A gastrointestinal stromal tumor begins in the glandular cells present in the body’s digestive system. An accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure the right treatment is provided for this condition. There are several side effects to the treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. All these issues make it harder for a person to consume the required amount of food in the day. To ease this problem for those dealing with GIST, we have put together a list of foods you must eat and those you must avoid.

Foods to add to your diet for GIST

• Cruciferous vegetables
  These vegetables are rich in vitamins, fiber, and folate. They are also popular for their cancer-fighting ability. Cruciferous vegetables should be consumed for every meal. Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale, cabbage, etc., are a few of the many cruciferous vegetables you can consume.
• Fruits
  Fruits are delicious, healthy, and full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These provide roughage for the colon, is light on your stomach, and has anti-cancer effects. Apples, bananas, and oranges are healthy for those with GIST.
• Probiotic foods
  Your body can benefit from probiotics in many different ways. They can reduce diarrhea, IBS, and overall digestive health. Yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk contain probiotics.
• Omega-3 rich foods
  Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to your body. Flax seeds, chia seeds, fatty fish, walnuts, etc., contain omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential vitamins and nutrients.

Foods to avoid for GIST

• Red meat
  Red meat contains more saturated fats and chemicals that can affect the bowel cells. You can consume leaner proteins like chicken, eggs, beans, and salmon instead.
• Baked goods
  Baked goods contain too much sugar and saturated fats, harmful for people dealing with cancer.
• Salt

Everything, including table salt, salt added to your food, and other salty foods like chips and canned food, should be eliminated from your diet. This is because salt aggravates stomach cancer.

• Processed foods
  Foods like chips, cold cuts, and canned soups contain loads of sodium, sugar, preservative, and fats in them. These components are bad for your health and can be hard to digest. Avoid processed food completely.