General Nutrition Guidelines During Cancer Treatment

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’s functioning.

These tips from the National Cancer Institute may be helpful 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 healthcare provider about appetite stimulants, if needed.

• Add extra calories and protein to food using foods like 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 healthcare provider for antinausea medicines if these changes in your behavior aren't enough.

Tell your healthcare 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.