During chemotherapy for breast cancer, many women experience significant nausea; this can affect the woman's ability to get adequate nutrition during treatment. Avoiding dehydration and getting enough calories are vital during chemotherapy and can assist in the recovery period. Some foods are better options for women to eat during breast cancer chemotherapy; these foods may be easier to keep down and not further upset the stomach.
Dry Foods
Eating dry, bland foods can help curb feeling nauseous while undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. This allows the patient to get something down that generally will not upset the stomach. If nausea is a problem in the morning, keeping dry foods like crackers to eat by the bedside can be helpful. Other options include dry toast, breadsticks or dry cereal.
Starchy Foods
Foods containing large amounts of starch are also well-tolerated by women undergoing chemotherapy, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center website. Puddings, hot cereals like oatmeal, potatoes and rice do not tend to upset the stomach.
Sherbet and Popsicles
Sherbets, popsicles and frozen fruit bars can also be helpful for patients undergoing chemotherapy, according to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. These types of foods enter the stomach slowly, which lowers the risk of irritation. These foods also supply fluids to help avoid dehydration, according to the American Cancer Society.
Clear Liquids
Drinking cool or cold clear liquids through a straw can help with nausea during chemotherapy. Examples of clear liquids are ginger ale, tea, broth and apple juice, according to the American Cancer Society. Making ice cubes from these beverages is another way to get hydration and some calories without causing stomach upset, according to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Tart or Sour Foods
Some patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer may find that eating tart foods like dill pickles may make it easier to keep things down, according to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Sucking on hard candies like lemon drops may also help with nausea; these candies get rid of bad tastes in the mouth as well, according to the American Cancer Society.
References
- American Cancer Society: Caring for the Patient With Cancer at Home
- American Institute for Cancer Research: Dealing With Side Effects
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center: Coping with Chemotherapy
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Patient Education Center: Keeping Nausea Under Control
