A healthy diet can help you feel better and stay stronger. It can also decrease side effects and support your immune system’s fight against cancer. The foods you choose to eat during cancer treatment will vary depending on side effects you're having. Overall, try to make food choices that give you enough fluid, calories, protein, and nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Calories will help you maintain your weight. Protein will help you rebuild tissues that cancer treatment may harm. Nutrients and fluids are vital for your body to work well.
These tips from the National Cancer Institute may help if you have problems eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment:
-
Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Choose foods that sound good to you.
-
Eat high-protein and high-calorie foods including snacks.
-
Keep snacks on hand. Good choices are peanut butter crackers, cheese, nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit.
-
Stay away from empty calorie foods, like soda.
-
To prevent nausea and eat more, don't drink liquids with your meals. Make sure to stay hydrated by sipping liquids throughout the day.
-
Try to eat when you are feeling the best, no matter what time of day.
-
Try high-calorie, high-protein drinks when you don't feel like eating.
-
Try to increase your appetite through light exercise.
-
Talk with your doctor about appetite stimulants, if needed.
-
Add extra calories and protein to food using foods like protein powder, butter, skim milk powder, honey, or brown sugar.
-
Sit up or keep your head raised for at least 1 hour after eating.
-
Eat foods at room temperature.
-
Stay away from fatty or spicy foods or foods with strong odors.
-
Ask your doctor for antinausea medicines if these changes in your eating strategies aren't enough.
Tell your health care providers about any eating problems you're having. They can often be treated. A registered dietitian can also help you figure out what to eat to get the nutrients you need.
Featured in
Personalized care starts with the right provider
Search by specialty, location, and more.
FIND A DOCTORRelated Articles
Cancer and Pain Management
When you have cancer, it's important to talk about pain management with your doctor. Even if pain can't be prevented, it can often be reduced or controlled. Here's what you need to know.
Taste Changes During Cancer Treatment
Sometimes cancer treatment causes temporary changes in the way foods taste. Read on to learn ways to make food taste more desirable.
Cancer and Spirituality
People with cancer often tap into their spiritual side when battling the illness. This might include prayer, attending religious services, reading passages from a holy book, or simply expressing gratitude and love.
Taste Changes During Cancer Treatment
To help manage changes in taste, stay away from foods and odors you find unpleasant. Brush your teeth before and after meals to keep your mouth clean.
