Kidney Cancer Diet: Best Diet and Nutrition Tips For Kidney Cancer

Follow healthy eating habits and consume renal diet foods after kidney cancer treatment. Here's all you need to know.

Foods good for kidneys

Fruits and veggies

They're foods good for kidneys and rich in soluble fibre, several important vitamins, and minerals. They can also check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Try to have 5-10 servings of veggies and fruits from different sources daily.

Starches and whole grains

Whole wheat pasta, wild rice, and whole wheat bread can supply abundant energy. They’re also high in B vitamins, iron, and fibre. Hence, they’re foods good for kidneys. However, certain whole grains contain a lot of potassium and phosphorus. They aren’t the foods to improve kidney function if consumed a lot. So ask the doctor about the most suitable whole-grain foods to eat.

Proteins

You already know that proteins are healthy foods to help in building and maintaining muscle mass. However, if you have kidney cancer, overconsumption of proteins may cause food-derived wastes to accumulate in your bloodstream. Then they would no longer be foods good for kidneys. This may cause signs like headache, nausea, and fatigue. Discuss with the doctor regarding the most appropriate types and amount of protein to consume.

Foods to avoid

Foods loaded with salt

Salt can affect the body’s fluid balance and contribute to high blood pressure. This can worsen kidney function. So, try to avoid the following processed foods, rich in sodium:

• Deli meats
• Salty snacks
• Canned food
• Fast food

Whenever possible, go for herbs for flavouring rather than salt. But if using exotic herbs, check with the doctor.

Foods filled with phosphorus

The chemical element, phosphorus is usually required to maintain bone strength. However, if you have kidney cancer, it may accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to signs like joint pain and itchiness.

If struggling with such symptoms, lower the intake of phosphorus-rich foods like:

• Processed bran cereals
• Beans
• Nuts
• Seeds

Too much water

Overhydrating is also not good for kidney cancer. Poor kidney function can impact urine production, causing your body to retain a lot of fluid. So, monitor your fluid intake accordingly.

Nutrition recommendations as per treatment effects

Poor appetite

Cancer treatments may lower your appetite. But to get enough nutrition, consume:

• 5-6 meals rather than 3 large ones during the day
• Small handy snacks when you feel hungry
• Food as much as possible when the appetite is strongest, especially in the early morning
• Foods you can eat without trouble
• A smoothie or a shake if a whole meal is unappealing

Nausea

Various things during kidney cancer treatment may cause nausea. To avoid it, you should:

• Eat bland foods like clear broth, plain yoghurt and white toast instead of acidic, sour or spicy foods.
• Consume healthy foods which are at room temperature
• Restrict the number of beverages in meals. Rather, consider taking fluids with smaller sips in between meals.
• Foods you can eat without trouble
• Follow healthy eating habits by ensuring not to skip snacks and meals. With an empty stomach, you can feel more nauseated.

Weakness

You can feel tired and weak during kidney cancer treatment. To boost your energy, you must:

• Go for easily-to-prepare foods like canned soup. The doctor may allow you to buy low-sodium varieties like pre-cooked meals and frozen dinners.
• Cook meals beforehand when you feel well. Freeze them to use later.
• Have semisolid foods (like mashed potatoes) or thick liquids (like milkshakes) when you feel too weak to chew.
• Foods you can eat without trouble
• Choose home delivery of groceries if you can’t go shopping.

Mouth sores

You may undergo ulceration, irritation and inflammation in areas of your gastrointestinal tract including the mouth if you receive immunotherapy and targeted therapy. So, if you find difficulty eating, try to:

• Eat easy-to-chew, moist/soft, nutrient-rich foods.
• Avoid spicy/acidic foods and alcohol.
• Avoid too hot or too cold foods.

Higher risks of infection

Specific cancer procedures like radiation therapy or your condition itself may affect the immune system and make you vulnerable to infections. Then you or the one who prepares your meals must:

• Rigorously wash and scrub veggies and fruits.
• Scrub down countertops, clean knives and wash the hands prior to and after preparing food, particularly raw meat.
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate and use different utensils and cutting boards for them to prevent cross-contamination.
• Thoroughly cook eggs, poultry and meat. Eggs must not be runny. Meat must contain no pink.
• Store leftovers right after meals in the refrigerator.
• Drink only fruit juice or pasteurised milk.
• Avoid raw fish or uncooked shellfish.
• Avoid foods with signs of mould. This includes mouldy cheese like blue varieties.
• Stay away from expired foods.

Additional Tips

• With diarrhoea or vomiting, sip small amounts of broth or water all day for replenishing lost fluids (following the doctor’s advice).
• Targeted therapy medications and immunotherapy drugs may elevate risks of high cholesterol and hypertension. Plan a healthy diet accordingly but it must also supply necessary nutrients and calories.

Takeaway

To know more about renal diet foods after kidney cancer treatment, book an appointment with Dr Rudra, the best cancer specialist in Delhi.