55-year-old Uncle Li, a retired teacher, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia half a year ago while he was enjoying his life.
Since beating this "uninvited guest", Uncle Li's diet and daily life have undergone earth-shaking changes. Today, he specially came to the Municipal Blood Disease Hospital to ask the attending physician Wang Hua about dietary problems.
"Dr. Wang, I have heard that some foods can stimulate the growth of cancer cells and even aggravate the disease. Can you tell me about it?" asked Uncle Li with a worried expression.
"Uncle Li, your worries are not unreasonable. "While there is no direct evidence that certain foods induce or accelerate the progression of blood disorders, clinical experience tells us that an improper diet may indeed 'add fuel to the fire' of cancer cells." "
"So, I usually have to be extra careful?" Uncle Li asked.
"In general, there are five types of food that patients with blood disorders should try to avoid. Dr. Wang said,
"The first category is high-fat foods, especially animal offal, fatty meats and fried foods rich in saturated fatty acids. These foods not only cause people to become obese, but also provide the "nutrients" needed for the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. These foods are rich in saturated fatty acids, which may promote the growth and metastasis of cancer cells.
The second category is red meat products, such as grilled sausages, ham, bacon and other foods often produce carcinogens such as nitrosamines during processing. When these substances enter the body, they are highly likely to cause genetic mutations and increase the risk of cancer.
The third category is pickled food, which is common in our daily life, such as pickled vegetables and salted fish, due to the use of a large amount of nitrite in the process of pickling them, long-term consumption of these is likely to pose a threat to health.
The fifth category is overheated foods and drinks, such as hot soups and teas, which may burn the oral mucosa and make it in a state of inflammation for a long time, thus burying the hidden danger of cancer. "
Uncle Li nodded again and again when he heard this: "It seems that you can't be sloppy usually." What else should I eat besides avoiding food?"
As a suggestion, eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, soy products, etc. Dr. Wang smiled and said,
The vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals contained in these foods can act as "repair workers" to repair damaged cells, improve the body's immune barrier, and help the body better defend against cancer. In addition, it is also necessary to ensure the appropriate intake of high-quality protein, such as fish, eggs and milk, lean meat, etc., which is also beneficial to maintain normal hematopoietic function. "
"Hey, I got it. Uncle Li sighed, "Illness comes from the mouth, although dietary therapy cannot replace medicine, it is also indispensable in health care." "
In the field of health, "illness comes from the mouth" is not a sensational saying, but a real problem that needs urgent attention. Especially for patients with hematological cancers, the influence of dietary factors on the subsequent disease progression and prognosis should not be underestimated.
In fact, the occurrence and development of cancer is a complex process involving multiple factors, and diet is only one of them.
But it is undeniable that poor eating habits are like an invisible hand, quietly laid out in the body. Those seemingly inconsequential small habits, over time, may lead to an imbalance in the body's internal environment, induce chronic inflammation, disrupt the intestinal flora, and provide "fertile soil" for the growth of cancer cells.
Of course, we can't "talk about cancerous discoloration" about food because of choking. The key is to learn healthy choices and combinations. It is wise to increase plant-based foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and soy products, and reduce the intake of high fat, salt and sugar.
For patients with hematological tumors, a scientific diet is not only a way to maintain health, but also an anti-cancer strategy.
On the one hand, reasonable nutritional support can improve the body's condition and enhance chemotherapy tolerance, and on the other hand, moderate dietary regulation may delay disease progression by changing the tumor microenvironment.
At present, emerging methods such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy are bringing new hope to patients with hematological cancers.
But we must also realize that drug treatment is only one part of the fight against cancer. From diet and daily life to exercise and sleep, from psychological adjustment to social support, every detail is related to the quality of life and long-term prognosis of patients.
Let's work together to look at cancer from a scientific perspective and talk about cancer in a smart way. On the long road to fight cancer, diet may be just a "pawn", but gathering sand into a tower, gathering armpits into fur, and a healthy lifestyle will surely help patients to the other side of recovery.
The pursuit of health and the love of life require us to forge ahead. Face the disease with a positive and optimistic attitude, and fight the disease with perseverance. With the concerted efforts of doctors and patients and the common help of society, and with the synergy of dietary therapy and drug treatment, patients with hematological tumors will be able to regain their confidence and courage and continue to write a wonderful chapter in the journey of life!