Chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer can have a major effect on your appetite and diet. Some foods can trigger feelings of nausea, while chemo may even make you hate the taste of foods you previously enjoyed. However, a healthy, balanced diet during chemo or radiation therapy is important. Your body needs strength to recover from the treatments and fight the disease.
Food to Avoid
Some chemotherapy patients feel sick or unwell after eating salty, fried, oily or very spicy foods. Similarly, even the smell of some food may be enough to trigger nausea. Avoid strong smelling or tasting foods until you know which ones you can consume without side effects. Sugary snacks, such as candy or even some fruits, may also make you feel queasy. Avoid alcoholic beverages and high caffeine drinks. Wait at least an hour after your chemo or radiation treatment before eating anything to reduce the chance of nausea and vomiting.
Fruit and Vegetables
You should try to include at least four cups of vegetables and fruit in your diet each day. While some juicy fruits like grapes and oranges might make you feel a little nauseous, other fruits like apples and bananas may not. Vegetables and fruit not only provide a range of minerals and vitamins, but they also add valuable dietary fiber to your diet. Fiber can improve your bowel movements, helping you avoid constipation or diarrhea. Diarrhea can dehydrate the body, something that can weaken you significantly during chemo or radiation therapy.
Protein and Fat
Large amounts of fat can make you feel unwell soon after chemo or radiation therapy. However, you should try to consume about 6 oz. of protein in the form of poultry or fish every day. If you can stomach red meat, trim the fat from the edges. While dairy can also make you feel queasy, it provides a rich source of protein, calcium and vitamins A and D. Drinking low-fat milk or eating cottage cheese gives you many of the benefits of dairy without too much fat.
Meal Suggestions
Simple meals and snacks that put little strain on the stomach include thin, clear broths such as chicken soup or light vegetable soup. Plain-tasting carbohydrates such as pasta dishes, white rice or baked potatoes give you lots of energy without too much strong flavoring. Similarly, chicken is a reliable source of protein for those who can't stomach richer red meats or fish. Ginger may help suppress feelings of nausea, so try drinking ginger ale or ginger tea during the day.
Considerations
Ask friends and family to cook your meals for you to avoid dealing with strong smells. Antinausea medication can help prevent sickness and vomiting. However, if you find that you're unable to keep much food down, try adding dry crackers and small pieces of bread to your diet. Avoid hot foods and try to sip small amounts of water or soda throughout the day. Also avoid eating fatty foods, which seem to trigger nausea in many chemotherapy patients.
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