What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. The lungs are two spongy organs located in the chest that breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide.

Lung cancer takes more lives per year than all cancers of the colon, prostate, ovary and breast combined. According to Cancer UK, 62,832 cases of lung cancer will be forecasted to be diagnosed in the UK by 2035.

People who smoke are at a higher risk of lung cancer, although it is possible that those who have never smoked may also have this diagnosis. The risk increases with the amount of cigarettes and the period of time. If you stop smoking, even after smoking for several years you can significantly reduce the chances of getting lung cancer.

Integrative Support for Patients

Which mushrooms have useful properties in lung cancer?

4 key mushrooms: Reishi, Royal Sun Mushroom, Maitake, Coriolus, Pleurotus and Lion’s Mane.

Several science- backed studies confirm that mushrooms contain potent compounds, mainly beta glucans, known to powerfully  stimulate and awaken the human immune system.
The stimulation induced in the body itself seems to be the key to the effects observed in numerous clinical trials that show that ingesting mushroom preparations together with conventional oncological medication, has contributed to decrease the treatment time of chemo / radiotherapy, its side effects and it has been effective in increasing the quality of life in patients.

Research more about these mushrooms on our learn about mushrooms page to know how they can support you in your health journey.

 

Nutrition recommendations and healthy habits

Feeding

ADVISABLE

  • Consume plenty of fluids and follow a varied diet rich in vegetables and fruits. This has been associated with a reduction in the risk of this type of cancer due to its content of vitamins and antioxidants. Try to eat the colors of the rainbow, the more varied the colors of your fruits and vegetables, the more complete your diet will be. Avoid refined white flours. Substitute them for organic wholemeal flours that will give you fiber and more nutrients.
  • Avoid white sugar or reduce consumption to a minimum. It uses, preferably, natural sweeteners such as cinnamon, stevia or organic honeys.
  • Instead of making large meals, it is recommended to make five or six takes a day.
  • Drink more than 2 liters of water a day, especially on the days when you receive the treatment. If you get tired of the water, you have infusions to increase your water intake. This will help you in your water balance.
  • It is recommended to complete the treatment with an emotional stabilizer that will help you relax and sleep better.
  • You can also take nutritional supplements that help protect and promote the activity of your microbiota and avoid constipation associated with treatment.

INADVISABLE

  • Very hot foods, fried, spicy, very spicy and flatulent.
  • Stimulating and gas drinks.
  • Tobacco and alcohol.
  • Processed products rich in added sugars, additives and artificial colors such as industrial pastries, sweets, refined cereals, toast, cookies …
  • The consumption of trans fats present in processed products such as margarines, fried foods, refined oils …
  • Red and processed meat such as sausages, sausages …
  • Fast-absorbing carbohydrates that raise blood glucose such as sweets, sugar, fructose, refined flours (white bread, sliced ​​bread, cookies, biscuits …).

Oral hygiene

ADVISABLE

  • Make a gentle toothbrush and rinse with water and baking soda after each meal.
  • It is recommended to take supplements that help prevent opportunistic infections that generate mucositis.
  • Visit the dentist before starting treatment.

INADVISABLE

  • Dental extractions and / or any type of dental manipulation (consult your doctor beforehand).

Skin care

ADVISABLE

  • Apply moisturizing lotions, to be able to be natural, free of carbomers, DEA, petrochemical derivatives, parabens, synthetic perfumes, phthalates, synthetic dyes and sulfates.
  • Protect yourself from solar radiation. Do not expose yourself to the sun between 12 and 6 in the afternoon. Use sunglasses, hats or hats, umbrellas, etc. Use creams of total protection. The lips are a particularly sensitive area, take care and nurture them regularly.

INADVISABLE

  • Skin injuries (shaving with razors).
  • Direct exposures to the sun.

Hair care

ADVISABLE

  • Use a neutral shampoo and combs with thick and separate prongs.
  • Wash your hair with warm water, performing gentle friction. Dry it in the air, without using a dryer.
  • Use vegetable dyes without ammonia.

INADVISABLE

  • Hair dryer with very hot air.
  • Recommendations to be taken into account during chemo and radiotherapy treatments.
  • Use vegetable dyes without ammonia.

These councils have been developed by the nursing service of the Santa Isabel Clinic and Hifas da Terra.

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