Cut These Drinks From Your Diet
Managing stomach cancer requires a comprehensive approach that includes medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments and dietary changes. One critical area that often gets overlooked is beverages. Certain drinks can aggravate symptoms, irritate the stomach lining or interfere with treatment. While changing your diet is a good start, you should also talk to your doctor about treatment options like Lonsurf, which can help stop cancer cells from spreading throughout the body.
In this article we look at some of the worst drinks for stomach cancer and why they should be avoived.
1. Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeine is found in drinks like coffee, tea and energy drinks, and it can irritate the stomach and trigger acid production. Stomach cancer patients are particularly sensitive to acid, as it can aggravate symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion and bloating. Caffeinated beverages also act as diuretics, which can lead to dehydration—a serious concern during cancer treatment.
- Caffeine increases acid production, worsening reflux and heartburn.
- Energy drinks contain both caffeine and sugar, making them doubly harmful.
- Even black and green teas contain enough caffeine to irritate the stomach, making decaffeinated options a better choice.
2. Tomato-Based Drinks
Tomato juice should be avoided due to their high acidity. The acidic nature of tomatoes can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn. While tomatoes are rich in nutrients, their acidic content makes them unsuitable for stomach cancer patients who need to avoid additional irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Tomato-based drinks are highly acidic, causing discomfort and worsening reflux.
- Even small amounts of tomato juice can lead to increased stomach acid, making symptoms harder to manage.
- Opt for low-acid vegetable juices instead, such as cucumber or carrot juice.
3. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol is known to irritate the stomach and can be harmful for people with stomach cancer. It weakens the stomach lining, which is already compromised due to the disease, and can make symptoms like nausea, heartburn and indigestion worse. Alcohol consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of developing stomach cancer in the first place. Post-diagnosis, alcohol can interfere with cancer treatments and recovery.
- Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, worsening inflammation and increasing discomfort.
- It can interfere with medications and cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy.
- Beer, wine and spirits should be avoided, as all forms of alcohol are harmful to stomach cancer patients.
4. Carbonated Drinks
Fizzy drinks like soda, sparkling water and certain energy drinks contain carbon dioxide, which can cause bloating and put pressure on the stomach. For people with stomach cancer, this added pressure can make swallowing difficult, increase nausea and lead to discomfort after meals. Additionally, many carbonated drinks contain sugar, artificial sweeteners or acidic flavorings that can further irritate the stomach.
- Carbonation increases bloating and gas, adding to stomach discomfort.
- Sodas are often acidic and high in sugar, worsening inflammation.
- Even “natural" sparkling waters can cause discomfort due to the carbonation.
5. Milk
While dairy is often considered a soothing option for stomach issues, for those with stomach cancer, milk can be problematic. Dairy products, especially whole milk, can be difficult to digest and may cause bloating, gas and discomfort. Many cancer patients also develop lactose intolerance during treatment, making dairy-based drinks a risky choice.
- Dairy-based drinks are harder to digest and can cause bloating and gas.
- Whole milk and milkshakes contain high amounts of fat, which can delay stomach emptying and worsen nausea.
- Non-dairy alternatives, such as almond or coconut milk, are easier on the stomach.
6. Processed Fruit Juices
While fruit juices may seem healthy, processed juices often contain high levels of added sugar and preservatives, both of which can irritate the stomach lining and worsen cancer symptoms. The lack of fiber in fruit juice means that the sugar content hits the bloodstream quickly, potentially causing nausea and blood sugar spikes, which are problematic for cancer patients already dealing with fluctuating energy levels.
- Processed juices contain sugar and preservatives, both of which can cause irritation.
- Lack of fiber leads to quick absorption of sugar, causing nausea and discomfort.
- Whole fruits or homemade juices without added sugar are better alternatives.
7. Hot Chocolate and Sugary Cocoa Drinks
Hot chocolate and similar cocoa-based drinks contain both sugar and fat, which can irritate the stomach and exacerbate symptoms like nausea and indigestion. The fat content slows down digestion, while the sugar leads to inflammation and discomfort. Additionally, cocoa contains small amounts of caffeine, which can further irritate the stomach.
- Sugary cocoa drinks contribute to inflammation and slow digestion.
- Fat and sugar can worsen stomach pain and nausea, common symptoms for cancer patients.
- Opt for lower-sugar alternatives like herbal teas or warm broths.
8. Flavored Water and Sports Drinks
Flavored waters and sports drinks often contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives and coloring agents that can irritate the stomach lining. While they are marketed as healthy or hydrating, these drinks can aggravate symptoms like bloating and discomfort, especially if they contain citric acid or other acidic additives.
- Flavored waters and sports drinks often contain artificial ingredients and acids.
- Citric acid and sweeteners can worsen reflux and inflammation.
- Plain water or electrolyte-rich drinks without additives are safer alternatives.
Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. For patients with advanced stomach cancer, newer medications like Lonsurf (trifluridine/tipiracil) have shown promise in helping manage the disease.
Lonsurf is an oral chemotherapy drug used to treat metastatic stomach cancer when other treatments have failed. It works by preventing cancer cells from multiplying and slowing the progression of the disease. While it is not a cure, Lonsurf can help extend survival and improve quality of life for patients.
It’s important to discuss all treatment options with your healthcare provider, who can guide you through the best course of action based on the stage and type of cancer you have.