Patients with liver cancer often change their diet in order to prevent the treatment from triggering a relapse. However, some of these diets can be more effective than others. This article breaks down the common diets used by people with liver cancer and discusses what they are best at.
What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer is a type of tumour that starts in the cells of the liver tissue. There are two main types of liver cancer: hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. The most common form is hepatocellular carcinoma, which is often found in people who drink heavily or use tobacco products.
Liver disease symptoms
Many people with liver diseases have a hard time controlling their weight. Some studies conclude that the higher the weight, the more likely it is that someone suffers from liver disease. The best way to avoid these risks is to maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of physical activity.
When is liver cancer found?
Liver cancer is a leading cause of death and the most expensive form of cancer. It can be found in many people, but usually it appears in middle-aged adults. The signs that your liver might be malfunctioning are jaundice, dark urine, and anorexia.
Does not have access to insurance coverage?
The best diet for someone with a liver cancer is one that helps prevent recurrence. Such a diet lowers the risk of recurrence by 90% compared to those who don’t follow the dietary guidelines. A low-fat diet has also been shown to reduce the risk of death from liver cancer by about 30%.
Getting treatment if you do not have coverage
For the best diet for a liver cancer patient, there are two options. The first is to go on a ketogenic diet which prevents or delays tumor growth. The second option is to go on a low-fat vegan diet which is less restrictive but still very effective in reducing the risk of tumor growth.
Eat healthy, avoid alcohol and smoking
As a liver cancer patient, you have to eat healthy and avoid alcohol and smoking. You may also want to consider a diet rich in natural antioxidants and nutrients that help the liver.
Living with a liver cancer diagnosis
Living with a liver cancer diagnosis can be difficult because of the side effects. Some of these side effects include fatigue, mood changes, and weight gain. But, there are many things you can do to help get through this difficult time. One way is to focus on diet. Eating lower on the glycemic index and avoiding alcohol are two common ways to manage your body during treatment.
Conclusion
Whether or not someone has been diagnosed with liver cancer, a diet that supports their specific needs and what they want to achieve is helpful. For example, a person might want to avoid sugar and alcohol. A diet that includes healthy fats can help the patient recover from radiation therapy.