Newtrist Nutritionist Liver Cancer Meal Plan consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, eggs, and fish to promote healing and support overall health and well-being.
- Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Beetroot and mint juice
- Breakfast @ 9 am: Oatmeal with slivered almonds, and raisins, with a splash of cinnamon powder
- Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Corn-Carrot soup
- Lunch @ 1 pm: Brown rice with fish curry and yam sabzi
- Evening snack @ 4 pm: Green tea with spicy murmura
- Dinner @ 7 pm: Chicken rice bowl with cucumber salad
Consult 19 years experienced Chief Nutritionist Vasanthi for expert advice and a personalized diet plan. In-person consultation at HSR, Koramangala, Bellandur, Haralur, and video consultation across India.
- Consultation INR 750
- 1 Week personalized diet plan INR 2000
- 1 Month personalized diet plan INR 4000
- 3 Months personalized diet plan INR 9000
Table of Contents
What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer occurs when the liver cells undergo mutational changes in the DNA which causes the cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancerous cells. The cancer spreading from other parts of the liver is more common than the cancer that forms in the liver. In liver cancer, the healthy cells of the liver are destroyed which impairs the normal functions of the liver.
Early stages of liver cancer may be asymptomatic, but the disease may reveal certain signs and symptoms as the disease progresses. Some of the significant signs include
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Pain near the right shoulder area
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unusual weakness
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Pale stools
Chronic infections of Hepatitis B or C virus, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, hemochromatosis, NAFLD, and excessive consumption of alcohol are some of the risk factors for Liver cancer. Prevention of liver cancer is possible through maintaining a healthy weight, getting vaccinated against the Hepatitis virus, healthy food habits, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Diagnosis of liver cancer is done through
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound scans
- Imaging tests such as CT and MRI scans of the liver
- Angiogram
- Liver biopsy
What are the 3 types of Liver Cancer?
The three types of liver cancer are
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
- Intrahepatic cancer (IHC)
- Angiosarcoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer which represents most of the liver cancer cases.
Intrahepatic cancer is a form of cholangiocarcinoma which causes cancer in the bile ducts of the liver. this type of cancer accounts for 10-20% of all liver cancer cases. Inflammation of the bile ducts for a prolonged period is considered the main cause of this type of cancer.
Angiosarcoma is a rare type of liver cancer that accounts for 1% of all primary liver cancer cases. This type of cancer usually starts in the cells that line the inner layer of the liver. Other organs apart from the liver may also be affected by this type.
Men are more susceptible to hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cancer between the ages of 55-64.
What are the 4 stages of Liver Cancer?
- Stage 1 or Very early stage may not reveal any symptoms where the blood tests show normal levels of bilirubin levels. A single tumor may be present in the liver which measures <2 cm.
- Stage 2 or early stage may reveal more than one tumor that measures 3 cm or a single tumor that measures 5 cm or less. The cancer may have to the surrounding tissues by this time.
- Stage 3 or the intermediate stage reveals more than one tumor or a tumor that measures more than 5 cm. During this stage, cancer might have been spread to the lymph nodes, neighboring organs, and blood vessels.
- Stage 4 or advanced stage cancer has spread to various parts of the body such as lungs, bones, and lymph nodes that requires immediate treatment and care.
Foods to prevent liver cancer
Foods to prevent liver cancer are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. The side effects of treatment can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite which can lead to decreased food intake.
Our expert nutritionists can help you with the perfect menu plan, foods to eat, what to avoid, and nutritional guidance through your recovery.
Fruits and vegetables:
Fruits and vegetables are loaded with fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals that support liver functions. Fruits are rich in antioxidant properties that protect the cells from free radical damage. Include leafy greens such as spinach, carrots, broccoli, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables in the diet. Apples, berries, oranges, amla, and cantaloupes are a few wise choices of fruits to be included in the diet.
Whole grains:
Whole grains are excellent sources of fiber and complex carbohydrates that provide a surplus supply of nutrients to maintain liver health and prevent the risk of liver cancer. Consider whole-grain options like oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat products for your nutritional needs.
Lean proteins:
Intake of protein-rich foods is crucial for the prevention of liver cancer. Healthy protein sources should be derived from low-fat sources such as lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, soy foods, beans, and legumes as protein-rich foods lower the consumption of unhealthy foods which may be the main cause of liver cancer. Protein-rich foods promote the maintenance of healthy liver cells and support the formation of cells.
Healthy fats:
Fatty fish, avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats that nourish the development of new healthy cells.
Water:
Adequate hydration is essential to maintain a healthy liver. Dehydration can bring about various complications in the absorption of nutrients in the liver.
Food to cure liver cancer
Food to cure liver cancer is leafy greens, citrus fruits, berries, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, lean meat, eggs, oily fish, and nuts. Although these foods maintain liver health, no specific food can completely cure liver cancer. The body needs additional calories and proteins to manage the side effects of cancer treatment which is made possible with nutritious foods.
A balanced meal helps in maintaining your weight and provides energy to withstand the treatment. Break down the larger meals into small-interesting meals that help to combat nausea. Try variations in the diet such as smoothies, pudding, milkshakes, salads, and nut chikkis to make food appealing.
Choose protein as the major source of energy which can be availed through deskinned chicken, fish, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and low-fat dairy products.
Include ginger as and when required. Ginger is a powerful ingredient that alleviates nausea and can be easily incorporated into tea and refreshing drinks. Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory properties that promote apoptosis of cancer cells in the liver.
Loss of appetite can make people lose interest in foods. Peanut bars, dry fruit laddoo, mixed seed balls, and a few other alternatives can make food interesting and increase the calorie and protein intake.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diet
- Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Ginger juice
- Breakfast @ 9 am: Moong dal cheela stuffed with scrambled paneer
- Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Black bean soup with mixed herbs
- Lunch @ 1 pm: Rice, rajma curry, multigrain roti, bitter gourd sabzi, and curd
- Evening snack @ 4 pm: Homemade fruit and nut protein bar
- Dinner @ 7 pm: Bajra roti with mixed vegetable curry
Liver Cancer FAQs
What foods to avoid if you have liver cancer?
Foods high in saturated fats and trans fats such as processed meats, packaged foods, butter, cheese, fried foods, pastries, full-fat milk, sugary foods such as sweetened beverages, cakes, cookies, chocolates, salty foods such as chips, pickles, papads, sodas, and alcohol should be avoided if you have liver cancer.
Undercooked meats like shellfish, oysters, and unpasteurized dairy and fruit juices should be avoided.
What juice is good for liver repair?
Green juice, lemon juice, carrot juice, beetroot juice, orange juice, and amla juice are some of the juices good for liver repair. Juices prepared with antioxidant-rich foods increase the detoxification enzymes in the liver and help to detoxify the liver. the vitamin C and potassium content of these foods protects the liver cells from toxic substances.
What food is good for liver cancer patients?
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean meat, fish, eggs, soy foods, and skimmed dairy products are good for liver cancer patients. Proper nutrition is essential during liver cancer treatment as chemotherapy would destroy the healthy cells in addition to cancer cells. A balanced diet rich in fiber, proteins, and healthy fats is crucial to maintain liver health.
What is the best diet for liver cancer?
The best diet for liver cancer is the Mediterranean diet which is composed of fiber, proteins, and healthy fats that aid in speedy recovery from the illness. Include more cruciferous vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, fatty fish, and nuts in the diet. it is also important to limit certain foods that contain added sugars, excess salt, and saturated fats. Steer clear of alcohol consumption.
What fruits are good for liver repair?
Oranges, red grapes, apples, berries, lemons, avocados, grapefruit, papaya, amla, and kiwis are loaded with antioxidants and fiber that support liver function. Citrus fruits help in the elimination of toxic substances from the body that may cause damage to the liver. Fruits are hydrating and do not contain any fats.
Fruits prevent dehydration which is a common complaint of cancer treatment. Consumption of fruits reduces inflammation and oxidative stress during liver damage.