Good nutrition plays an important role in keeping your body healthy. Eating well when you have cancer can help boost your immune system, help your body heal faster from surgery and cancer treatments, prevent infections, boost your energy levels and prevent excessive weight loss, according to the National Cancer Institute. Radiation therapy is a treatment method used to kill cancer cells but it can also kill healthy cells. This can lead to a variety of nutrition-related complications, depending on which part of your body is receiving the radiation therapy. Although there aren't any foods that will cure cancer, modifying your diet during radiation therapy, depending on the side effects you experience, will allow you to continue to nourish your body while managing your side effects.
Sore Mouth or Throat
If you are being treated with radiation therapy to the head, neck or upper portion of the chest, you may experience a sore mouth or throat. If you experience this, limit spicy foods; salty foods; acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomato products; and foods that are rough and dry, such as chips, dry cereal and dry toast. Avoid foods at high temperatures. Instead, focus on foods that soft, moist and cool. Try milkshakes, smoothies, pudding, yogurt, oatmeal, mashed potatoes with gravy and scrambled eggs.
Nausea and Vomiting
Radiation therapy to the abdomen may result in nausea and vomiting. To manage nausea and vomiting, try eating six to eight small meals and snacks throughout the day. Focus on foods that are easy to digest, such as crackers, toast and dry cereal, and sip liquids throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Clear liquids, such as broth, apple juice, sports drinks and tea are good options because they are easy to digest. Avoid foods that are overly sweet, spicy or high in fat, which can make nausea and vomiting worse.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea commonly affects people being treated with radiation therapy to the lower abdomen. If you experience diarrhea, avoid foods that are high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain breads and cereals. Also avoid foods that are spicy or greasy. Instead, eat easily digested foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, pears and oatmeal. Drink liquids frequently throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
Poor Appetite
A poor appetite is a common side effect of radiation therapy. If your appetite is poor, try eating six to eight small meals and snacks throughout the day. Large meals can seem overwhelming, but small frequent meals and snacks may seem more manageable. When your appetite is poor, drinking may seem more appealing than eating. Try canned nutrition shakes as a good source of protein and calories. Think of good nutrition as part of your cancer treatment plan and try to eat a variety of foods throughout the day to nourish your body.
