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Nutrition for a Chemotherapy Patient

Nutrition is important for everyone, but even more if you have been diagnosed with cancer. Cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy, can take their toll, and the stronger and more nutritionally fortified you are, the better you will be able tolerate the treatments.

  1. Dealing with No Appetite

    • Nausea is a common side effect of the toxic chemicals being pumped into the body to destroy the cancer cells. Learning how to deal with nausea and making sure to get adequate nutrition takes a little time and a lot of determination.

    Liquids

    • Your oncologist may recommend a liquid diet for those days you just can't stomach the thought of eating solid foods. A liquid diet consists of clear liquids like broth, tea, coffee or even Popsicles or Jell-o. Clear fruit juices such as apple juice is also recommended. A full liquid diet also includes clear and cream soups, milk, yogurt and hot cereals, if you can tolerate them. Because chemotherapy also often causes additional side effects like dry mouth and difficulty swallowing, liquid diets are recommended after chemo treatments.

    Soft Diets

    • After the worst nausea has passed, you may tolerate a soft-foods diet. A soft-foods diet is one that is free from raw vegetables and fruits, anything with a skin (such potatoes and apples) and nuts. This diet is also preferred if you suffering from another side effect of chemotherapy, constipation, caused by pain and anti-nausea drugs.

    Deciding on Dairy

    • While undergoing chemotherapy you may have difficulty tolerating dairy products or products that contain lactose. Therefore, you should avoid cream soups, milk, cheese, yogurt or puddings that contain lactose. You can find lactose-free dairy products at most major grocery stores. This type of diet is also recommended if you suffer from diarrhea, bloating or gas.

    Supplements

    • Because chemotherapy can be quiet exhausting, doctors and oncologists often recommend dietary supplements in the form of nutritional drinks such as Boost. They will also suggest you eat food that offers high calorie counts. Your doctor may also prescribe calorie-booster powders to be added to food to help prevent excessive weight loss, another common side effect of chemotherapy.

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