Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. One of the ways of treating this disease is immunotherapy, where the body naturally fights melanoma. Studies have shown that food that is rich in fiber can help in the fight against melanoma.
Immunotherapy and melanoma
Melanoma is one of the deadliest types of skin cancers. Immunotherapy is one of the treatment options for those who have melanoma. It involves administering drugs that help the body’s immune system naturally fight melanoma.
The drugs used in immunotherapy activate the T-cells that fight cancerous cells and kill them. These drugs help the T-cells recognize the cancer cells so that they are destroyed. They help in improving the natural immunity of the body while fighting cancer like melanoma.
Diet and immunotherapy
Studies carried out by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy have shown that diet can play a role in the success of immunotherapy. The studies showed that when the gut microbiome, which refers to bacteria in the stomach, is diverse and healthy, then it can improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The studies showed that consuming a diet that is high in fiber and rich in probiotics would help boost healthy gut microbiome. This, in turn, can make the immunotherapy more effective.
The importance of a high-fiber diet
The studies showed that those patients who consumed a diet that was high in fiber (having whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) responded five times more effectively to immunotherapy treatment.
The scientists believe that high-fiber in the diet ensures diverse gut flora (bacteria and other organisms in the stomach). Apart from treating melanoma, it is believed that a very high-fiber diet can be very helpful in boosting the immune response of the body.
The best high-fiber diet
People suffering from melanoma and undergoing immunotherapy should consume a high-fiber diet that helps the immune system’s fight against the disease. It also has many other benefits that are good for health in general.
The following are some tips to keep in mind while planning a high-fiber diet for those suffering from melanoma:
- While fruits are good in fiber, one should cautiously avoid those fruits that raise blood sugar. The best fruits to eat are kiwis, avocado, watermelon, peaches, and oranges. Keeping blood sugar level low and ensuring general health would help boost the functioning of the immune system.
- Dark vegetables have higher fiber content and must be a part of the diet. Some of these include artichokes, spinach, carrots, beets, and collards.
- Whole wheat, oatmeal, bran, and psyllium seeds are excellent sources of fiber and can be included in the diet.
- Beans and legumes are a good source of fiber and must form part of the diet.
- Berries are another good source of fiber that can be consumed.
- Most nuts are rich in fiber. Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds can be added to one’s diet.
For those suffering from melanoma, a diet that is high in fiber can help the body naturally fight this skin condition.
