Although no one food can prevent or treat lung cancer, your dietary choices can strengthen your body and help you feel better during treatment.
It is not uncommon for people with lung cancer who are undergoing treatment to experience uncomfortable digestive changes such as nausea and vomiting, says Kerry St. Pierre, RD, the secretary of the cancer interest group at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Lung cancer treatment can also affect taste, smell, and bowel habits, which can make eating well a challenge.
Diet can never replace medical treatment for lung cancer, but certain foods can help curb nutrient deficiencies, which can affect how well treatment works, as well as overall quality of life. In general, try to get all of the essential nutrients daily, including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water.
1
Spinach
Spinach and other leafy greens like kale, broccoli, and romaine lettuce are packed with folate. A vital type of vitamin B, folate may help your cells repair themselves and protect them from some carcinogens.
Beyond folate, spinach and kale offer fiber, iron, potassium, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. These micronutrients keep your body functioning well and help you use the energy you get from food. They also contain carotenoids, which are natural pigments that work as antioxidants and may slow cancer progression.
2
Blueberries
Blueberries have a pigment called anthocyanin, which protects your cells during cancer treatment. This phytonutrient lowers inflammation and is a strong antioxidant. Many phytonutrients can protect against cancer growth, and colorful fruits are full of them.
St. Pierre recommends that people with lung cancer consume “an abundance of chemoprotective dietary polyphenols — another phytonutrient type — especially from sources high in anthocyanins such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and plums.” Although more research is needed, anthocyanins have also shown potential for altering tumor metabolism by making them more sensitive to chemotherapy agents.
3
Cauliflower
Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower contain a phytonutrient called sulforaphane, which experts believe is one of the strongest cancer-fighting compounds found in food. Other veggies that contain this protective powerhouse include broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, and Brussels sprouts.
In addition to sulforaphane, cauliflower creates a compound known as indole-3-carbinol (I3C) during digestion. Because I3C quickly repairs cell damage from cancer-causing compounds, it may prevent cells from mutating and turning into cancer. More research is needed to determine how I3C may help with cancer prevention.
4
Oatmeal
Oatmeal may not fight cancer cells, but it makes a great meal during cancer treatment, when food may not be appealing. In general, soft, bland foods rich in soluble fiber can offer nutrition without worsening side effects like nausea and diarrhea. Oatmeal also carries a healthy portion of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, copper, thiamine, and zinc.
Research suggests that zinc may help preserve the sense of taste and help relieve mouth sores and inflammation from chemotherapy treatments.
5
Sunflower Seeds
Most seeds and nuts are loaded with nutrients that will support your body during cancer treatment, but sunflower seeds also contain chlorogenic acid, which may slow lung tumor growth.
“Researchers have observed the ability of chlorogenic acid to disrupt tumor angiogenesis — one of the processes that fuels tumor growth,” says St. Pierre.
In addition to sunflower seeds, sunflower oil may also protect against cancer growth, as opposed to vegetable and animal butters, which can promote it.
St. Pierre also recommends other foods and drinks that contain chlorogenic acid, including coffee, tea, carrots, apples, and pears.
6
Ginger
Ginger has been an herbal treatment for nausea and vomiting for centuries, and it may help ease the side effects of chemotherapy. St. Pierre recommends ginger to her patients with lung cancer because it contains the compounds shogaols and gingerols, which may help prevent metastasis, although more studies are needed to prove this.
St. Pierre suggests adding ginger to meals and snacks. “Ginger can effectively be incorporated into hydrating teas and soups as well as smoothies," she says. You can also keep ginger lozenges on hand for nausea in between meals and snacks.
7
Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is vital for cancer recovery, especially after lung cancer surgery. Protein also prevents muscle loss during other cancer treatments, and it can help you recuperate faster.
Even though you may not always feel like eating when you’re in cancer treatment, losing too much muscle can weaken you and prevent you from performing basic daily tasks. Getting enough protein can keep up your strength and improve surgical wound healing. If chicken isn’t appealing, you can opt for protein shakes or other low-fat proteins like nut butters and beans.
The Takeaway
- Diet alone can’t prevent or treat lung cancer. But your food choices can help you feel better during cancer treatment and improve your overall well-being.
- Foods like spinach, oatmeal, and ginger can help repair and protect cells, improve the effectiveness of treatments, and alleviate unwanted side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.
- Even if you don’t always feel like eating when you’re undergoing lung cancer treatment, foods high in protein can help you retain muscle and keep up your energy levels.
Meet Our Experts
Walter Tsang, MD
Medical Reviewer
Walter Tsang, MD, is a board-certified medical oncologist, hematologist, and lifestyle medicine specialist. Inspired by the ancient Eastern philosophy of yang sheng ("nourishing life"), Dr. Tsang has developed a unique whole-person oncology approach that tailors cancer care and lifestyle recommendations to each patients’ biopsychosocial-spiritual circumstances. He partners with patients on their cancer journeys, emphasizing empowerment, prevention, holistic wellness, quality of life, supportive care, and realistic goals and expectations. This practice model improves clinical outcomes and reduces costs for both patients and the healthcare system.
Outside of his busy clinical practice, Tsang has taught various courses at UCLA Center for East West Medicine, Loma Linda University, and California University of Science and Medicine. He is passionate about health education and started an online seminar program to teach cancer survivors about nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep health, and complementary healing methods. Over the years, he has given many presentations on integrative oncology and lifestyle medicine at community events. In addition, he was the founding co-chair of a lifestyle medicine cancer interest group, which promoted integrative medicine education and collaborations among oncology professionals.
Tsang is an active member of American Society of Clinical Oncology, Society for Integrative Oncology, and American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He currently practices at several locations in Southern California. His goal is to transform cancer care in the community, making it more integrative, person-centered, cost-effective and sustainable for the future.
Outside of his busy clinical practice, Tsang has taught various courses at UCLA Center for East West Medicine, Loma Linda University, and California University of Science and Medicine. He is passionate about health education and started an online seminar program to teach cancer survivors about nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep health, and complementary healing methods. Over the years, he has given many presentations on integrative oncology and lifestyle medicine at community events. In addition, he was the founding co-chair of a lifestyle medicine cancer interest group, which promoted integrative medicine education and collaborations among oncology professionals.
Tsang is an active member of American Society of Clinical Oncology, Society for Integrative Oncology, and American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He currently practices at several locations in Southern California. His goal is to transform cancer care in the community, making it more integrative, person-centered, cost-effective and sustainable for the future.
Abby McCoy, RN
Author
Abby McCoy is an experienced registered nurse who has worked with adults and pediatric patients encompassing trauma, orthopedics, home care, transplant, and case management. She is a married mother of four and loves the circus — that is her home! She has family all over the world, and loves to travel as much as possible.
McCoy has written for publications like Remedy Health Media, Sleepopolis, and Expectful. She is passionate about health education and loves using her experience and knowledge in her writing.