Chemotherapy, or chemo, is a cancer treatment that uses powerful medications to weaken and destroy cells. As a systematic therapy, chemotherapy circulates through your bloodstream and affects your entire body. A healthy diet during and between treatments is important for maintaining healthy body weight and strength and for resisting infections. Well-nourished patients may also have a better chance at full recovery, according to the National Cancer Institute. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are prime sources of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids. These nutrients help prevent damage to cells and may play a beneficial role in cancer progression, according to the American Cancer Society. Since fruits and vegetables provide unique blends of nutrients, incorporate a variety of types and colors into your meals and snacks for broadest dietary benefits. Fruits particularly rich in antioxidants include berries, cherries, citrus fruits, papaya, mango and red plums. Antioxidant-rich vegetables include red and green bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and winter squash.
Dairy Products
Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, provide rich amounts of protein and nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. Protein supplies amino acids--the building blocks of lean tissue--and enhances tissue repair. These attributes are important because muscle loss and malnutrition are common among cancer patients, according to the National Cancer Institute. If your appetite is reduced, consume high-fat milk, yogurt and cheeses, which contain a higher fat and calorie content. Adding milk, cream or powdered milk to foods such as hot cereal, mashed potatoes, soups, stews and smoothies is another useful way of increasing your calorie and nutrient intake.
Cold Foods
Room temperature and heated foods may give off pungent smells that may reduce your willingness or ability to eat, particularly if you experience nausea or other digestive symptoms associated with chemotherapy. For this reason, MayoClinic.com recommends that cancer patients with reduced appetite consume chilled foods, such as pasta salad or egg, chicken or tuna salad sandwiches. These items also contain rich amounts of protein. Preparing sandwiches with whole-grain bread and pasta salad with whole-grain pasta increases your fiber intake, which may help prevent or alleviate constipation.
Fluids
Hydration is important during the course of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy may cause diarrhea and vomiting, according to the National Cancer Institute--conditions that flush fluids from your body and can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances or irregular levels of bodily salts that contribute to healthy heart, muscle and cognitive function. Fluids also provide useful food options if your appetite is low or you have difficulty consuming solid foods for other reasons. Nutritious fluid options include fruit and vegetable juices, protein-rich smoothies, soups, stews and kefir--a yogurtlike beverage. Milkshakes are a useful calorie-rich option.
