When a kid is going through cancer treatment, keeping their immune system strong is super important for their overall health. While the treatments can be really hard on their bodies, adding some immune-boosting foods to their diet can really help. Here are five great foods that can give their immune system a boost:
Dark Green Leafy Veggies: Dark green leafy vegetables are powerhouses of nutrients that can significantly boost the immune system. For example, spinach is rich in vitamin C, which is crucial for producing white blood cells that fight off infections. These greens also contain folate and vitamin K, both of which help keep the immune system balanced. Some studies suggest that certain compounds found in DGLVs—like glucosinolates and carotenoids—may even help prevent specific types of cancer by inhibiting cancer cell growth and reducing inflammation.
Flax seeds: Flax seeds are like little treasures packed with goodness! They’re a fantastic source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s are super important for our brain development, help reduce inflammation, and support our overall health. Studies have shown that eating omega-3-rich foods like flax seeds, walnuts, and cod liver oil can boost nutritional health, help people tolerate chemotherapy better, and improve treatment outcomes. Plus, flax seeds are loaded with both soluble and insoluble fiber, which is great for keeping our digestive system running smoothly and preventing constipation.
Curd/ Yogurt: Curd (or yogurt) is a delicious fermented dairy treat that’s full of live bacteria, known as probiotics, which are fantastic for gut health! These friendly bacteria help keep the gut microbiome in tip-top shape, which is important for the immune system and overall well-being. Probiotics in curd also help the body absorb nutrients like vitamins and minerals that are vital for the immune system staying healthy. The calcium in curd supports strong bones and plays a role in various functions related to the immune system. Plus, it’s rich in protein, which is essential for repairing tissues and signaling within the immune system. Just remember to pick plain, unsweetened curd to avoid extra sugars and get the most health benefits! It is also important to add here that during some types of cancer treatments, curd is not permitted, so ensure you have the sign-off from
Protein: Protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, and lentils do more than just support a child’s growth and muscle development—they’re also packed with essential nutrients that boost the immune system. These foods are loaded with amino acids, zinc, iron, vitamin B12, and selenium, which play a critical role in enhancing immune cell function, strengthening resistance to infections, and promoting overall health.
Millets: Millets are becoming a star on the nutrition scene as a versatile and healthy food choice! They’re packed with antioxidants like phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins that help fight off harmful free radicals in the body. This means they can reduce inflammation and protect our cells from damage—key factors for keeping our immune system strong. Millets are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining good gut health.
The connection between what we eat, our immune system, and cancer is intricate and important. Nutrition is key to how our immune system works and can greatly affect the risk of developing cancer, how cancer progresses, and how well treatments work. Eating the right foods can help keep the immune system strong, which plays a vital role in fighting off diseases like cancer.
References:
- Soldati L, Di Renzo L, Jirillo E, Ascierto PA, Marincola FM, De Lorenzo A. The influence of diet on anti-cancer immune responsiveness. J Transl Med. 2018 Mar 20;16(1):75. doi: 10.1186/s12967-018-1448-0. PMID: 29558948; PMCID: PMC5859494.
- Ourique, F., & Kviecinski, M. R. (2023). Editorial: Nutritional modulation of immune function in cancer. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 1290026. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1290026
- Al-Madhagy, S., Ashmawy, N.S., Mamdouh, A. et al. A comprehensive review of the health benefits of flaxseed oil in relation to its chemical composition and comparison with other omega-3-rich oils. Eur J Med Res 28, 240 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-023-01203-6
- Miles EA, Calder PC. Effects of Citrus Fruit Juices and Their Bioactive Components on Inflammation and Immunity: A Narrative Review. Front Immunol. 2021 Jun 24;12:712608. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.712608. PMID: 34249019; PMCID: PMC8264544.
