Role of Ayurvedic Diet To Prevent Cancer

Ayurvedic Perspective on Cancer

Ayurvedic Acharyas studied in detail about cancer and explained the disease in Ayurvedic Classics. 

Acharya Susruta and Charaka described cancer as inflammatory and non-inflammatory swelling and termed them Granthi or Arbuda. 

In Ayurveda, the functioning of the body is regulated by three doshas. The pathological condition develops when any of the two doshas or three get vitiated.

The doshas start accumulating in particular parts of the human body, causing excessive growth of the tissues, which are circular, stable, mildly painful, large, broad base with invisible bases. 

These abnormal growths are known as arbuda.

Based on the predominance of dosha, cancer is classified into vata, pitta, kapha, mamsa, rakta, and medo arbudas.

What are the Causes Of Cancer?

Cancer develops as an interaction between environmental, genetic, and constitutional factors. 

The leading cause of cancer is the mutation of DNA in your body. 

The modifications are either hereditary or caused by external factors. 

The underlying factors that cause cancers are called carcinogens.

Exposure to radiation and ultraviolet light, smoking, alcohol, tobacco, asbestos, polluted air, and contaminated food and water can cause cancer. 

Some bacterial, viral, and parasital infections may also lead to cancer. 

The majority of cancer deaths are due to tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, obesity, and lack of exercise.

Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer symptoms may vary between individuals and according to your variety of cancer. 

Sometimes, the condition may remain silent for many years without having any presenting symptoms. 

The symptoms may appear quickly and get worse. If you have any signs or changes in your body, consult a registered physician and take the necessary steps immediately.

The generalized symptoms are:

• Sudden and unexplained weight loss.
• Chronic fatigue.
• Recurrent fever and night sweats
• Skin changes, especially the moles that change size, shape, and colour.
• Lumps or bumps.
• Difficulty in breathing and swallowing.
• Loss of appetite.
• Persistent pain in muscles and joints.
• Unexplained bleeding.

If the symptoms exist for a long duration, consult a physician and find the condition’s root cause.

Ayurvedic herbs that prevent Cancer

Ayurvedic Acharyas have diagnosed and managed cancer from the ancient period. 

They will figure out the doshic imbalance, signs, and symptoms to diagnose the disease and manage the condition based on the physical and mental strength of the patient. 

Ayurveda helps to improve overall health, increase immunity, and promote easy recovery. 

The therapy supports internal healing and reduces the symptoms.

Ayurveda aims at balanced and nutritious food and lifestyle modifications for cancer patients. 

The use of certain Ayurvedic herbs also supports the therapy. Those herbs are:

• Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha is a herb widely used in Ayurvedic formulations from the ancient period. The antioxidants help destroy the growth of cancer cells. Ashwagandha can reduce stress and fatigue associated with the disease. It is safe for adults. You can consume it in powder, tablets, or chewies after the advice of your physician.
• Amla – Various studies have proved that Indian gooseberries have anticancer properties. Consuming amla extracts prevents the development of certain types of cancer, such as lung, colon, and liver cancer. The fruit can prevent DNA damage from and activation of cancer cells. Consuming amla in the diet reduces the risk of cancer.
• Haridra– Turmeric, the golden spice, is a versatile spice used in culinary and medicinal formulations worldwide. Research studies have proved that the herb can prevent cancer. Turmeric also can slow the growth of cells. Turmeric also helps in reducing discomfort associated with chemotherapy.
• Giloy-Guduchi is a well-known herb in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Guduchi can induce apoptosis in cancer cells, inhibit growth, and reduce the risk of cancer spreading. The herb is always used in combination with other traditional medicines. It is essential to consult your physician before the intake of the same.
• Garlic – The active constituents in garlic can suppress the progression of cancer cells. Selenium, found in garlic, is effective in preventing premalignant lesions. It has antioxidant and anti-proliferative qualities, preventing cancer cell development.
• Ginger – Ginger has been used since ancient times as a home remedy for various ailments. Our ancestors utilized ginger to treat digestive and respiratory conditions. Recent studies show that ginger has anticancer properties. The active constituents in ginger inhibit the growth and development of cancer cells. Ginger extracts have been used in managing gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and liver cancer.

Always remember that consuming Ayurvedic herbs alone can’t prevent or cure cancer.

These herbs can be finished to support other treatments and therapies. Before consuming the herb, visit your physician to know its dosage, side effects, etc.

Ayurvedic Diet to Prevent Cancer

When you are affected by cancer, your whole daily routine changes; it may include dropping your favourite habits and avoiding your most liked foods. 

A cancer diet always involves a strict regimen, including avoiding fats and carbohydrates from the diet.

There are various herbs, foods, and exercises for preventing the condition.

Early morning drinks 

Several early morning drinks are considered to have potential cancer-preventive effects.

Turmeric-infused warm water, amla juice, and herbal teas like green tea and neem tea may aid in cancer prevention.

Breakfast

Include fibre-rich options such as oats, whole wheat roti, unrefined cereals, and protein-rich food such as yoghurt, lentils, or eggs.

You can have fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes or spinach.

Avoid processed and high-sugar items from your diet.

Mid-morning snack 

Have a fruit salad containing fruits and nuts. Or you can consume carrots, celery, cucumbers, etc.

You can grab unsalted nuts such as almonds or walnuts as a snack.

Drinking buttermilk or herbal tea will support your gut health.

Lunch 

Opt for a balanced plate with colourful vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and tomatoes, as they are rich in antioxidants that may reduce cancer risk. 

Incorporate whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat roti and protein sources such as lentils or grilled chicken while limiting red meat.

Including spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, known for their anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties, can further enhance your cancer-protective benefits.

Evening snack 

Include antioxidant-rich dishes like dal vada or masala vada packed with protein and fibre and steamed plantain snacks like pazham pori, which provide essential vitamins and potassium. 

Options like vegetable-packed samosas or whole grain-based items like wheat dosas and idlis can contribute to a well-rounded, cancer-preventive diet. 

Dinner

To maintain a healthy weight, you can choose whole grains or cereals such as roti, brown rice, etc..

Prepare side dishes using antioxidant-rich food such as spinach, broccoli, lean proteins, etc.

Last, include fenugreek, turmeric, garlic, and ginger in your curries.

What Should Include in Diet to Prevent Cancer

Research studies have shown the connection between dietary adaptations and cancer prevention. 

Let’s explore the food items that can be included in the diet.

• Fruits and vegetables: A wide variety of colourful fruits and vegetables must be included in the diet. They are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that guard against cell damage.
• Phytochemicals such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, grapes, etc., can reduce your risk of breast cancer.
• Include fibre-rich food such as whole grains, legumes, and whole-grain cereals to help prevent colorectal and other digestive system cancers.
• Include food containing unsaturated fats such as fish, olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
• Omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidant-rich foods like salmon, tuna, and flax seeds prevent cancer and fight inflammation.
• Consume vitamin and mineral supplements as needed.
• A Mediterranean diet containing fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains may protect against cancer.
• Folic acid and calcium lower your risk of cancer.
• Staying well-hydrated is essential for your overall health.

What to Exclude from Diet to Prevent Cancer

Classic Ayurvedic texts describe the diets that should be avoided to prevent cancer. It includes:

• Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, liquors, etc.
• Processed and red meats: Food items such as hot dogs, sausages, shawarma, and red meat, including beef, pork, and lamb, increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Carbonated beverages: Consumption of carbonated drinks containing excess sugar increases the risk of obesity and cancer.
• Limit the consumption of packed and processed food packets as they contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fatty acids.
• Avoid the use of tobacco and tobacco-related products, as they can cause oral cancer.
• Hormone-Injected Meats and Diary: Meats and dairy products with injected hormones increase the risk of certain cancers.
• Artificial sweeteners and other chemicals added to the food to improve the taste also increase the risk of developing cancer.
• Overcooked and reheated food items often release toxins that act as carcinogens.
• Cooking food with highly saturated and trans fats raises the risk of developing cancer.

How to Reduce Cancer-Related Issues By Diet?

Cancer-related issues are a concern that many of you face. 

Diet alone cannot tackle the issues but can reduce the risk and improve your general wellness. 

By focusing on balanced, nutrient-rich foods, you can provide your body with the tools for this battle. 

Include fruits and vegetables as an inseparable option in your meals, as they are rich in antioxidants and minerals. 

Choose a meal ranging from red tomatoes to leafy vegetables to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients.

Lean protein sources like chicken, fish, beans, and legumes aid in weight control and prevent cancer. 

Remember that consuming less red and processed meat increases your chance of developing some malignancies. 

Fibre from whole grains, whole-grain cereals, and unrefined cereals helps prevent cancer-related problems.

Stay away from alcohol and tobacco products, as they can be fatal. Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and fresh juices to stay hydrated. 

The first step to a better, cancer-free future is to follow a well-balanced diet that combats the disease.

How to Reduce The Side Effects of Cancer Treatments by Proper Diet?

Coping with cancer treatment can be a formidable journey, but one way to reduce the side effects of cancer therapy is through a mindful diet. 

A balanced and personalized dietary approach can make a big difference.

For assistance in creating a customized meal plan that meets your unique requirements, speak with your oncologist or a qualified dietitian. 

We can go over some of the potential side effects and dietary options.

Nausea is the most common side effect of cancer treatment that you experience. 

It may be due to the therapy or the cancer. 

If you are nauseous, eat slowly in small portions to make your stomach feel better. 

After the meals, stay quiet after meals or rest for an hour.

Don’t lie flat for at least two hours after eating. 

Remember to drink liquids between meals. Slowly drink or sip the beverage through the straw. 

The meals include mashed potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, rice, wheat, and oats. 

Add low-fat protein sources and mildly flavoured fruits and vegetables to your daily routine. 

Clear liquids like apple and cranberry juice, carbonated drinks without caffeine, teas such as ginger and peppermint, and herbal tea also support your health.

Vomiting may follow nausea and is primarily due to treatment side effects. If you have vomiting, do not eat or drink until the vomiting becomes controlled. 

You can have a small quantity of water, apple juice, plain gelatin desserts, vegetable broth, and teas. 

If the vomiting is in your control, have rice, smoothies, yoghurts, and cereals with milk. 

Always remember to consume food containing potassium and magnesium-rich food.

Chemotherapy, certain medications, or lack of exercise can cause constipation. Fibre-rich meals such as fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, and bran cereals can help reduce it. 

Eat a high-fibre cereal first thing in the morning and stay hydrated. Soaking beans can also help reduce flatulence. 

Limit caffeine, and incorporate exercise into your daily routine with your doctor’s doctor’s approval.

Diarrhoea can happen due to various factors, including chemotherapy or antibiotics. 

Prevent dehydration by consuming lukewarm water, teas, and fruit juices. Opt for potassium-rich foods and consider the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, tea, toast). 

Avoid high-fibre and greasy foods; if lactose intolerant, use dairy alternatives. 

Probiotics and digestive enzymes might help but consult a dietitian.

Pain and stress can lead to a loss of appetite. 

To ensure you get proper nutrition:

1. Eat small and frequent meals.
2. Snack between meals and plan your menu.
3. Make meals visually appealing, and dine in a pleasant atmosphere with family or friends.

Choose calm, smooth, and bland foods if you have mouth sores or difficulty swallowing. 

Cut or grind food into bite-sized pieces and consider liquid supplements. Use a blender for softer food, and stay hydrated. 

Experiment with different sauces, gravies, and oils to ease swallowing. Avoid spicy and acidic foods, and try drinking through a straw.

Cancer is the most devastating disease in the world. 

It is the second leading cause of death worldwide. 

There is no magical cure for cancer, but it can be prevented to a specific limit by adapting lifestyle and dietary modifications. 

Switch your Ayurvedic healing methods and embrace the change yourself.

FAQ

Which fruits are best to reduce cancer-related problems?

Fruits provide the nourishment that you need to mitigate cancer-related issues. 

Some cancer-related issues and their solutions are:

• Nausea and vomiting: canned fruit, apple, peach and other soft fruit.
• Constipation: Raw fruits and dried fruits.
• Diarrhoea: Juices of fruits such as bananas, apples, etc. 
• Loss of appetite: dried fruits and fruit smoothies.
• Mouth Ulcers: Nectar, apple, canned fruits.

Citrus fruits can prevent certain types of cancers, such as cancers of the digestive tract and lung cancers.

How does diet reduce cancer?

Various research studies have proven the connection between dietary adaptations and cancer prevention. 

Eating a well-balanced diet can prevent the risk of cancer. More than individual items, the diet can influence cancer prevention. 

Having a well-balanced diet helps regulate body weight. 

Obesity is the leading cause of cancer. 

Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, etc., present in dietary items destroy the growth of cancer cells and promote immunity in the human body.

Does a healthy diet prevent cancer?

Yes, a healthy diet can prevent your cancer risk to a certain extent. Having well-balanced and nutritious food helps control your body weight, eliminate unwanted toxins, improve immunity, and destroy the growth of cancer cells. 

Thus, a healthy diet prevents cancer.

Does unhealthy food habit cause cancer?

Unhealthy food habits such as consumption of packed and processed items, overcooked, reheated food, etc may contain carcinogens. Consumption of alcohol and related foods can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. 

Eating processed and red meat can increase the risk of bowel cancer, while high-calorie and sugar food items can increase body weight, which is a risk factor for the majority of cancers.

What food should be avoided with cancer?

Avoid the use of refined and highly processed food items. 

Limit the consumption of processed and red meat, alcohol, highly sweetened beverages, artificial sweeteners, etc., to avoid cancer.

Is milk good for cancer patients?

Eating and drinking milk and dairy products reduces the risk of colon cancer. 

These contain proteins, vitamins, and calcium, which are essential for your health. 

Studies have proved that high calcium content can decrease bowel cancer risk. Dairy alternatives such as soya products and other plant-based milk contain essential proteins and vitamins. Include dairy products in your daily dietary regimen.

Is egg good for cancer patients?

Cancer patients can consume eggs in a moderate amount. 

Proteins and peptides present in the egg can induce apoptosis in cancer cells and decrease the invasion ability of the cancer cells.

Is paneer good for cancer patients?

Cancer patients can consume paneer. 

Dairy products can reduce the risk of bowel cancer. 

It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins necessary for the body.

Can cancer patients eat curd?

Yes, cancer patients consume curd. 

Curd can improve vitamin B12 and haemoglobin levels in the body. Thereby it helps tackle the effects of chemotherapy.

Is bananas good for cancer patients?

Bananas can be a dietary choice for those recovering from cancer. 

These are a rich source of essential nutrients such as vitamin B6, manganese and vitamin C. 

Pectin, a fibre in bananas, benefits those experiencing diarrhoea caused by cancer therapy. 

Banana is a rich source of potassium; it helps replenish electrolytes lost through diarrhoea or vomiting.

Is chicken good for cancer patients?

Lean protein sources such as chicken and poultry can be consumed during cancer therapy. 

It helps in maintaining body weight and thus preventing cancer.

Is red meat good for cancer patients?

Consumption of processed and red meat can increase the risk of specific cancers. 

Hence, it is safe to avoid red meat during cancer treatment.

Which nuts are good for cancer prevention?

Nuts are highly nutritious in the prevention of cancer. 

Various studies show that peanuts, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios contain components that suppress cancer cell growth.

Which vitamins fight against cancer?

Vitamin D is one of the most commonly used cancer prevention and treatment supplements. 

Vitamins A, C, and E also contain antioxidants that help fight cancer at a low level. However, high levels of these may increase the risk of certain types of cancer.