While undergoing chemotherapy, also called "chemo" for short, you may experience nausea that can temporarily affect your body's ability to receive adequate nutrition during treatment. To assist in your recovery, your body needs to sustain enough caloric intake and avoid dehydration, reports the American Cancer Society. Some foods are better options for chemotherapy patients, as they may not upset your stomach and are easier to keep down.
Starchy Foods
Foods containing large starch amounts are often well-tolerated by chemotherapy patients, notes the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Starchy foods that are beneficial for reducing nausea during chemotherapy treatment include hot cereals such as oatmeal, puddings, rice and potatoes. These foods do not tend to upset your stomach.
Bland Foods
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, eating bland, dry food sources can help curb nausea symptoms while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. This will allow you to maintain proper nutrition levels without upsetting your stomach. If nausea occurs in the morning hours, keeping crackers and other dry foods by your bedside can help. Other food options include dry cereal, dry toast or breadsticks.
Popsicles
The University of Texas Anderson Cancer Center notes that frozen pops, frozen fruit bars and sherbet may also reduce nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy. These food sources tend to lower your risk of stomach irritation, as they enter the stomach slowly. These foods also supply your body with much-needed fluids to avoid dehydration.
Clear Liquids
Drinking cool clear liquids through a straw can assist with chemotherapy-associated nausea, according to the American Cancer Society. Examples of clear liquids are apple juice, broth, tea and ginger ale. Making ice cubes from these liquid sources is another way to add calories without causing stomach upset or supplying your body with needed hydration.
References
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Patient Education Center: Keeping Nausea Under Control
- American Institute for Cancer Research: Dealing With Side Effects
- American Cancer Society: Caring for the Patient With Cancer at Home
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center: Coping with Chemotherapy
