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National Cancer Institute Diet for Chemotherapy

Undergoing chemotherapy can be difficult on the body. It can especially be difficult on your digestive system and appetite. Side effects such as mouth sores, nausea and diarrhea can make it difficult to have the desire to eat. To address this problem, the National Cancer Institute has come out with a set of dietary guidelines to help you eat easier during the treatment process.

  1. More Meals

    • One of the first ways that NCI recommends to change you diet regarding chemotherapy is five or six smaller meals throughout the day, instead of three large meals. This allows the same amount of daily calories, but only requires eating smaller amounts of food at a time. This is especially helpful for those who are experiencing nausea symptoms and have a hard time eating more than a few bites at each meal.

    High Protein and Calories

    • Unlike the typical recommendations for a healthy and balanced diet, the National Cancer Institute recommends that chemotherapy patients eat meals very high in both calories and protein. Chemotherapy takes a lot out of the body, and to provifde the additional energy and strength needed for the body to heal, it needs more than the average recommendations for both calories and protein. The number of calories your specific body needs will vary. Speak to your doctor about your specific daily calorie goals for more information.

    Liquids

    • Those undergoing chemotherapy often lose their appetite for solid foods. To help ensure that adequate nutrition is still obtained, the National Cancer Institute recommends replacing solid foods with high-calorie soups, shakes and juices. Even if you are unable to consume shakes or juices, it is important to continue drinking water. The NCI recommends drinking at least 8 to 12 cups of liquid every day. If you are unable to eat even liquid foods for more than two days, you should contact your doctor immediately.

    Fiber

    • Chemotherapy may also cause side effects such as constipation or diarrhea. To combat this, the National Cancer Institute recommends eating high-fiber foods, such as whole-wheat bread of beans, on days that you are experiencing constipation. The NCI recommends eating lower fiber options, such as chicken, fish or canned fruits, on days that you are experiencing diarrhea.

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