idea what to eat when undergoing chemo treatment

During the weeks or months you are undergoing chemotherapy, Komar recommends eating foods that are:

• Hydrating, such as watermelon, cucumbers, smoothies and coconut water
• Lean protein, such as eggs, chicken, turkey and fish
• Nausea-reducing, such as ginger, peppermint, oranges, lemons, limes, simple crackers, cereal and cinnamon toast

Full Answer

What foods should you not eat during chemotherapy?

• Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea and energy drinks
• Fried foods or foods high in unhealthy saturated and trans fat
• Sugary baked goods, such as cookies, cake, pie or pastries
• Sugary drinks, such as soda, juice with added sugar or sweetened coffee beverages

What are the best foods to eat during chemotherapy?

What foods should you add to your diet during cancer treatment?

• Plant-based Proteins. Some of the best foods to eat during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments are plant-based proteins.
• Healthy Fats. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats also have health benefits. ...
• Healthy Carbs. When choosing carbohydrates, opt for foods that are minimally processed, like whole wheat, bran and oats.
• Vitamins and Minerals. ...

What tastes good after chemo?

• Avoid spices, acidic foods, and hot foods or beverages, which may be irritating.
• Try different sauces, marinades, seasonings and other ingredients.
• Tone down the sweetness.
• Based on individual liking, perk up the taste of food
• Drink beverages such as diluted fruit juice, milk, buttermilk, lemonade, ginger ale or sports drinks.

Should I eat before chemo session?

Two to three hours before an infusion, eat light and make your choices high-fiber. Chemo drugs tend to slow peristalsis (digestion and bowel processes), so whatever you eat may be in your digestion for longer than usual and will dry out.   The drugs commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting can be constipating as well.

What foods should you not eat during chemotherapy?

Foods to avoid (especially for patients during and after chemo):Hot, spicy foods (i.e. hot pepper, curry, Cajun spice mix).High fiber foods (i.e. raw fruit and vegetables, coarse whole grains).Fatty, greasy, or fried foods.Rich desserts.Nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.

What snacks can chemo patients eat?

Some quick-and-easy snacksCereal (hot or cold)Cheese (aged or hard cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and more)Cookies.Crackers.Dips made with cheese, beans, yogurt, or peanut butter.Fruit (fresh, frozen, canned, dried)Gelatin made with juice, milk, or fruit.Granola or trail mix.More items...•

What is a good breakfast for chemo patients?

Diet for Cancer Patients During ChemotherapyPlain or Fruited yogurt.Fresh fruit and cottage cheese.Poached egg and toast.Toasted bagel with a small amount of peanut butter.Cereal and milk (try Lactaid® milk, or Soy milk, if lactose intolerant)Chicken rice soup with saltine crackers.

Does drinking water help flush out chemo?

Chemotherapy can be dehydrating. Drinking plenty of water before and after treatment helps your body process chemotherapy drugs and flush the excess out of your system.

How often should I eat after chemo?

Chemotherapy affects enzymes in the digestive tract that help the body process food, so Komar recommends eating small meals every three hours to help the process go more smoothly. "Think about food as part of the medicine your doctor may recommend," encourages Komar.

What foods should I avoid during chemotherapy?

When undergoing chemotherapy, avoid or limit foods and beverages that cause inflammation and slow your body's healing process, such as: 1 Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea and energy drinks 2 Fried foods or foods high in unhealthy saturated and trans fat 3 Sugary baked goods, such as cookies, cake, pie or pastries 4 Sugary drinks, such as soda, juice with added sugar or sweetened coffee beverages

What are the foods that are high in saturated fat?

Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea and energy drinks. Fried foods or foods high in unhealthy saturated and trans fat. Sugary baked goods, such as cookies, cake, pie or pastries. Sugary drinks, such as soda, juice with added sugar or sweetened coffee beverages.

What is the best food for chemo patients?

Eggs. Eggs are a very balanced food containing fats and proteins that could help chemotherapy patients get the nutrients they need. Eggs are a very balanced food containing fats and proteins that could help chemotherapy patients get the nutrients they need. They are high in vitamins and minerals.

What is the best soup for chemotherapy?

Cabbage Soup. Cabbage soup is an easy, nutrient-laden soup that can help patients on chemotherapy get the nourishment they need. Cabbage soup is an easy, nutrient-laden soup that can help patients on chemotherapy get the nourishment they need.

Why do people drink dandelion tea?

Meanwhile, many chemo patients drink dandelion tea to help detoxify the harsh effects that chemotherapy has on their bodies. It’s cleansing and supportive for the liver and kidneys. It’s also easy to make and drink when you’re not feeling well.

What is the best medicine for nausea and vomiting?

Peppermint Tea. Peppermint tea is an old herbal remedy for nausea and vomiting that can work for even chemotherapy-induced tummy troubles. Peppermint tea is an old herbal remedy for nausea and vomiting. It’s been proven to work for even chemotherapy-induced tummy troubles.

Why is oatmeal good for chemo?

Oatmeal is a great food to eat during chemo for several reasons. First, it’s easy to make even when you’re not feeling well.

How to stop nausea and vomiting?

Eat bland foods whenever possible . Foods that have too strong a taste or scent, or that are too spicy , can set off bouts of nausea and vomiting. Foods that are greasy or too fatty could do the same thing. Start off with easy-to-digest foods and add other well-balanced foods on the days when you feel better.

What is the best soup for cancer?

White Bean Soup. The American Cancer Society suggests making an easy soup out of canned white beans and rotisserie chicken. The American Cancer Society suggests making an easy soup out of canned white beans and rotisserie chicken. It’s fast and easy, and it’s a good source of protein.

What foods should I eat for chemotherapy?

If you’re getting chemotherapy, it’s likely there will be times when you don’t feel like eating. Because of this, it’s important to try to load up on enough calories and nutrients when you can.

What vitamins work best for chemotherapy?

People often want to know what vitamins or supplements they should take to help fight their cancer or improve chemotherapy side effects.

What foods should I avoid?

During chemotherapy, there may be certain foods you should avoid. This could be because they may increase the risk of infection, or because they may interact with your cancer treatment.

The best diet routine for chemotherapy

If you’re getting chemotherapy, the best diet is the one that gets you the calories and nutrients you need, while not worsening any side effects you may have. This will be different for each person. So it’s important to work with your provider to see what’s best for you.

The bottom line

Chemotherapy can affect how you tolerate certain foods and your overall nutrition. If you’re getting cancer treatment, getting the proper nutrition can help you feel better, recover faster, and tolerate chemotherapy side effects better. Each person is different and will have different nutritional needs during treatment.

What to eat during chemotherapy?

During chemotherapy take a small, bland snack with you. You can try the above foods as well as snack on low acid juices (apple, grape, and fruit nectars), liquid yogurts, fruits such as bananas, and crackers.

How to get rid of chemo toxins?

Bring a water bottle and fill it with your favorite beverage (avoid acidic foods which may be irritating to your digestive tract). Juices and supplements as Ensure or Boost are usually available where you are receiving chemotherapy; however ask in advance if these and any other foods are available.

How to stop nauseous feeling?

Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day (aim for 5-6 smaller meals rather than 3 large meals). Eat lower fat, blander foods! Try colder or cool foods – these give off less odor and aroma and are especially important if you feel nauseous.

What are some examples of bland foods?

Some examples of choices are: Plain or Fruited yogurt. Fresh fruit and cottage cheese. Poached egg and toast. Toasted bagel with a small amount of peanut butter. Cereal and milk (try Lactaid® milk, or Soy milk, if lactose intolerant) Chicken rice soup with saltine crackers.

What are the side effects of chemo?

Enteral and parenteral nutrition for adults. Exercise for appetite and digestion. Lactose intolerance. Increasing calories and protein (low to no lactose) Nutrition during chemo. Nutrition during radiation therapy. Managing Treatment Side Effects. Nausea and vomiting.

Why is nutrition important for cancer patients?

Nutrition is an important part of life, cancer treatment, recovery, and prevention. Food is one of the few things you can be in control of during your treatment.

Is broccoli a cruciferous vegetable?

Broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are all cruciferous vegetables. This vegetable family contains powerful phytochemicals, including carotenoids, indoles and glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which have been studied and shown to slow the growth of many cancers.

How does chemotherapy affect what you eat – and why?

Appetite changes – you may want to eat less, feel full after eating just a small amount, or lose your appetite completely.

What helps with nausea and sickness during chemotherapy?

As well as taking any anti-sickness medication your doctor has prescribed, try one or more of these traditional remedies that could help with nausea and sickness, so that you can enjoy your food again:

What helps with changes in your sense of taste during chemotherapy?

If you can, try new ingredients, flavours and recipes – to discover things that you can enjoy. Herbs, spices and flavoured oils are a safe and natural way to give an extra zing to meals. If you are struggling with a metallic taste, avoid red meat, which can make it worse, and go for meals using plant-based proteins, such as lentils or beans.

What helps a dry or sore mouth during chemotherapy?

Do get treatment for sores and ulcers as soon as they appear. This helps you to have a pain-free mouth, so that you can eat comfortably and enjoy your food. Sweet and tart foods, lemonade and orange squash and juice can help with a dry mouth as they stimulate saliva – but acidic food and drinks could make a sore mouth worse, so take care.

What helps with diarrhoea or constipation during chemotherapy?

Many of our members mention that they have suffered from diarrhoea and then constipation during chemotherapy. It’s vital to keep well hydrated throughout your treatment, especially if you have diarrhoea. Don’t, however, neglect diarrhoea, as it can also be caused by an infection. Do consult your GP as they can prescribe suitable medication.

How Does Chemotherapy Work?

Chemotherapy entails the use of powerful drugs to target and kill cancer cells.

Adaptability Is Key

If we had to choose one takeaway to drive home in this topic area, it would be that there is no cookie-cutter nutritional approach to chemotherapy patients.

Proteins

The body needs protein to repair body tissue, grow, and keep the immune system healthy. If a person does not get enough protein, their body may begin to break down muscle tissue for the fuel it needs, making it harder to recover from illness and lower resistance to infection.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source. They give the body the fuel it needs for physical activity and proper organ function. Good sources of carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.

Fats

Fats and oils are made of fatty acids and serve as a rich energy source for the body. The body breaks down fats and uses them to store energy, insulate body tissue, and transport some vitamins through the blood.

Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

Getting enough vitamins and minerals is critical to overall health. Following a well-rounded diet is the best way to ensure a person has an optimal intake of vitamins and minerals. However, some people with cancer may need to supplement with specific vitamins and minerals.

Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients or phytochemicals, such as lycopene, carotenoids, and phytosterols, are plant compounds. Research suggests they have health-protecting properties.

Appetite loss

A person may lose their appetite partially or entirely while having chemotherapy. Some people lose their appetite for just 1–2 days, while others experience appetite loss throughout their treatment.

Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy. It can make it difficult for a person to eat and may make them feel like vomiting. A person may be able to manage nausea in a variety of ways, including:

How does cancer treatment affect your diet?

Treatments such as chemotherapy and some forms of radiation therapy can cause a variety of side effects, including:

Why is your diet important during cancer treatment?

Since cancer treatment can lead to fluctuations in appetite and body weight, it’s important to pay close attention to your diet. In addition to helping you maintain a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet during chemotherapy or radiation therapy can:

Should you take supplements during cancer treatment?

If you’re not eating as much as usual during treatment, or if you have side effects like vomiting and diarrhea that cause you to lose vitamins and nutrients, you might consider taking a multivitamin.

How can your diet help manage cancer treatment side effects?

Some dietary changes can help you manage side effects after your treatment begins. These side effects include:

What foods should you avoid during cancer treatment?

Be aware of what’s going into your body during cancer treatment. Read nutrition labels and prepare as much of your own food as you can. It’s best to stay away from highly refined, processed food. You should also avoid fried foods that contain a lot of hydrogenated oils, which can increase inflammation.

Planning your cancer treatment diet

Registered dietitians have specialized training in the nutritional needs of people with specific diseases. Your dietitian can help you plan meals that give you the right number of calories and nutrients.

1. Foods that affect CYP enzymes

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are molecules that promote the metabolism and absorption of chemotherapy drugs into the blood.

2. Overexertion

Some of the common effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, nausea, and mood changes.

4. Smoking

A person should avoid smoking during chemotherapy, as tobacco and cigarette smoke can lead to unwanted effects.

5. Drinking alcohol

Alcohol, even in small amounts, can worsen the side effects of chemotherapy, such as a dry and sore mouth.

6. Undercooked or raw food

Undercooked and raw food may contain infection-causing germs. Because cancer and chemotherapy weaken the body’s immune system, a person undergoing chemotherapy may find it harder to fight such infections.

7. Spicy and acidic food

Chemotherapy can cause sores to form in the mouth. This is because treatment also affects rapidly-growing cells in the lining of the mouth and lips, not just the cancer cells.

8. Hard food

A person undergoing chemotherapy who has mouth sores may want to avoid hard and sharp foods that may be difficult to chew and swallow or that may cause more pain in the mouth. These include: