Spread kindness to cancer patients

Raw carrots

Carotenoid is the plant pigment giving the red, orange, and yellow hues in many vegetables. It is also efficient against lung cancer. Eating foods containing carotenoids equals getting protective health benefits.

Raw tomatoes

They provide a good amount of minerals and vitamins and are famous for lycopene, a potent antioxidant, offering important protection against diseases. Other lycopene rich sources are apricots and pink grapefruit.

Parsley

This popular herb available year round is rich in Vitamins C, B 12, and K, and it helps flush out excess fluid from the body, supporting kidney function. Regular use of parsley may help control the blood pressure.

Bitter gourd

Also known as bitter melon, this is a vegetable that helps in fighting diseases. Although it tastes bitter, it can sweeten the health through its disease preventing phyto chemical and folate compounds.

Fresh green leafy vegetables

Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, K, B6 as well as calcium and magnesium. Watercress is a great source of nutrients. It has four times more beta-carotene than the apple. Also great are spinach, chard.

Cucumber

This vegetable is low in calories because it consists mainly of water. It allows us to re-hydrate the body and at the same time cleanse it of toxins. Its phytonutrient list contains cucurbitacins, lignans, flavonoids.

Cruciferous vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and cabbage are generally packed with antioxidants that naturally help the body cleanse toxins. Broccoli has plenty of vitamins K, A, as well as iron and calcium.

Foods with folate

This vitamin has a great role in supporting our health and foods containing it are great for fighting lung carer. Quality sources of folate are lentils, spinach and asparagus.

Garlic

It has anti-inflammatory properties. The high level of allicin reduces inflammation and fights infection, destroys free radicals, and may help improve asthma. Garlic can be chopped or crushed and used in recipes.

Onions, radishes

Onions are rich in sulfur-containing compounds that are in charge of many of their health-promoting effects. Radishes are a great source of folate and other B vitamins in a diet. They are also low in carbs.

Cooked vegetables

Mushrooms, peas and beans, turnip, beetroot, squash, celery. It is beneficial to increase the overall intake of vegetables, either raw or cooked. It is best to eat a combination of raw and cooked vegetables.

Oranges and other citrus fruit

As well as providing vitamins and fibre, citrus fruits boost the immune system. Fruits that contain high amounts of vitamin C help the lungs efficiently transport oxygen throughout the body.

Bananas, kiwi, mangoes

Bananas are a great source of potassium, good for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Kiwifruit protects DNA from oxygen-related damage. Mangoes are a good source of vitamin C.

Strawberries and other berries

Berries are some of the richest antioxidant fruits, protecting the lungs from infection. They contain anthocyanins, the colorful antioxidant pigments giving the shades of blue, purple, and red.

Avocadoes, guava, figs

Avocados have potassium, vitamin K, vitamin E, fiber, magnesium. Guava is very high in roughage and rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals, having no cholesterol. Figs are a good source of potassium.

Watermelons, nectarines

Watermelon is a good a choice for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits because of its phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and carotenoids. Nectarines have a great antioxidant power.

Apples

The flavonoids and vitamins in apples keep a healthy respiratory function and help in preventing the development of lung diseases. Particularly strong is their ability to reduce oxidation of cell membrane fats.

Pineapple

The delicious pineapple is recommended for an enzyme named bromelain, which is fighting against cancer cells, helps strengthen the organism and facilitate the digestion.

Lean meat, poultry, eggs

Foods With Omega-3 fatty acids are great because fatty acids are crucial for your overall health. Omega-3 foods are needed for proper neurological function and cell membrane maintenance.

Nuts, dried beans, dhals and chickpeas

Nuts, Dried Beans, Dhals and Chickpeas

Foods with magnesium are also very healthy. Magnesium is a mineral that may increase lung capacity and the efficiency of the respiratory process. Magnesium is important in cancer treatment.

Fish

Fish are of distinct benefit because they are a great source of protein and provide Omega-3 fatty acids, which have potentially beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. It is recommended to eat two servings a week.

Organic flax snacks

Flaxseeds are an ideal source of dietary fiber, lignan, and Omega-3. Flaxseeds also contain nine amino acids that, when existing together, create a total protein like those found in dairy and meat.

Organic soups

Soups made from organic plants have a higher content of salicylic acid than soups made from non-organic plants. Salicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory chemical in plants, the active ingredient in aspirin.

Green tea

Catechins are the major component of green tea extract, antioxidants that fight cell damage. Intake of green tea increases natural killer cell activity. Cancer patients are often counseled to drink this tea daily.

Ginger root tea

This tea is good for combating nausea during chemotherapy. Ginger root tea has high levels of vitamin C and amino acids, and different trace elements; for example, calcium, zinc, sodium, phosphorus.

Peppermint/milk thistle/valerian root/licorice root/dandelion root tea

Drinking tea provides great relief to patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Herbal teas keep patients well hydrated.

Honey

This sweet treat contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as sugars, vitamins, minerals, having high anti-oxidant activities. It is a natural immune booster, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent.

Dried organic fruits

Dried fruits must be chosen wisely. Watch for added sweeteners, especially in dried tart fruits. Only the fruit should be listed on the ingredient list and the packages should say "no sulfites".

Organic crystallized ginger

Ginger is easy to incorporate into meals for an added flavor and health boost and it is also delicious as a snack. The anti-inflammatory function of ginger clears lungs of lingering pollution.

Coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil has anti-carcinogenic effects. This type of oil proves to be an effective anti-oxidant, which prevents formation of free radicals and using it you may prevent tumor incidences.

Dark chocolate

Chocolate contains flavonoids, which can slow the process of growing for tumor cells. The taste of the dark chocolate is highly appreciated and is a great comfort food for everyone.

Curcuma / turmeric

A great anti-oxidant, this spice decreases inflammation and inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells. Curcuma can be used in recipes based on rice, for the curry flavor and nice yellow color.

Quinoa

Quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods. The high concentration of iron is helping to cure anemia, almost always related to cancer. Quinoa is rich in magnesium and manganese, with benefits for health and metabolism.

Protein powders

Nutritional based powders added to drinks and juices are helping to fight against weigh loss during cancer treatments. High calories drinks boost energy and avoid malnutrition.

Sugarless candies

Cancer treatments can damage the saliva glands and some therapies are causing dry mouth. In this case, some flavored candies can be a delicious choice.

Vitamin D

Deficiency in Vitamin D is proved to be related to cancer. For women diagnosed with breast cancer, vitamin D level was lower than usual. The administration of vitamin D may decrease the risk of breast cancer, as some studies indicate.

Vitamin B9 - folic acid

Low levels of folic acid have been associated with some cancer types. Alimentation rich in folic acid is beneficial for diet in cancer treatment.

Vitamin C

The administration of intravenous vitamin C may be useful in order to boost the effectiveness of some cancer therapies. Even if not confirmed as a cure, vitamin C is helping the organism to fight against diseases more efficiently.

Vitamin B17

The controversial vitamin B17, known as amygdaline, is a poisonous cyanogenic glycoside. This substance can be found in seeds of bitter almonds, apricots, apple, peach or plums. Some experiences show that vitamin B17 fights against cancer cells.

Vitamin E

The relation between vitamin E deficiency and cancer risk has been investigated in epidemiologic studies. Intervention trials with alpha-tocopherol (not an exact equivalent for vitamin) in mixtures, proved to be useful in cancer prevention.

Comfy socks

Wearing soft, comfortable socks can be soothing because of their texture and can help the dry and irritated skin of those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments.These socks are perfect to keep your feet comfortable.

Robe

A soft, cozy, loose-fitting robe, sweater, or soft pajamas are great for patients with dry and irritated skin. Cotton, silk, or bamboo are the best choices because the skin is frequently dry, very sensitive or sore.

Plush blanket

Because illness implies a lot of time spent in bed, a plush blanket is a perfect comfort item, a must for soothing rest. A monogrammed or personalized blanket may afford the comfort of home during a hospital stay.

A comfortable pillow

Resting on well-formed pillows can help in recovering after treatments. Check with the nursing staff for the hospital policy on pillows brought from home. Bring new items in their original package.

Headwear

Scarves, caps, and hats can help patients be comfortable and warm while sleeping or while being in air-conditioned hospitals and they may improve self-esteem. A gift card to a wig store may be an opportunity to get a new look.

Skin care products

Unscented lotions and lip balms are a great gift choice, providing calming relief, as dry skin and lips are a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation. Mild soaps and shampoos can also make thoughtful gifts.

Filing systems

These are great in helping store voluminous medical records, prescriptions, and other information. Pocket calendars or planners may also make it easier for patients to take notes, log symptoms and medications.

Books and movies

A good, light-hearted novel, a funny movie, puzzle books, coloring books can offer brief mental and emotional escapes from the diagnosis. Books written by cancer survivors may also prove encouraging.

Jamba juice gift cards

Patients undergoing chemotherapy need to stay hydrated to flush toxins out after chemotherapy and eat what they can tolerate. Healthy boost shakes from juice places like Jamba Juice are a great option.

Stress relief tea

Research shows that drinking tea helps lower post-stress cortisol and increase relaxation. Additionally, tea also contains other nutrients that reduce toxins. Plus, fine quality tea is aromatic and delicious.

Restaurant gift cards

A gift certificate to a favorite grocery store or restaurant can make a great gift, also brightening their day. With gift cards, cancer patients can buy healthy, nutritious foods and meals at their leisure.

Shower gel

A product for cancer patients must take care of sensitive skin and be gentle with painful areas. Harsh soaps should be avoided; instead you can choose a soft shower gel, with natural components, fragrance-free, with moisturizers.

Soap

The hypoallergenic soap, made of natural ingredients, should contain moisturizing oils, like Shea oil or Coconut Oil, which are gentle to the irritated skin. Choose the best quality natural soap, if possible handmade.

Shampoo

Washing hair with a special shampoo, can be useful even when you are experiencing hair loss, due treatments. Pick a natural shampoo and conditioner, made with the best quality ingredients, silicone free.

Detox bath

Detox baths are helping to ease sore muscles. Soaking in warm water can eliminate harmful toxins from your skin. The minerals are recommended for dry skin, and help you to relax.

Detox salts

You can choose detox salts from a grocery store: Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate), Baking soda, Sea salt or Himalayan Salt. Just be aware to choose non-allergic products before experiencing a detox bath.

Hair conditioner

The main role of a hair conditioner is to detangle the hair and minimize hair loss, so you should choose a conditioner which stimulates hair growth after chemotherapy. The ingredients must be natural and fragrance–free.

Heating pad

Heating pad is an extra warm comfort item, useful for heating the bed during days and nights, because chemotherapy and weight loss can result in constant chills.