Bladder Cancer Diet

There is no sure way to prevent or cure cancer with diet alone, but there are some things that are recommended and suggested in order to help with various cancers, not just bladder cancer.

Alcohol

• According to the American Cancer Society, alcohol use or over-consumption of alcohol has been linked to an increased cancer risk. Those who choose to drink alcohol should limit their alcohol consumption to no more than one to two drinks per day (one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men). A drink can be defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of 180-proof distilled spirits. For those individuals who abuse alcohol and smoke tobacco cigarettes, their risk is increased. Regular intake of just a few drinks per week is also linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women. Women who are at a higher risk for breast cancer (like those who have a family history of breast cancer) should avoid drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco cigarettes.

Antioxidants

• Antioxidants can help fight and prevent free radicals. Free radicals are often to blame for cancer and other serious illnesses and health conditions. Free radicals are to blame for aging and are what cause wrinkles and fine lines. This type of damage has also been linked to cancer risk, according to the American Cancer Society.

  Antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and phytochemicals. Fruits and vegetables often contain antioxidants. Other helpful vitamins and minerals to use against cancer progression and development include beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamin E. Supplements are never as good as getting the antioxidants from the dietary choices directly. Blueberries, raspberries and Acai berries are all full of antioxidants. Drinking the juice of these berries as well as eating the fruit fresh can be beneficial to cancer treatment and prevention.

Broccoli

• According to an article on the Science Daily website, researchers believe that broccoli can slow down the progress of bladder cancer. Harvard and Ohio State universities did a study six years ago and found that men who ate two or more half-cup servings of broccoli per week had 44 percent less incidence of bladder cancer compared to men who ate only one serving or less of broccoli a week.

  Broccoli isn't the only vegetable with this type of health benefit. Cabbage, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and kale may also be beneficial. All of these vegetables are believed to slow down bladder cancer progression.