Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that uses drugs to combat a disease. It is most often used to help fight cancer. Chemotherapy works by killing fast-growing diseased cells, but in the process also kills healthy cells. A chemo diet plan is designed to maximize your nutritional intake to help rebuild your healthy cells, while helping you maintain your weight and improve your strength and energy levels as you go through the chemotherapy treatments.
Healthy Diet
The basics of a chemo diet plan are healthy eating principles. It is important you eat a variety of foods from each of the food groups to ensure you meet all of your nutrient needs. How much you need to eat depends on your weight and activity level. Your doctor or dietitian can help you devise a plan based on your individual needs. In general, a healthy diet should include seven to nine servings of fruits and vegetables, at least six servings of grain, 6 oz. of lean meat, fish or poultry and three servings of low-fat dairy products each day.
Getting Enough Protein
Protein in the diet is essential for new cell growth. It also supports immune health. You need to get enough protein to support new cell growth, preserve lean body mass and support immune health. People on chemotherapy treatment should get at least 0.8 g of protein per 1 kg of body weight, or about 55 g if you weigh 150 lbs., according to a 2009 article published in "Today's Dietitian." Good sources of protein include lean meats, milk, eggs, nuts, seeds and beans.
Healthy Snack Foods
Chemotherapy can affect your appetite, making it more difficult for you to eat regular meals. Including healthy snacks as a regular part of your chemo diet plan can help you meet your nutrient needs. Fruits, with their high vitamin A and C content, make smart snack choices. Dried fruits are a more concentrated source of calories if you have a harder time meeting calorie needs. Nuts and seeds are also nutrient-rich and high in calories. Cheese, yogurt and pudding also make good snack choices and can help you meet your protein needs.
Calorie Boosters
Protein-calorie malnutrition is a common secondary diagnosis in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, according to "Today's Dietitian." Using calorie boosters can help increase your overall calorie intake without adding additional bulk to your meals. Calorie boosters include butter, margarine, oil, mayonnaise, avocado and peanut butter. Nonfat dried milk powder can help increase both calories and protein, and you can add it to foods like hot cereal, yogurt, soups, pudding, casseroles and mashed potatoes.
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