Starting cancer treatment can bring up strong emotions, such as hope and anxiety. To add to the challenge, some types of cancer treatments have side effects that can make you feel worse before you feel better.
One of the best ways to control the side effects of treatment is through diet. Plus, a well-balanced diet may even make cancer treatment more effective, according to the American Cancer Society..
But food choices are important. Some foods make the treatment work better and may lessen side effects, while other foods may make symptoms worse. Diet is also important because you will need to get enough energy from food to help your body fight cancer cells.
Below we cover some general guidelines to keep in mind during cancer treatment.
The Best Foods for Cancer Patients (and Why Nutrition is Important During Treatment)
What and how much you eat makes a big difference in how you feel. This may be especially true for people receiving cancer treatment. If you don’t get proper nutrition, your body will have less energy to fight cancer.
An anti-cancer diet can help improve energy levels, control weight, strengthen the immune system, and reduce side effects. However, a big challenge for many people is that the side effects of treatment can make it more difficult to eat the same volume of food as before. Your main dietary goal during treatment is to obtain enough energy. That’s why a good diet focuses on density, on eating foods rich in calories, proteins or nutrients. Here are some foods that may be helpful during cancer treatment:
healthy fats
Fats are a concentrated source of calories and energy, which is helpful for people experiencing fatigue and weight loss during treatment. Whenever possible, choose healthy fats low in saturated fat (such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados).
Healthy fats help reduce inflammation, which helps the immune system heal and fight infections. This is important because inflammation can worsen treatment side effects, such as fatigue or nausea.
Healthy fats can also improve cardiovascular health. This is important because chemotherapy drugs can put extra pressure on the heart, and heart problems are the leading cause of death in the United States each year (followed by cancer).
Lean animal proteins and plant-based proteins.
Protein helps repair your body’s tissues and can help you maintain muscle mass. Plus, since protein supports the immune system, it can help treatment work better. In short, it is important to consume enough protein and there are several good options.
- Plant-based proteins – Tofu, soybeans, beans and legumes are very rich in nutrients, making them an excellent option. Nut butters, including peanut butter and almond butter, are another possible source of protein.
- Lean animal proteins – Lean meats such as chicken or fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, cheese and milk are also good sources of protein.
- Protein bars or shakes – If you have difficulty getting enough protein, protein shakes and supplements may be a good option. Your oncology care team can make recommendations for supplements and shakes.
whole grains
All carbohydrates are a great source of energy. In fact, they are your body’s main source of fuel.
Whole grains (such as whole wheat, bran, and oats) are a 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 treatment-related inflammation.
Whole grains also slow down the digestion process and nourish the good bacteria in your gut. Getting enough fiber may be especially important for people with cancer if treatment causes diarrhea or constipation.
fluids
It is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially when you do not have much of an appetite. Water, broth, juice, milk, dairy alternatives, sports drinks, and protein shakes can count toward your fluid intake, while providing some additional calories and nutrients.
Dehydration is common with treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These procedures can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing leading to dehydration. When your body is not well hydrated, it is harder for it to function properly and support your cancer recovery, so make sure you drink enough water.
Other nutrient-dense foods
Nutrient-rich foods are rich in nutrients but comparatively low in calories. Great sources of nutrient-dense foods 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 your immune system. Examples include berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower.
- Foods and liquids fortified with vitamin D. – Good options for vitamin D are milk, orange juice, yogurt and cereals. Vitamin D is crucial because it supports bone health and immune function, as well as helping to control cell growth. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation.
- Vitamin supplements – Taking a multivitamin or vitamin D supplement may be helpful, especially if you eat less or have side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea. But be sure to talk to your cancer care team before adding vitamins or supplements to your diet.
Foods to limit or avoid during cancer treatment
Some foods may be unsafe during cancer treatment or worsen symptoms. Here’s what to avoid:
Foods that carry a risk of foodborne illness.
Cancer and cancer treatments can weaken the immune system, so foods that carry a risk of foodborne illness should be avoided. These include:
- Raw or undercooked meats, fish and seafood
- Eggs that are not fully cooked
- Unpasteurized dairy products and juices.
- Unwashed products
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 flavors. – May increase nausea symptoms related to 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 fruits, tomatoes and raw vegetables. – It may cause discomfort if you have mouth sores.
- Alcohol – It is best to avoid or limit alcohol during cancer treatment. Alcohol can worsen the side effects of treatment and may interfere with the effectiveness of the medications.
Diet and nutrition tips during cancer treatment
What to eat during cancer treatment is ultimately a personal choice. But a wisely chosen anti-cancer diet can help give you energy, control side effects, and help you heal faster and feel better as treatment progresses. Here are things you can do to keep your body nourished:
1. Create a cancer treatment diet plan before starting treatment.
What you eat during treatment will depend on a few important things, such as your health and your symptoms. Here are some things to keep in mind as you get started:
- Get good (and enough) nutrition – At a minimum, you will need enough calories and the right combination of nutrients to support healing.
- Possibility of having to eat differently – You may need to eat differently during cancer treatment due to side effects of the treatment. You may have changes in appetite due to loss of taste, nausea, or vomiting.
- Adjusting on the fly – As your treatment continues, side effects such as diarrhea may affect how your body absorbs nutrients from food. Therefore, you may need to adjust your eating habits to support your health as things change.
- Effect on energy levels. – It is helpful to determine your cancer diet plan beforehand because treatment can affect your energy levels. You may not have the energy to plan meals, shop, and cook as much as you did before treatment.
- Role of your care team – Your care team can help you determine your calorie and nutrient needs before treatment. This may include recommendations for healthy on-the-go options, meal kits, or frozen foods to help you get the nutrients you need with less effort.
2. Follow your appetite
Some people find that their appetite changes throughout the day. If you’re hungrier in the morning, for example, try to include as much of it in your breakfast as you comfortably can.
3. Eat smaller meals
Instead of three large meals a day, it may be easier to eat five or six smaller meals.
4. Blend your food
Liquids are easier to consume and digest faster than solid foods, so making smoothies and shakes can help you reach your calorie goals.
5. Control nausea
Foods that help with nausea caused by chemotherapy include ginger (such as ginger ale, ginger cookies, and tea) and simple soups, crackers, toast, bananas, oatmeal, or any food with a mild flavor.
Let us know how we can help during your cancer treatment.
Your diet can play a big role in 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 during treatment and remember that your cancer care team is there for you whenever you have questions or need support.
