Radiation therapy is a rite of passage for thousands of cancer patients---and one that leaves many of them cancer-free. But side effects of radiation, including nausea, can make it hard to maintain a healthful diet. You might need to revamp your diet during this time to support your recovery and keep up your strength.
Radiation Therapy and Nutrition
According to the American Cancer Society, you're especially likely to face radiation treatments if you have Hodgkin's lymphoma or cancer of the head, neck, bladder or lung. It may feel like a chore to focus on your diet when you have symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. But it's important to take in lots of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats.
Your Cancer Diet
Make the most of the appetite you have by eating your biggest meal when you are the hungriest, advises the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. That might mean a big breakfast and smaller meals and snacks later. Foods high in both protein and calories can do double duty nutrition-wise. Those include cream soups, whole milk cheeses, peanut butter, custards, puddings and ice cream. Also get plenty of carbohydrates---fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Coping With Side Effects
For a queasy stomach, try clear soups, cranberry and grape juice, sport drinks, and bland foods like oatmeal, chicken, rice and potatoes. Avoid foods that are fatty or greasy, and try taking liquids between meals rather than with them. If you're coping with diarrhea, good choices are strained vegetable broth, fruit punch, apple juice, popsicles, fruit ices without fruit chunks, plain gelatin desserts and sherbet.
Nutrition and Safety Tips
Protein shakes and supplements can be a good option if it's hard to take in all the calories you need. Or ramp up protein by adding powdered milk to puddings, shakes and scrambled eggs. Avoid raw fish, moldy cheeses, runny eggs and salad bars: You're at increased risk for infections while you are undergoing treatment, the National Cancer Institute warns. Take precautions with food preparation as well, by keeping hands, utensils and countertops clean.
References
- American Cancer Society: What Is Radiation Therapy? When Is It Used?
- American Cancer Society: Benefits of Good Nutrition
- National Cancer Institute: Radiation Therapy and You: Lists of Foods and Liquids
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center: Nutrition
- National Cancer Institute: Taking Special Care With Food To Avoid Infections
