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Nutrition for Renal Cancer

The American Cancer Society says about 57,000 people in the United States get a diagnosis of renal cancer each year. Renal cancer is cancer of the kidney. Unfortunately, symptoms usually don't usually show up until the patient is in the later stages of the disease. Symptoms include blood in the urine, weight loss, low back pain, tiredness and a fever that comes and goes. Since an unhealthy diet, poor nutrition and obesity can contribute to developing kidney cancer, it's crucial to put together a good nutrition plan if you are diagnosed with renal cancer.

  1. Get Those Fruits and Veggies

    • Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. A 2009 study published in "Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention" showed that increasing amounts of fruits and veggies can decrease the risk of renal cancer. And once you are diagnosed, it's more important than ever to eat a healthy diet. It's not difficult to get the right amount of fruits and vegetables each day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says one serving is usually equal to about half of a cup. One banana is one serving. About 15 grapes equal one serving. Half of a baked sweet potato and five broccoli florets both equal one serving.

    Watch the Meat

    • Cut down on red meat. University of Florida, Gainesville professor Dr. Nabih Asal found that eating large amounts of red meat increased the risk of renal cancer. When you do eat red meat, choose the leanest cuts. Cuts with "round" and "loin" in the names are your best choices. Before cooking, trim any extra fat off the meat. Stick with low-fat, healthy fish for most of your main dishes. Chicken is a good choice, but don't go overboard. While protein is an important part of your diet, it breaks down into waste products that must be eliminated from the body via healthy, functioning kidneys. Eating excess protein can make compromised kidneys work harder.

    Whole Grains

    • Whole grains are helpful for your renal cancer diet. Try substituting whole wheat flour for white flour. Add bran flakes to your cereal and muffins and oatmeal to casseroles. Craving pasta dishes? Experiment with whole wheat pasta.

    Work at Nutrition

    • When you're actively fighting renal cancer with chemotherapy and radiation, you may not feel like eating. But stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Work with a nutritionist to put together a food plan to get your through treatment and keep you healthy.

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