An RDN Can Plan a Healthy Diet to Combat Cancer

April is Cancer Control Month and the right time to focus on the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of cancer. Lifestyle changes along with early detection can help avoid almost half of the most common cancers.

Diet plays a vital role in reducing the risk of cancer and the good thing is that diet control is in our hands. Nutrition guidelines for cancer prevention are similar to the guidelines proposed for other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Some general diet guidelines include:       

  • Maintain a healthy weight by following portion control and limit added sugars and fats that add huge calories with minimum nutrients.        
  • Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables and ensure that you consume at least half your grains as whole grains.        
  • Eat protein-rich foods such as seafood, poultry, lean meat, legumes, eggs and nuts.       
  •  Avoid alcohol completely. Otherwise, the recommended limit is not more than one drink for women and two for men.        
  • Read food labels to understand the exact quantity of sodium present in a product.

To know more about diet and cancer prevention along with the recommended diet and nutrition during and after treatment, you can get in touch with a registered dietitian nutritionist.