What You Need to Know about Plant-Based Nutrition During Cancer 

There is so much to learn after a cancer diagnosis, and navigating treatment can be overwhelming. Here you will find nutrition tips and resources about plant-based diets to discuss with your care team during your treatment journey.    

The plant-based diet.  

For some, a plant-based diet is a vegan eating pattern made up of exclusively plant food. Others are not strictly vegan but may follow a plant-forward eating pattern by consuming legumes, grains, vegetables, and fruits as the majority of their diet. Regardless of the approach taken, increasing plant foods in your diet may be beneficial.  

The role of plant-based diets when fighting cancer.   

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and hydration are all important components of one’s diet while undergoing cancer treatment. Researchers have found that consuming a plant-based diet has numerous benefits. Plant-based foods contain high levels of phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all of which are essential to maintaining overall health.     

Here are 3 facts about how a plant-based diet could support you on your treatment journey:    

1. They contain phytonutrients. 

Plant-based foods are powerful due in large part to phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are chemical compounds that give plants their bright color and are packed with phytonutrients. According to studies, phytonutrients might help fight cancer cell formation and replication, rebuild healthy cells, regulate hormones, and reduce inflammation in some cases.    

2. They are lower in saturated fat and calories. 

Plant-based foods are naturally lower in calories and saturated fat than animal-based foods, making them good for your heart health. However, a common symptom in cancer patients is weight loss. So it’s important to make sure you’re consuming enough plant-based foods to meet your calorie goal established by your healthcare team.    

3. They contain fiber. 

Consider swapping packaged foods that are higher in calories, fat, and sugar for foods that are higher in nutrients. Plant-based foods naturally contain fiber, which is like a superhero for your digestive tract. Fiber slows digestion, helping regulate blood sugar and making you feel fuller longer.   

Many studies have linked dietary fiber to a lower risk of colon cancer, and some evidence suggests it may also lower the risk of other cancers. The American Institute for Cancer Research advises consuming at least 30 grams of dietary fiber daily as part of a healthy diet to reduce cancer risk. According to their latest report, every 10-gram increase in fiber intake is associated with a 7% reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer. While there is some indication that fiber may help lower the risk of other cancers, the evidence for this is still limited.    

How to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet.    

Focus on what sounds good to you. Maybe you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl of soup while you cozy up on the couch with loved ones. Maybe you’d like a refreshing smoothie to sip in your backyard. If a sandwich is tickling your fancy, make that sandwich!    

Regardless what type of meal or snack you choose, there are plenty of ways to incorporate nutrient-rich, plant-based foods. Try using avocados, seeds, nut butters, beans, lentils, whole grains, rice, oats, potatoes, roasted veggies, your favorite fruits, and more. The most important thing is to make sure the meal tastes good to you. Flavor it up with spices that bring you comfort.    

Getting enough protein.    

Each person’s individual protein needs are different. Your needs depend on factors like age, gender, weight, activity, and even type of cancer or treatment.    

If increasing your protein intake sounds difficult, keep in mind there are many plant-based foods that contain protein! Foods like seeds, oats, barley and other whole grains, beans, legumes, peas, broccoli, spinach, and kale contain small amounts of protein. Work with your registered dietitian to make a plan that incorporates the foods you enjoy.

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