Cancer accounts for the majority of deaths in the world; it is characterized by the unrestrained growth and division of cells. Symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer, but common signs include pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Doctors commonly recommend cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. It is essential to observe a proper diet during the treatment process to keep your strength up. Here are some foods to eat and avoid:

1. Feed on fruit smoothies
Fruit smoothies are rich in nutrients that can help fight the disease and the effects resulting from treatment. For example, fruit smoothies contain natural sugars and roughage that are healthy for your digestive system, which can be impacted by the disease and treatments. Additionally, many fruits are known to contain antioxidants that can help fight the disease. Note that, when making these smoothies, it is important to combine a variety of fruits to get a variety of nutrients. For instance, a banana smoothie contains potassium that helps your nerves and muscles to function properly, while mangoes contain vitamins A and C, which can help boost your immunity. Make a tropical smoothie and enjoy all these benefits simultaneously.

2. Eat nuts and nut butters
Nuts and nut butters are rich in vitamins, unsaturated fats, and minerals that can help fight cancer. They are also rich in resveratrol, which may be able to regulate the growth of cancer cells by cutting the blood supply to the dividing cells. Accordingly, if you are undergoing cancer treatment, try to incorporate foods that are rich in resveratrol into your diet.

3. Eat bone broth
Bone broth is rich in vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and proteins that the body can absorb quickly. Bone broth also contains anti-inflammatory amino acids, proline, and glycine, which can help fight the disease. It is additionally the best alternative if you do not have a stable appetite to eat other foods. In preparing your broth, be sure you use ingredients that are free from chemicals and other additives that might interfere with your treatment process.

4. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products
Despite dairy products containing rich nutrients for your body, unpasteurized dairy products may contain microorganisms, such as listeria, Salmonella, and campylobacter, that can significantly worsen your health. This is because pasteurization helps kill harmful bacteria that are dangerous to your body. Infections due to raw dairy products can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and headache, which can worsen your situation overall.

5. Avoid sushi
Raw meats, such as the raw fish included in most sushi rolls, have a higher probability of bacterial infection and should be avoided during cancer treatment. Raw fish may also have a higher concentration of mercury, which is not conducive to cancer treatments like chemotherapy.

6. Avoid raw or soft-cooked eggs
Uncooked or poorly cooked foods might contain bacteria that can worsen your situation while undergoing cancer treatment. For example, Salmonella may be present in raw or soft-cooked eggs, which can interfere with your recovery. Moreover, do not eat foods such as cookie dough, since they also contain raw eggs. Always ensure that all egg yolks and whites are properly cooked before eating eggs during cancer treatment.

It is essential to stay as healthy as you can while undergoing cancer treatment to improve your chances of recovery and ease both the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of various treatments. Following a healthy diet, particularly one with a low chance of food poisoning or bacterial infection, is one way to do this. You can also help a loved one with cancer by ensuring they are eating right. Moreover, you might consider making a St. Jude donation to help fund cancer treatment at St. Jude’s childrens hospital.