Diet After Liver Cancer Treatment

Foods to eat

Some food and drink items you should include in your diet after liver cancer are:

• Fruits and vegetables (at least five servings per day), which are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber. It is recommended to eat a variety of whole fruits and vegetables. Examples include apples, berries, bell peppers, leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.
• Protein-rich foods such as lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes and tofu. Protein is needed for tissue repair and wound-healing.
• Whole grain foods, such as oats, whole-wheat bread and brown rice. A good source of carbohydrates and fiber, they aid digestion, regulate blood sugar levels and promote gut health. However, if you have diarrhea, you may need to avoid whole grains.
• Low-fat, pasteurized dairy products, which can help maintain calcium levels in your body and protect your bones. Yogurt, cheese and skim milk are good choices.
• Healthy fat sources, such as olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds. These can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. They also have anti-inflammatory effects and aid in absorption of essential nutrients and antioxidants.

Learn more: The Truth about Supplements for Liver Health

Foods to avoid

Food and drink items high in sugar, salt, cholesterol and fats can increase the risk of heart disease, promote inflammation that potentially harms your liver and affect your recovery. They include:

• Red meats, such as beef and lamb, which are high in saturated fats and cholesterol
• High-fat dairy products like full-cream milk, butter and ghee
• Spreads like margarine that are high in trans fats
• Processed meats like bacon, hot dogs and deli meats, which are high in saturated fat and salt
• Sweetened beverages, cakes and other desserts

After liver cancer treatment, your weakened immune system may make you more vulnerable to food-borne illnesses like food poisoning. Therefore, apart from adopting a healthy diet, practising proper food safety is essential too. Doing so means staying away from certain foods that may contain bacteria such as listeria, salmonella or Escherichia coli, such as:

• Raw or undercooked eggs, meats, fish and seafood, such as raw oysters and sushi
• Unpasteurized dairy products, such as milk and soft cheeses
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables, including salads
• Alcohol, which affects your immune system, damages your liver and can cause dehydration

If you’ve undergone a liver transplant, please avoid consuming grapefruits, pomelos and pomegranates, which can interact negatively with your anti-rejection medication (immunosuppressants).

Eating habits and food safety

Apart from minding what you eat, it’s important to take note of how you eat. This includes adopting healthy eating habits and practicing good food safety.

• Eat small, frequent meals over the course of the day, which can help reduce treatment-related side effects like nausea
• Sit up for at least 30 minutes to an hour after eating. This is to prevent heartburn caused by acid from the stomach flowing back into the esophagus
• Opt for low-fat cooking methods, such as steaming or poaching, rather than frying at high temperatures
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly while handling food
• Use different knives, cutting boards and other utensils for raw meat and vegetables to keep them separate from cooked food
• Clean and sanitize all utensils, countertops, cutting boards and sponges that have touched raw meat
• Store raw meats in plastic bags or covered with plastic wrap to prevent any liquids from leaking onto other foods or surfaces
• Refrigerate leftover foods right away

By following these guidelines and adhering to the advice of your healthcare team, you can reduce the risk of complications, and support your body in its recovery. With patience, the right guidance and nutrition, you are one step closer to improving your overall well-being in your recovery.

Liver cancer and its treatments can take a toll on your body and cause various side effects, including:

• Appetite loss
• Changes in sense of taste or smell
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dry or sore mouth
• Sore throat and trouble swallowing
• Weight fluctuations

These side effects can affect how you eat, swallow, digest food and absorb essential nutrients. Therefore, having a healthy, balanced diet after liver cancer treatment is extremely important. Apart from meeting your nutritional needs, eating well can help you in the following ways:

• Feel better
• Support your liver function
• Regain your strength
• Boost your immune system
• Reduce the risk of complications
• Speed up your recovery
• Prevent recurrence and second cancers