Chemotherapy, often simply called "chemo," utilizes strong medications to weaken and eradicate cells in areas of your body affected by cancer. During the treatment, drugs are given intravenously or taken orally. Since chemotherapy kills healthy cells as well as cancerous cells, damage to your hair, bone marrow and digestive tract are common, according to the American Cancer Society. Maintaining proper hydration and eating nutritious foods can enhance your wellness before and after treatment.
Protein-Rich Foods
Protein provides amino acids -- the building blocks of lean tissue. Cancer patients are often deficient in the amino acid glutamine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Maintaining proper glutamine intake is important, since this amino acid may help prevent stomatitis -- inflammation of your mouth that may derive from chemotherapy. In addition to supplying glutamine, protein-rich foods such as lean meats and poultry, fish, legumes, eggs and low-fat dairy products, enhance your energy levels and help your body repair damaged tissues while you're recovering from treatment. Protein-rich beverages, such as protein shakes, provide valuable options if nausea or other chemotherapy side effects make it difficult to consume solid foods.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are grains that have not been stripped of nutrients and fiber during food processing. Consuming whole grains in place of refined carbohydrate sources, such as white bread and sweets, can help prevent nutrient deficiencies after chemotherapy. As fiber-rich foods, whole grains can help prevent and alleviate constipation. If you experience dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, soft foods are your best bet after treatment, according to Chemotherapy.com. Soft, whole grain foods include instant or old-fashioned oatmeal, barley soup and quinoa scramble -- quinoa prepared with eggs or tofu. Unless you're experiencing diarrhea, which may worsen from fiber-rich foods, incorporate whole grain foods into balanced meals and snacks regularly.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are prime sources of antioxidants -- nutrients that help protect your body from potentially cancer-causing toxins. Consuming ample fruits and vegetables can also prevent nutrient deficiencies and reduce your risk for additional conditions that may hinder your recovery. If you have a weakened immune system due to chemotherapy, the American Cancer Society recommends washing produce well to avoid bacteria; also, avoid eating fruits and vegetables at restaurants. If you experience dysphagia or digestive symptoms, consume soft fruits and vegetable dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed cauliflower, vegetable soup, canned pears, applesauce, pure juices and/or fruit smoothies.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, avocados and plant-based oils, help your body absorb certain nutrients and supply dense amounts of calories. High-calorie foods can help prevent or remedy unintentional weight loss that may stem from chemotherapy. The American Cancer Society recommends consuming some amount of fat with every meal and snack for improved blood sugar and energy. Top bread with peanut or almond butter, for example, and add nuts or diced avocado to salads. Preparing foods with olive or canola oil, rather than butter or margarine, is a healthy way to maintain sufficient caloric intake. If you are limited to soft or liquid foods, add nuts, nut butter or seeds to smoothies.
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