A balanced diet may be a key factor in your recovery from cancer following chemotherapy. Chemo patients face many potential side effects during and after treatment, many of which may leave you feeling weak and tired. Changes in your appetite and your body's tolerance of foods can make nutritional goals more difficult to meet and weight more difficult to maintain. Focus on foods in every food group that deliver significant protein and calories and counteract side effects such as anemia, infection and nausea.
Protein Group
Protein foods are good sources of calories and the nutrients needed to replace blood and tissue cells damaged by chemotherapy. Chicken, beef, liver, tuna, clams, beans and peanut butter all offer some ratio of protein, iron and vitamins B-2, B-6, B-9 and/or B-12 to address anemia symptoms of weakness due to low blood count. Selecting and cooking meats with less fat, such as by removing skin and broiling rather than frying chicken, will help you avert nausea and feel more like eating.
Dairy Group
Dairy foods are secondary sources of protein, averaging about half as much protein as a comparable serving of meat or beans. When you feel nauseous, you may tolerate cold dairy products such as milk, cottage cheese and yogurt better than heavier foods or hot entrees. Cream soups, milk shakes, pudding and yogurt smoothies are additional dairy-based foods that may appeal to you following a treatment. These foods build strength in your muscles and bones with protein, calcium and potassium nutrition, as well increase red blood cell production with a range of B vitamins. Ask your doctor whether whole milk or 2-percent varieties are best for your caloric needs.
Grain Group
Like cold foods, starchy wheat, corn, rice and other grain foods may be easier on your stomach when it is upset from chemotherapy. Grain foods such as pasta and rice bump up your calorie totals while providing moderate amounts of protein, iron and B vitamins. Breads, crackers, pretzels, oatmeal and cold cereals offer similar nutrition to restore your blood count, weight and strength.
Vegetables and Fruits
Many fruits and vegetables provide vitamin C to ward off infection when your immune system is compromised from chemo. Vitamin C also helps you absorb iron more readily from plant-based foods. Choose oranges, melons, berries, red peppers and leafy green vegetables. Greens such as broccoli and spinach also contain vitamin B, iron, potassium and calcium to strengthen blood count, muscles and bones. Raisins and dates have more moderate ratios of these nutrients but are good sources of calories for patients who don't have blood sugar issues.
References
- National Cancer Institute; Chemotherapy and You; May 2007
- National Institutes of Health; Protein in Diet; July 2009
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Anemia
- Clinical Nutrition Service; Dietary Recommendations for Nausea; August 2003
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin C; June 2011
- USDA: National Nutrient Database
Member Comments