10 Foods to Eat During Chemotherapy
- Oatmeal. Oatmeal provides numerous nutrients that can help your body during chemo. It boasts ample amounts of carbs,...
- Avocado. If your appetite is lacking, avocados can pack necessary calories and nutrients into your diet. This creamy,...
- Eggs. Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy. While fat provides your body...
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 foods should cancer patients avoid?
- Lightly cooked or raw fish, such as sushi
- Soft-cooked eggs or foods that contain raw eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise
- Unpasteurized cheeses and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits or vegetables
What to drink while on chemo?
- Focus on vegetables. For the healthiest juices, include more vegetables than fruits. ...
- Drink only what you’d eat. Juice packs a lot of nutrition — and calories — in a smaller volume than whole food. ...
- Drink juice with protein, and a little bit of fat. ...
- Avoid overdoing it on the same foods and nutrients. ...
- Vary how you’re consuming the same vegetables and fruit. ...
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 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.
How to contact Stanford Cancer Center?
Call us at 1-650-498-6000 to refer a new patient for a nutrition consultation. If you wish to refer a patient to the Stanford Cancer Center, please call the Physician Helpline.
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 to eat during chemotherapy?
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.
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 are some good foods to eat when you have chemo?
As we just reviewed, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are all great sources of fiber. Eating fiber can help lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease, and it can improve your gut health. That said, for some people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, your care team may recommend a diet low in fiber. For example, this may be true for people who’ve had bowel surgery.
What is the best diet for chemo?
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.
How does nutrition help with cancer?
Getting the right nutrition during cancer treatment can help you feel better , recover faster , and stay energized and strong. Each person has different needs, so there’s no single diet or meal plan that will help them through chemotherapy. The best diet for you is the one that gives you the calories and nutrients your body needs and helps you cope with any chemotherapy side effects you may have.
How to get vitamins and minerals?
Some also help support a healthy immune system. The best way to get vitamins and minerals is to eat foods rich in them. For most people, a varied diet is enough to get all the micronutrients they need.
What is the role of nutritionists in cancer treatment?
Nutritionists are usually part of a cancer treatment team and can make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need. Here we’ll review some of the important nutrients and how to get them.
How does chemotherapy work?
Chemotherapy works by targeting cancer cells, but it can damage healthy cells, too . For some people, chemotherapy affects how they tolerate certain foods. Chemotherapy can also change how the body absorbs nutrients.
What are the best sources of energy for the body?
Carbohydrates provide most of the energy and fuel that your body needs to work properly. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are the best sources of carbohydrates because they also provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
What to eat with meat?
Try meat prepared in combination with other foods, such as chili, lasagna, spaghetti sauce, casseroles, stews or hearty soups.
What to eat when meat doesn't taste good?
If the meat is fresh and cooked properly, but it just doesn't taste right, serve other foods that contain protein, such as: Beans or peas in soups, salads or side dishes or as a dip or spread. Fish — fresh, frozen or packed in a vacuum-sealed pouch, as canned fish can have a metallic taste.
What foods have more taste?
On your cereal, try brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, cinnamon, dates or raisins instead of white sugar. Salty foods. In addition, salty foods such as cured meats, cheeses and snack chips may have more taste.
How to reduce saltiness in food?
A little sugar may tone down the saltiness of some foods. Cook foods without adding salt or seasonings containing salt. Avoid processed foods that contain a lot of sodium. Look for products labeled reduced sodium or low sodium. Try bland, mild-flavored foods.
What foods taste better cold or room temperature?
Examples include cheese or cottage cheese plates; macaroni salads with shrimp, ham or cheese; tuna, egg, ham or chicken salad; cold meat or luncheon meat sandwiches; or cold salmon.
How to get rid of a bad taste in your mouth?
Select foods with a variety of colors, temperatures and textures. Drink liquids often or use gum, mints or hard candies to remove a bad taste in your mouth. Try using plastic utensils if you have a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth when eating. Check with your dentist to see if you have any dental problems.
How to prevent cancer from affecting your immune system?
If your cancer treatment has weakened your immune system, some of these foods may not be safe for you. Practice food safety by keeping foods at safe temperatures. Don't let perishable foods sit out for more than an hour. Avoid unpasteurized juice, cheese or milk, and raw or undercooked meats.
What are the nutrients that cancer patients need?
For example, people undergoing chemotherapy are more likely to be deficient in several nutrients, such as magnesium, iron, vitamin D, and folate.
How to increase protein intake during chemotherapy?
People undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, may need to increase their protein and calorie intake by consuming extra calories and protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and beans . They may also need to change the texture and consistency of their meals to make food easier to chew and swallow.
Why is nutrition important for cancer patients?
Good nutrition is vital for people with cancer, as the condition and treatments can affect the way the body tolerates certain foods and uses nutrients.
How long does it take for a person to lose appetite after chemotherapy?
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.
What are the main sources of energy for the body?
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.
Why do people need more protein after chemotherapy?
People with cancer often need more protein than usual. After chemotherapy, people usually require extra protein to help fight infection and heal tissues.
Why do people with cancer need to eat different foods?
People with cancer often need to follow a slightly different diet to ensure they have the strength to deal with treatment side effects. They usually require extra protein and calories.
What foods should I avoid during chemotherapy?
Foods to avoid during chemotherapy include: Unpasteurized dairy and under-cooked eggs: If it's got a runny yolk, avoid it. If it comes straight from the udder, avoid it. Raw seafood: Oysters, most types of sushi, and other kinds of raw or undercooked seafood should be off the menu for now. Unwashed fresh fruits and vegetables: Even "ready-to-eat" ...
When should you avoid buffets after chemo?
Speaking of buffets, you should avoid them during and shortly after your chemotherapy, when your body has the least chance of fighting off common germs.
Why are some foods taboo?
Why Some Foods Are Taboo. Chemotherapy suppresses your immune system, which may affect what you should and should not eat until your immune function is back to its full potential. Many people experience neutropenia related to chemotherapy. Neutropenia refers to a reduced number of white blood cells called neutrophils.
How long does it take for a white blood cell count to go down after chemo?
Most often, your white blood cell count will be lowest (at its nadir) 10 days to two weeks following a chemotherapy infusion, but this can vary.
Can chemotherapy make you sick?
Chemotherapy can change that. Certain foods—think raw or under-cooked foods—can actually make you sick. If your immune system is already tied up fighting on other fronts, the sickness can become more serious than a case of diarrhea or a bellyache. 2 .
Can chemotherapy affect taste buds?
These are unfortunate side effects of some chemotherapy drugs. They can affect your taste buds in the oddest of ways. On the flip side, you might develop a taste for foods that you never used to enjoy. 2 .
What to eat during chemotherapy?
Most vegetables and fruits are healthy to eat during chemotherapy. Vegetables, especially, are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and anti-cancer compounds. Some of the best foods to eat are cruciferous vegetables, as they have some powerful cancer fighting properties.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
9. Caffeine. Caffeine can aggravate your digestive system and lead to heartburn and stomach trouble. It is a stimulant for the intestine, so can make diarrhea and intestinal cramps worse during chemotherapy. Caffeine was also discovered to interfere with the cancer-killing effects of some drugs.
How many different chemotherapy drugs are there?
The problem is that there are many chemotherapy protocols out there. There are well over 100 different chemotherapy drugs used today. And with each drug and drug combination comes some specific do’s and don’ts about what to eat during chemotherapy. And the science on this is sparse. We are only just learning about food-drug interactions.
Can chemo cause diarrhea?
Sometimes the chemo drugs affect your intestines and can give you diarrhea. This may lead to dehydration and nutritional imbalances. It is important to discuss this side effect with your doctor.
Is chemotherapy hard to do?
Chemotherapy is difficult to go through, to say the least . I’ve been there. Don’t make cancer treatment side effects worse with the foods you eat. Avoid these 12 foods during chemotherapy and be a bit kinder to yourself.
Can chemotherapy cause nausea?
I know that I did. There were days I did not even feel like eating. There were days that even the smell of food made me nauseated. And I am not alone. These side effects are common.
Can you eat while on chemotherapy?
Generally, I would say that most cancer patients experience this side effect at some point during chemotherapy. If you don’t feel like eating, that is okay. Sometimes fasting can help you recover. But be sure to tell your doctor that you don’t want to eat. They are there to help you with these troubling side effects.
How to minimize the risk of infection during chemotherapy?
There are also things that a person can do to minimize risks during chemotherapy. This includes practicing good hygiene, such as hand-washing, to minimize the risk of infection.
What is the treatment for cancer?
Chemotherapy is a treatment option for cancer. Chemotherapy drugs target cancer cells which stop or slow their growth.
What is the role of cytochrome P450 in the metabolism of chemotherapy drugs?
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are molecules that promote the metabolism and absorption of chemotherapy drugs into the blood.
What cells does chemotherapy target?
Chemotherapy not only targets the rapidly-growing cancer cells but also healthy, rapidly-growing cells in the body. These include the cells that line the intestines and mouth, and the hair follicles.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Some of the side effects of chemotherapy include dry, itchy, red, and peeling skin. Chemotherapy may cause a person’s skin to become more sensitive to sunlight and they also may develop minor rashes.
What is the number to call for cancer treatment?
People can also call The National Cancer Institute at 1-800-422-6237 to receive more information on organizations that offer assistance.
How to increase appetite?
Going on short walks every day to stay active, as this may increase appetite.
What to do during chemotherapy?
These include things like eating a nutritious diet, staying active, and using support services like counseling and support groups. Last medically reviewed on May 5, 2021.
What are some precautions to take during chemotherapy?
Some examples of these steps are preventing contact with bodily fluids after treatment, avoiding infections, and not smoking.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
When this happens, it can lead to side effects like lowered immunity, hair loss, and nausea or vomiting. There are certain precautions that you can take to limit your side effects and help make treatment safer. We’ll explore nine things to avoid during chemotherapy treatment.
How to avoid contact with body fluids?
Here are a few tips for a avoiding contact: Wash your hands. Thoroughly wash and dry your hands after using the bathroom or after coming into contact with any body fluids that may contain chemotherapy drugs. Flush twice.
How to stop chemotherapy?
Avoid gyms. Since chemotherapy can weaken your immune system, it’s a good idea to avoid crowded gyms during your treatment. Know when to stop. If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain during your workout, stop the workout and speak with your doctor about other ways to stay active.
How does chemotherapy work?
It works by using strong drugs to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide more quickly than many healthy cell types. However, it’s still possible for chemotherapy to target healthy cells that also divide quickly. Some examples include cells in the digestive tract, immune system, ...
How to help your body heal from chemotherapy?
Focus on calories and protein. When you’re on chemotherapy, it’s important to keep up your strength to help your body heal and to cope with any treatment side effects. Because of this, you’ll need to have extra calories and protein in your diet.
