Chemotherapy is a type of treatment for cancer involving the administration of drugs that are toxic to cancer cells, causing their death. Unfortunately, chemotherapy also harms many of the healthy cells in the body, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. Unintended weight loss and malnutrition is one of the side effects of chemotherapy, and special attention should be paid to a chemotherapy diet plan in order to stay healthy while fighting cancer.
Whole Grains
Eating foods that contain whole grains is an important for people undergoing chemotherapy. Whole grains include oats, whole-wheat flour, cornmeal, brown rice, and bulgur, which are also known as cracked wheat. Eating whole grains provides fiber that will help relieve constipation, a common side effect of chemotherapy. Examples of foods to add to a diet plan include oatmeal, whole wheat bread, grits, tortillas, and some breakfast cereals.
Protein
Another essential part of a chemotherapy diet plan is adequate protein intake from fish and lean meats, which are a great source of protein without a lot of added fat. Also offering a significant amount of protein are nuts, dairy products, lentils, peas and foods made from soy, such as tofu and soymilk. Protein is especially good for people undergoing chemotherapy because protein helps heal tissues damaged by the chemotherapy drugs. They also help to support a healthy immune system.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients and vitamins that the body needs to heal after chemotherapy treatment. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables ensures that the body gets a range of nutrients. The American Cancer Society recommends not taking large amounts of supplemental antioxidants, but eating fruits and vegetables ensures that your body is getting the vitamins it needs.
Additionally, chemotherapy may cause changes in taste and food preference. One common change is an acquired preference for tart foods. Adding juice from lemons may enhance foods' flavor. One may also prefer tart fruits such as grapefruit and cranberries. These fruits will provide nutrients the body needs while also adding needed calories to help maintain weight.
Foods to Avoid
A healthy chemotherapy diet plan contains low amounts of alcohol, salt, sugar and fat. The American Cancer Society particularly recommends reducing the amount of fat consumed from animal sources, such as meat and dairy. Salt may be limited by not eating salt-cured, pickled or smoked foods. Limit sugar by eating a modest amount of sweet foods containing refined sugar, such as candy, cakes and cookies, and supplementing sweet fruits to satisfy a sweet tooth.
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