Skip to main content

Pancreatic Cancer Diet: Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid

5 min read

By Jeff Hayward

Medically Reviewed by Julie Ching, MS, RDN, CDE

The American Cancer Society estimates pancreatic cancer will strike approximately 55,440-people in the U.S. during 2018. Of that number, more than 44,000-are expected not to live. While the numbers are grim, there are ways you can make the disease more manageable and possibly improve your quality of life through diet.

While these foods won’t erase the cancer, they can help reduce associated symptoms and “help you stay energized, focused, and better able to take cancer on and win,” it notes. Here are 12 foods you should eat (or avoid) if you’ve been diagnosed with this type of cancer, or want to reduce your risk of developing it…

Good: Fruits and Veggies

Healthline says pancreatic cancer patients should eat at least 5-servings of non-starchy vegetables and fruits per day, citing recommendations from the World Cancer Research Fund International.

It suggests in particular eating blueberries, oranges, broccoli, kale, and spinach, which are rich with antioxidants, fibers, and phytochemicals. “Cooked vegetables may be easier for you to tolerate than raw ones,” it adds.

Good: Lean Protein

Proteins are important building blocks of the body, and are especially good for the pancreas, according to SarahCannon.com. Not only can protein help your body repair damaged tissues, it can also give the immune system a boost, it adds.

However, the source suggests sticking to lower-fat protein sources including chicken, fish, eggs, low-fat dairy, nuts, beans, and soy products. “Include a source of lean protein at all meals and snacks,” it notes.

Good: High Fiber Starches

You may think that starchy foods are an automatic no-no, but that’s not the case, according to Healthline.com. The source says these following complex carbohydrates help keep your energy levels up, and won’t spike your blood sugar like simple carbs will.

These high-fiber choices include potatoes, beans, lentils, oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice, adds the source. It notes that you can also find folate (a B vitamin) in these foods, which is helpful for reducing the risk of developing pancreatic cancer in the first place.

Good: Green Tea

Green tea has actually been touted as a way to reduce pancreatic cancer risk, according to ScienceDaily.com. It cites a study published by Metabolomics that notes EGCG, an active ingredient in green tea, “changed the metabolism of pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing the expression of an enzyme associated with cancer.”

The study also touches on another component called oxamate, which the source says also reduces cancer enzyme activity. “By explaining how green tea’s active component could prevent cancer, this study will open the door to a whole new area of cancer research and help us understand how other foods can prevent cancer or slow the growth of cancerous cells,” it notes.

Good: Healthy Fats

Normally when we hear the word “fat” associated with food, we tend to avoid it (or at least try to limit it). However, there is such a thing as healthy fats, from foods including avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, according to SarahCannon.com.

The source warns to avoid greasy or fatty foods that have been fried, and instead turn to sources of healthy fats that have been baked, broiled or grilled.

Good: Non-Caffeinated Fluids

The same source stresses the importance of staying hydrated throughout your cancer treatment, and water is never a bad choice. Other sources also say sport drinks with electrolytes can help you recover some of the salts you may lose.

The goal is to consume 64-ounces of fluid per day during treatment to prevent dehydration, says SarahCannon.com. However, if you like to down several cups of coffee or tea (or soda) per day, try decaffeinated versions instead, as caffeine may increase your risk of going dry.

Bad: Dried Fruits and Seeds

We’ve already told you that seeds and nuts are a healthy source of fat, but Livestrong says if you’re suffering from swelling of the small intestine from cancer treatment (known as radiation enteritis), then it’s best to avoid them.

Along with avoiding seeds and nuts if this condition arises, the source also suggests steering clear of whole-grain cereals and breads, coconut, uncooked vegetables, and popcorn, all which normally offer some health benefits.

Bad: Odorous Foods

Sometimes foods have a distinct aroma that fills the room, and your nose gets your tummy ready for the feast. However, when you’re battling pancreatic cancer, foods with strong odors aren’t the best idea, says Livestrong.

That’s because nausea is a common symptom of this type of cancer, and “highly aromatic foods” can be a trigger. It also suggests preparing cold foods rather than hot foods, as the latter can increase scents. “Avoid foods with strong odors such as scallions, onions, fish, and cheeses with a pungent odor,” it adds.

Bad: Greasy Foods

Here are where the “bad” fats come into play, especially when it relates to pancreatic cancer. The source says to avoid fatty meats such as beef, bacon, and fried chicken, as well as high-fat snacks like potato chips/dip, and nachos.

“Foods that are high in fat and protein are difficult to tolerate if you have pancreatic cancer,” warns the source. Stick to the aforementioned lean sources of protein to make it easier on your digestive system, says the source.

Bad: Alcohol

Drinking too much booze is bad for your health in general, but consuming alcohol on a regular basis can be particularly problematic if you’re dealing with pancreatic cancer, says Livestrong.

Heavy drinking may worsen your symptoms if you already have the disease, and can increase your risk of developing it in the first place, adds the source.

Bad: Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates

Livestrong says most people with this form of cancer will have trouble processing simple carbohydrates and refined sugars (think candy, syrup, and soda).

The source suggests consulting your doctor if you’re experiencing glucose intolerance or dumping syndrome, which the source says is when food moves too quickly from your stomach to your small intestine (causing cramps and diarrhea, among other symptoms). Aside from these potential problems, sugary foods like these offer empty calories, it adds.

Bad: Red Meat/Processed Meat

Healthline also warns against red meats (such as beef and pork) and processed meats (such as hot dogs, bacon, and salami) because they can be hard for pancreatic cancer patients to digest.

On top of that, the source also says these types of meat have been linked to cancer risk. The biggest risk appears to be connected to bowel cancer, but there’s also sources citing a possible link to stomach and pancreatic cancer risks as well.

MS, RDN, CDCES

Julie Ching is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator in Los Angeles. She decided to become a Dietitian after traveling through Europe, South America, and Asia and discovered a passion for food. She now works with people of all ages and varying disease states to improve their health. She is passionate about teaching people about nutrition so they can live their best life while still considering their cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Diet and Nutrition News & Advice

Explore

Dietary Fibre Affects More Than Your Colon: How the Immune System, Brain and Overall Health Benefit Too
By Mark Wulczynski Diet and Nutrition News & Advice

Dietary Fibre Affects More Than Your Colon: How the Immune System, Brain and Overall Health Benefit Too

There’s no shortage of advice about what to eat, including hype about the latest superfoods that will help you live to 100, or about the newest restrictive diets that claim to help you lose weight and look beautiful. As a researcher from the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, I’m well aware that there is […]

Read More about Dietary Fibre Affects More Than Your Colon: How the Immune System, Brain and Overall Health Benefit Too

4 min read

What’s the Best Diet for Healthy Sleep? A Nutritional Epidemiologist Explains What Food Choices Will Help You Get More Restful Z’s
By Erica Jansen Diet and Nutrition News & Advice

What’s the Best Diet for Healthy Sleep? A Nutritional Epidemiologist Explains What Food Choices Will Help You Get More Restful Z’s

You probably already know that how you eat before bed affects your sleep. Maybe you’ve found yourself still lying awake at 2 a.m. after enjoying a cup of coffee with dessert. But did you know that your eating choices throughout the day may also affect your sleep at night? In fact, more and more evidence […]

Read More about What’s the Best Diet for Healthy Sleep? A Nutritional Epidemiologist Explains What Food Choices Will Help You Get More Restful Z’s

5 min read

Does an Apple a Day Really Keep the Doctor Away? A Nutritionist Explains the Science Behind ‘Functional’ Foods
By Janet Colson Diet and Nutrition News & Advice

Does an Apple a Day Really Keep the Doctor Away? A Nutritionist Explains the Science Behind ‘Functional’ Foods

We’ve all heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but how true is that? Apples are not high in vitamin A, nor are they beneficial for vision like carrots. They are not a great source of vitamin C and therefore don’t fight off colds as oranges do. However, apples contain various bioactive […]

Read More about Does an Apple a Day Really Keep the Doctor Away? A Nutritionist Explains the Science Behind ‘Functional’ Foods

6 min read