Many may not be aware of this, but the food we eat plays a huge role in our health and our susceptibility to developing common diseases like cancer. Maintaining a healthy food regimen can be even more challenging when already undergoing cancer and seeking treatment, as the immune system weakens. But with the right steps foods, recovery can be easier. Here are a few foods to avoid with cancer treatment.

Dairy products without pasteurization

The immune system is less capable of protecting one while receiving cancer treatment, as it gets weak. Raw milk, raw yogurt, and soft cheeses, like Brie, are unpasteurized dairy products that may contain harmful bacteria. If one’s immune system is weak, the body may not have the strength to fight off these bacteria and instead increase the risk of a serious infection.

Raw eggs

Eggs are a portable, wholesome food item. Moreover, they can be added to many different cuisines and dishes and can be consumed in various ways, like fried, scrambled, and boiled. But stay away from dishes like pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce that have raw or barely cooked eggs in them. Smoothies are also a common way for people to ingest raw eggs. The salmonella bacteria can cause an infection and symptoms similar to that from tainted dairy products and are one of the cancer foods not to eat.

Lamb rack

Lamb racks that are undercooked and served with vegetables can be a threat. If one likes their hamburgers cooked rare or a steak tartare, sadly they would need to stop eating such food. Raw seafood like oysters and undercooked pork and poultry may carry bacteria or viruses that can lead to foodborne illness. For cuts of beef, hog, veal, and lamb, the minimum internal temperature is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The minimum temperature for ground beef is 160 degrees. For poultry, the minimum temperature requirements for fish and shellfish are 145 degrees and 165 degrees, respectively.

Unwashed lettuce

Even if the product is marked “pre-washed,” you should always wash your produce after bringing it home from the shop or market. When eating fruits and vegetables you’ve grown yourself, especially leafy ones, exercise extra caution. Although dirt isn’t always apparent, it can harbor huge amounts of bacteria that can potentially cause harm. This includes fresh herbs cultivated at home or purchased from a store.

Raw sprouting vegetables

People often use raw vegetable sprouts in dishes. Although they have health benefits and provide a salad with some nice crunch, they should be avoided. Due to the risk of contamination, it is better to avoid consuming raw produce when the immune system is not functioning at its best. This precaution can help since some infections, including E. coli, may not be easily removed from the produce.

Leftovers

Some of the foods to avoid cancer include leftovers. Avoid meals that should be eaten hot or cold but have been out at room temperature for two hours or longer, whether you’re hosting a buffet-style dinner at your home or visiting a friend. Cold meals should be eaten at 40 degrees or lower, and hot foods should be eaten at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above. If you do decide to host a buffet, warming trays, chafing dishes, or slow cookers can keep the food warm. Using an ice bath can help meals cool down.

Junk food

Junk foods are a convenient option if you’re feeling low on energy and need to eat immediately. However, fast food and chips don’t have the nutritional value required during cancer treatment. While they might temporarily satisfy one’s hunger, one might become more ravenous as the meal travels through. Additionally, many fast food items are salty, which causes dehydration. However, if one must indulge in a craving, do it in moderation.

Foods and beverages that dehydrate

Having too many glasses of soda or black coffee can dehydrate the body. It’s crucial to drink enough water while receiving cancer therapy. Dehydrating foods or beverages may intensify the negative effects if one consumes them; this is one of the major cancer foods. Do not eat excessively salty foods and beverages containing alcohol or caffeine because they dehydrate one. If one is extremely thirsty, it could be tempting to reach for anything, including an aerated drink. Instead, stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water frequently to prevent thirst.

There is no doubt that a healthy meal plan can help shield one from long-term health conditions like breast cancer. Some foods to avoid for cancer prevention are listed above. However, other lifestyle choices may also affect one’s risk of developing cancer. For instance, having a sedentary lifestyle and unbalanced meals can increase the risk of certain diseases. However, having a balanced food regimen, regularly exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight can lower the risk of developing cancer. Furthermore, using specific skin care products may increase the risk of breast cancer. For instance, although more research is needed, antiperspirants are said to have a connection to an increased risk of breast cancer.