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Esophagus Cancer Diet

Potentially the most difficult thing about eating while dealing with cancer of the esophagus: swallowing. Esophagus cancer is conventionally treated using radiation or surgery--meaning that the throat is left sore and sensitive. The question, then, is which foods might one comfortably eat and still maintain a healthy, balanced diet?

  1. Foods to Avoid

    • Avoid eating red meat, including hamburgers and steaks--these foods require a lot of work on the part of your throat to get down. Additionally avoid high-fat foods. These types of foods generally have a negative effect on one's overall health--not optimal for anyone with any kind of cancer. It's time to eat as healthily as you can. This also means avoiding refined grains. Foods that contain refined grains include white breads, white flour tortillas and many breakfast cereals. Finally, avoid sugary foods and desserts---like cookies, cakes, candy and junk food in general.

    Start with Soft Foods

    • It may be wise to begin with foods that go down easily--and that means soft or liquid foods. Eggs, a good soup, low-fat pudding or yogurt, diet shakes, and even Jell-O all fall into this category. But you don't want to miss out on a good, balanced diet just because you've been restricted to soft foods; try pureeing your food--from breads and pastas to beans and oatmeal--either by hand or in a blender.

    Whole Grains, Fruits, and Vegetables

    • Whole grains should be eaten regularly by esophagus cancer patients. Foods that contain dietary fiber from whole grains include whole grain breads, whole grain cereals, quinoa, whole wheat pastas and oatmeal. Additionally, try incorporating new vegetables and new fruits into your diet; variety leads to balance. When's the last time you had kale, a mango or some spaghetti squash? A 2002 study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer demonstrated that the regular incorporation of a variety of fruits and vegetables into one's diet can help prevent and combat cancer. With all of these foods, though, take very small bites--and puree or mash them up if eating them becomes difficult. Sit up straight while eating, too--proper posture can help food go down more easily.

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