During chemotherapy treatment, nutrition is important in keeping the body healthy and functioning. Because chemotherapy is an intensive treatment that can leave the body open to infection, patients should consume foods that are healthy sources of carbohydrates and protein, according to the National Cancer Institute. Since chemotherapy treatment can cause mouth sores and other changes in the digestive system, patients should consult with their medical professionals during the treatment phase.
High Protein Foods
Protein is an important nutrient that is needed to continuously build new tissues and cells. Depending on the cell, most die off within months or a few days. For most chemotherapy patients, protein is needed for new cell creation because the treatment destroys healthy cells. Some high protein foods are not suitable for chemotherapy patients because of their high fiber content, which can cause abdominal discomfort. According to the National Cancer Institute, animal proteins such as fish and chicken are more easily digested. Low-fat milk, low-fat yogurt, eggs and cheese are also high sources of protein. Plant products that are protein rich are peanuts, peas, soybeans, lentils and beans.
Low Fiber Foods
Fiber is a nutrient found in vegetables, grains and fruits. Fiber regulates bowel movements and the digestive system functions. Chemotherapy treatment can yield harsh digestive side effects including constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Because high fiber foods can aggravate these side effects, fibrous foods are normally avoided during chemotherapy treatment. The National Cancer Institute recommends low fiber foods such as chicken, eggs, fish, noodles, white rice, canned fruit, vegetable juice, fruit juice, gelatin, saltine crackers and yogurt.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are found in grains, vegetables and fruits as it provides the body with energy. Grains provide more carbohydrates than vegetables and fruits. However, it is beneficial to choose whole grains, which contains the entire grain, endosperm, bran, husk and germ, notes "The Cancer Journal for Clinicians." The entire grain is rich in minerals and vitamins such as folate, zinc, magnesium, iron, thiamin and vitamin B6. These nutrients and vitamins are important to keep the chemotherapy patient's immune system strong. These nutrients help the patient remain healthy as the chemotherapy weakens the immune system. The National Cancer Institute recommends that patients consult with their physicians about the type of carbohydrates to include in their diets. Chemotherapy patients are often assigned high fiber, low fiber or other types of individualized diets that may dictate the type of carbohydrates that are safe to consume without adverse effects.
References
- American Cancer Society: Low Fiber Foods
- National Cancer Institute: Effect of Cancer Treatment on Nutrition
- Today's Dietitian: Nutrition Management During Chemotherapy, Karen Wagner, MS, RD, LDN, and Jaimie Bornstein, MPH, RD, CDN, Sept, 2009
- Cancer Journal for Clinicians: Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment: An American Cancer Society Guide for Informed Choices, 2006
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