Of all the cancer-types that plague humanity, lung cancer ranks close to the top causing 1 in 4 deaths of those it afflicts. Among the many types, non-small-cell is the most common type, and adenocarcinoma is the most frequently seen. Lung cancer is one that affects the mucous glands lying deep within the lungs. Long before symptoms are noticed, lung cancer begins as a tiny nodule that grows over time-varying in size from that of a pea to a large walnut.

Research indicates that tobacco smoke, both inhaled directly and indirectly, can cause these nodules, as well as infection, chemicals, pollutants, and family history. When lung cancer symptoms begin to present themselves, they often appear as:

• Cough
• Bloody sputum
• Shortness of breath
• Pain, mostly located in the back
• Hoarseness
• Wheezing
• Fatigue

There are several diagnostics and treatments to combat lung cancer which consist of x-rays, labs, biopsies, scans, bronchoscopy, surgeries, chemo, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and interventional pulmonology. Technology has come far when treating lung cancer, however, what you eat is just as important if not more so! Just as better fuel makes a noticeable difference in the way your vehicle runs, so does the fuel chosen to put into your body. In addition, cancer treatments cause side effects. It’s vital to remember to eat frequent small meals throughout the day to prevent nausea and choose foods that help maintain weight. Below is a list of foods that will both fortify the body’s ability to fight cancer, and help the immune system to recognize abnormal cells and kill them:

1. Protein rich foods
Protein-enriched foods such as eggs, dairy, lean meats, nuts and their natural butters, legumes and soy. Protein is a vital part of tissue repair and maintenance.

2. Antioxidants
Antioxidant-saturated foods like fresh fruits and vegetables in all their forms. Antioxidants are like little armies at the cellular level cutting away cancer cells and disposing of them for good.

3. Whole-grains
Complex carbohydrates found in bread, rice, oatmeal and pasta provide a steady, sustainable energy source to your white blood cells so they can continue fighting the cancer.

4. Healthy fats
Good fats like olive oil, seeds, nuts, and avocados balance out the body’s cholesterol to help healing elements within the blood flow freely throughout the body. Never fry your food, only bake, grill or broil.

5. Avoid refined sugar
Avoid simple sugars like candy, cake and ice cream because they only give empty calories that have no effect on the body’s ability to fight. In addition, sugar acts as an irritant by increasing inflammation.

6. Water
Hydration is absolutely and unequivocally necessary for the body, its organs and every single chemical/biological process to work, including all the intricacies of the immune system.

7. Talk to a dietician
Finally, be sure to include a dietician along with your doctor in the overall lung cancer diet plan, and be sure to ask them before starting any vitamins. Most important of all, include yourself in this medical task force too; there’s a lot of power within yourself to help fight by choosing what to feed it. And one final piece of advice–refuse to be better to your car than you are to yourself!