Bite This, Not That for Lung Cancer Prevention
We all know that smoking (including second hand smoke) raises the risk for lung cancer. About 90% of all cases could be prevented by not smoking. But diet plays a pretty important role in promotion and prevention of this deadly disease. More men die of lung cancer than any other type of cancer. Find out what you can eat (or not) to avoid this killer.Bite This!
- Leafy greens like spinach, kale and mustard greens have been associated with a lower risk of lung cancer due to their powerful lutein content. Try out lentil soup with Swiss chard this month to boost lutein in your diet.
- Fruit. Diets containing moderate amounts of fruit have been found to reduce the risk for lung cancer. Just 1 apple a day cuts risk by 50%.
- Tomatoes. In addition to reducing prostate cancer, the lycopene found in tomatoes is also powerful against lung cancer.
- Dairy products. Female smokers with adequate dairy in their diet have a lower risk for lung cancer than non-milk drinkers. Also good for your bones, ladies!
- Tea. Both black and green tea has been found to reduce oxidative damage in non-smokers and smokers, respectively.
Not That!
- Avoid becoming overweight. Obesity is an independent risk factor for almost ALL cancers. Limit sugary drinks and excess calories in general.
- Reduce intake of red and processed meats (go easy on hot dogs, bacon, beef, bologna, lamb, pork and other high fat cuts of meat).
- Limit consumption of high sodium foods such as fast food, canned soup, frozen dinners and high salt snack foods.
- Cut back on booze. The deadliest combination for lung cancer is smoking AND drinking alcohol. If you drink, limit to 1 drink/day for women and 2 drinks or less/day for men.
- Anti-oxidant supplements. While you may think it's a good idea to take vitamin C, beta-carotene or vitamin E to reduce your risk of cancer, studies have found that these actually raise the risk for lung cancer in smokers. As always, we advise you to get your nutrients from whole foods, not pills.
.