancer has emerged as the most potential one.
This emerges the need to follow a diet, in order to reduce the side effects and prevent the disease. According to Ayurveda, one of the more following qualities and doshas might aggravate ‘Cancer’, especially for the last stage of cancer patients.
This is when it is recommended to alter lifestyle habits and foods which aggravate them. Let us explore a detailed cancer diet plan in ayurveda.
Cancer diet plan in ayurveda:
Early Morning Drinks :
Turmeric infused warm water, amla juice and herbal teas like green tea and neem tea may aid in cancer prevention.
Breakfast :
Include fibre-rich options such as oats, whole wheat roti, unrefined cereals, and protein-rich food such as yoghurt, lentils, or eggs. You can have fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes or spinach.
Avoid processed and high-sugar items from your diet.
Mid morning snack :
Have a fruit salad containing fruits and nuts. Or you can consume carrots, celery, cucumbers, etc. You can grab unsalted nuts such as almonds or walnuts as a snack. Drinking buttermilk or herbal tea will support your gut health.
Lunch :
Opt for a balanced plate with colourful vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and tomatoes, as they are rich in antioxidants that may reduce cancer risk.
Incorporate whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat roti and protein sources such as lentils or grilled chicken while limiting red meat.
Including spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, known for their anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties, can further enhance your cancer-protective benefits.
Evening Snack :
Include antioxidant-rich dishes like dal vada or masala vada packed with protein and fibre and steamed plantain snacks like pazham pori, which provide essential vitamins and potassium.
Options like vegetable-packed samosas or whole grain- based items like wheat dosas and idlis can contribute to a well-rounded, cancer-preventive diet.
Dinner :
To maintain a healthy weight, you can choose whole grains or cereals such as roti, brown rice, etc..
Prepare side dishes using antioxidant-rich food such as spinach, broccoli, lean proteins, etc.
Last, include fenugreek, turmeric, garlic, and ginger in your curries.
When it comes to diet, the very first thing that comes to mind is consuming fruits. Here are the most important fruits to eat:
You can eat Pineapple, Watermelon, Bananas, Melons, Avocados, Figs, Peaches, Papaya, Kiwi, Cherries, Blueberries, Dates, and Blackberries.
The fruits that you need to limit are Rhubard and Sour cherries
However, you need to completely avoid sour Plums, Prunes and Canned fruits and juices
Moving on to vegetables, legumes and beans, you need to consume more of Onions, Broccoli, Asparagus, Raw spinach, Bottle gourd, Ridge gourd, Coriander leaves, Wheat grass, Ash gourd and Parsley
Make sure you eat these vegetables in moderate portion, including Carrot, Spinach, Green beans, Lettuce, Sweet potatoes, Zucchini, Okra, Peas, Potatoes with skin and Mushrooms
You need to limit the intake of Pinto Beans, Garlic, Potatoes, Lima Beans, and Potatoes, Navy beans and Grain and cereals. Also, do not consume much of Brown rice and Brown bread. Additionally, limit the intake of Buckwheat and White rice. However, remember to completely avoid White flour
When it comes to oils, you certainly need to be careful. Hence, make sure you avoid sesame oil and mustard oil. While consuming meat, you need to limit the consumption of Lamb, Turkey, Cold Water Fish
Make sure you avoid Pork and Shellfish
Lifestyle Changes to Improve Your Cancer Care
Accept practical and emotional support
Having a network of supportive people is very beneficial for your health, especially emotional support. Studies have compared people with cancer who had the most and least social support. Those with the most social support had better quality of life and lived longer.
Get enough sleep
Try for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. This improves your health, coping ability, mood, weight control, memory and attention, and more.
* Set a bedtime and stick to it. Keep weekday and weekend bedtimes similar.
* Try to have your bedroom as dark as possible.
* Keep the bedroom temperature cool.
* Avoid screen time before bed. This includes time spent on TV, smartphones, and backlit tablets.
* Avoid stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and sugar.
Exercise regularly
Exercise during and after cancer treatment. This can help reduce fatigue, weight gain, and loss of strength. In addition to regular exercise, try to avoid sitting or lying down for long periods.
Here are some fitness tips:
* Develop a fitness routine that is safe for you.
* Include aerobic activity. This gets your heart pumping.
* Include strength exercise, too.
* Find ways to walk when you would normally be sitting.
* Break up your sitting time by standing up every hour.
* Engage in short bursts of exercise throughout your day.
* Incorporate physical activity into family events, time with friends, and trips.
Eat well
A healthy diet can help you manage cancer side effects, recover quicker, and improve health. It may also lower your future risk of cancer. Here are our tips to help you develop healthy eating habits:
* Include an assortment of vegetables in every meal. Vegetables should be the centerpiece of your meal, not just a side dish.
* Eat foods high in fiber. These include whole grains, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and seeds.
* Learn to identify when you feel hungry and when you are full. Sometimes, our bodies mistake thirst for hunger. Try drinking water first if you are feeling hungry outside of a meal time.
* Avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. These include sodas, fruit-flavored drinks, candy, and sweets. Choose fruit or dark chocolate in small portions as alternatives to sweets.
* Eat less refined “white” foods. These include white bread, white sugar, and white rice. These foods are processed in a way that removes fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
(The author are Principal, and Associate Professor GAMC Akhnoor)
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