Starting cancer treatment can bring difficult feelings, such as hopelessness and anxiety. Adding to the challenge, some types of cancer treatment have side effects that can make you feel worse before you feel better.
One of the best ways to manage treatment-related side effects is through your diet. In addition, proper nutrition can make cancer treatment more effective, according to the American Cancer Society.
But food choices are important. Some foods make the treatment work better and can reduce side effects, while other foods can make your symptoms worse. Diet is also important because you need to get enough energy in your diet to help your body fight cancer cells.
Below, we cover some general guidelines to keep in mind during treatment for cancer.
The best diet for cancer patients (and why nutrition is important during treatment)
How little you eat makes a big difference in how you feel. This can be especially true for those receiving cancer treatment. If you don’t get proper nutrition, your body will have less energy to fight cancer.
Anti-cancer foods can help improve energy, manage weight, strengthen the immune system and reduce other side effects. However, the biggest challenge for many people is that the side effects of the treatment can make it difficult to eat the same amount of food as before. Your main nutritional goal during treatment is to get enough energy. Therefore, a healthy diet focuses on filling, eating foods that contain calories, protein or nutrients. Here are some foods that can help during cancer treatment:
Fat is healthy
Fat is a source of calories and energy, which is very helpful for those who experience fatigue and weight gain during treatment. Whenever possible, choose healthy fats that are low in saturated fat (such as olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocados).
Healthy fats help reduce inflammation, which supports the immune system in healing and fighting disease. This is important because inflammation can worsen treatment side effects such as fatigue or nausea.
Healthy fats can also improve heart health. This is important because chemotherapy drugs can put more stress on the heart, and heart problems are the leading cause of death in the United States each year (and second only to cancer).
Animal protein is weak against plant-based protein
Protein helps repair your body and can help you maintain a healthy weight. In addition, since protein supports the immune system, it can help the treatment work better. In short, it is important to get enough protein and there are many good options.
- Protein from plants – Tofu, soy, beans and legumes are high in nutrients, making them a great choice. Nut butters, including peanut butter and almond butter, are another potential source of protein.
- Soft animal protein – Meat such as chicken or fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, cheese and milk are also good sources of protein.
- Protein bars or shakes – If you are struggling to get enough protein, protein restriction and supplementation may be a good option. Your oncology team can provide advice on supplements and shakes.
Whole grains
All carbohydrates are a source of energy. In fact, they are the main source of fuel in your body.
Grains (such as whole wheat, bran and oats) are a great source of carbohydrates that do more than provide energy. These grains are rich in vitamins, minerals, and soluble and insoluble fiber that help strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation associated with treatment.
Whole grains also slow down the digestive process and feed the good bacteria in your gut. Getting enough fiber can be especially important for people with cancer if treatment causes diarrhea or constipation.
Liquid water
It is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially when you are not very hungry. Water, broth, juice, milk, other milk, sports drinks and protein shakes can be based on your water intake, providing some calories and nutrients.
Treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy are often used to treat dehydration. These processes can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and swallowing problems that lead to dehydration. When your body isn’t properly hydrated, it’s harder for it to function properly and support your recovery from cancer, so make sure you’re getting plenty of fluids.
Other foods are rich in nutrients
Nutritious foods are high in nutrients and relatively low in calories. Sources of foods that are high in nutrients include:
- Fruits and vegetables – Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can help you get the nutrients you need. The antioxidants they contain are also good for supporting the immune system. Examples include fruits, citrus fruits, tomatoes, dark green vegetables such as kale, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower.
- Foods and liquids fortified with vitamin D – Good choices for vitamin D are milk, orange juice, yogurt and corn. Vitamin D is essential because it supports bone health and immune function, and helps control cell growth. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation.
- Vitamin supplements – It may help to take a multivitamin or vitamin D supplement, especially if you eat less or experience side effects, such as vomiting or diarrhea. But be sure to talk to your oncology team before adding any vitamins or supplements to your diet.
Foods to limit or avoid during cancer treatment
Some foods may not be good during cancer treatment or make symptoms worse. Here’s what to avoid:
Foods that carry the risk of foodborne illness
Cancer treatment and cancer can damage the immune system, so foods that carry the risk of foodborne illness should be avoided. These include:
- Raw or undercooked meat, fish and seafood
- Eggs are not made all the way
- Unpasteurized milk products and drinks
- This product has not been washed
Foods that make you feel worse
Depending on the type of cancer and treatment, there may be foods that are difficult to eat or make you feel worse. Some of these include:
- Foods and drinks with strong odors or tastes – May increase nausea symptoms associated with chemotherapy.
- Spicy, salty, hard or crunchy foods – It may not be easy or pleasant to eat if you have a dry mouth or swelling in your throat.
- Citrus, tomatoes and raw vegetables – May cause discomfort if you have mouth ulcers.
- Wine – It is best to avoid or limit alcohol during cancer treatment. Alcohol can worsen the effect of the treatment and can interfere with the effectiveness of the medicine.
Dietary and nutritional strategies during cancer treatment
What you eat during cancer treatment is ultimately a personal choice. But a wisely chosen cancer diet can help give you energy, manage side effects, and help you heal faster and feel better as you go through treatment. Here’s what you can do to nourish your body:
1. Create a cancer treatment plan before starting treatment
What you eat during treatment will depend on a few important factors, such as your health and symptoms. Here are some things to keep in mind as you get started:
- Getting good food (and enough). – At the very least, you’ll need enough calories and the right combination of nutrients to support healing.
- Different foods can be eaten – There is a chance that you will need to eat different foods during cancer treatment because of the side effects of the treatment. You may experience changes in your appetite due to lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting.
- Adjust as you go – As your treatment continues, side effects such as diarrhea may affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and nutrients. So you can change your diet to support your health as things change.
- Effects on energy levels – Figuring out your cancer diet ahead of time is helpful because treatment can affect your energy levels. You may not be able to plan meals, shop and cook as you did before treatment.
- The role of your care team – Your care team can help you determine your calorie and nutritional needs before treatment. This may include advice on healthy grocery options, groceries or frozen meals that help you get the nutrients you need with less effort.
2. Follow your passion
Some people find that their appetite changes throughout the day. If you’re hungry in the morning, for example, try to pack in as much breakfast as you can.
3. Eat small meals
Instead of eating three large meals a day, it may be easier to eat five or six small meals.
4. Mix your food
Liquids are easier to eat and digest more quickly than solid foods, so making shakes and smoothies can help you reach your calorie goals.
5. Manage nausea
Foods that help with nausea from chemo include ginger (such as ginger ale, ginger snaps and tea), and light soups, crackers, toast, bananas, oatmeal or any food with a mild flavor.
Let us know how we can help during cancer treatment
Your diet can affect how you feel during cancer treatment. When you’re not feeling your best, it can be difficult to eat the best foods or exercise during cancer treatment. So always be kind to yourself as you go through treatment, and remember that your cancer care team is always there for you whenever you have questions or need support.
