A lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the immune system, specifically in the lymphocytes, which are the are the infection-fighting cells of the body. The lymphocytes of a patient with lymphoma, change and grow out of control. This results in rapid cell growth which leads to cancer. Lymphoma is of two types—Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It can be treated with chemotherapy and other cancer treatment methods. However, diet plays an important role since the immune system is already weak and vulnerable to attack. Here are 5 food items that help fight lymphoma and improve the quality of life during treatment.

Broccoli

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and radish have proven to help strengthen the body’s immune system and can thus help significantly in fighting lymphoma. Patients are advised to have anywhere between 5 and 10 servings of vegetables daily. Other sources of cruciferous vegetables include Brussels sprouts, kale, turnips, and arugula.

Chicken

Meat is a large source of protein and lean meat like chicken and turkey can help give patients the required amount of protein during or after the treatment. However, it is important to avoid excess consumption of red meat since doctors have found a correlation between increased risk of cancer and the consumption of excess read meat. Lean meat, on the other hand, had much fewer side effects and is the healthier option in general.

Quinoa

The body requires a healthy diet, especially during cancer treatment. This involves the consumption of the right carbohydrates to give the body the energy it needs. A healthier alternative to traditional sources of carbs like rice, potatoes, and bread is quinoa. Cooked quinoa has 23% carbohydrates while keeping it as a simultaneous source of both protein and fiber. Moreover, quinoa is gluten-free which is an added advantage to who those who are intolerant to gluten.

Oranges

Oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are good sources of citrus and help patients with lymphoma. Citrus flavonoids generally are known to have anti-cancer properties and are rich in antioxidants. It is high in vitamin C which are good sources of thiamin and folate and also encourages collagen synthesis. Other sources of vitamin C include cruciferous vegetables, kiwi, pineapple, and berries of most kinds. It is essential to incorporate citrus fruits in the diet to help fight lymphoma.

Ginger and peppermint

Chemotherapy is known to cause nausea and ginger can help with that. Ginger and its active components are known to reduce feelings of nausea and in turn vomiting. It helps to consume organic ginger in tea, raw, or incorporated into meals. Ensure that pure ginger is being used. Refrain from resorting to pills that contain ginger since more often than not, these pills have side effects that get magnified when given to cancer patients.

The above foods are all necessary components of a healthy balanced diet for everyone. Patients with lymphoma have a disadvantage that their immune system does not function at its prime and is vulnerable to attack. Hence, a healthy diet is essential in fighting lymphoma and keeping its effects at bay. Incorporate as much healthy food as possible and drink lots of water to keep the body strong and ready to fight off infections.