Side effects of chemotherapy, such as fatigue, may be improved by including beverages like orange juice in your diet. However, some chemotherapy patients experience inflammation of their mucous membranes, which may make drinking orange juice bothersome. Talk to your doctor and a registered dietitian to find out whether your chemotherapy regimen makes orange juice helpful or harmful for your diet.
Acid and Mouth Sores
According to MayoClinic.com, patients on certain types of chemotherapy drugs may experience mouth or throat sores as a side effect of their drug schedule and dosage. This mucous irritation peaks at about one week after treatment begins and subsides two to three weeks after it ends. Due to the high acid content of orange juice, you may need to avoid it and other high-acid foods and beverages during chemotherapy. Tomato juice, tomato sauce, lemon and other citrus juices are also acidic, and you should be avoid them if you have mouth or throat sores. Some food manufacturer's make low-acid varieties of orange juice that may allow you to enjoy it without irritating your sores.
Iron and Anemia
Fatigue due to iron-deficiency anemia is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Orange juice may be helpful for a patient with anemia and low hemoglobin, the protein on red blood cells that carries iron. During chemotherapy, your doctor will check your blood count for hemoglobin and other properties. If your hemoglobin is low, ask your doctor if you should include orange juice in your diet. Orange juice and other citrus fruits are high in vitamin C that helps the body maximize iron absorption from food. Optimize the amount of iron you absorb by drinking orange juice with iron-rich meals and snacks. Since caffeine limits iron absorption, avoid caffeinated drinks with meals.
Liquids and Soft Foods
Another possible side effect of chemotherapy is difficulty swallowing and decreased appetite. Liquids and soft foods can help patients take in calories when they experience these problems. Drink orange juice alone, or use it as a base for shakes and smoothies that include your favorite fruits. During chemotherapy, your protein needs are greater than usual. Adding protein powder to a smoothie is a helpful way to meet your nutritional needs for without having to chew and swallow meats, fish or nuts.
Folate and Red Blood Cells
According to Chemocare.com, some chemotherapy patients may experience bleeding that results in low red blood cell counts. The body uses folate in addition to other vitamins to produce new red blood cells. A 3/4-cup serving of orange juice contains 10 percent of the daily recommended value of folate, notes the Office of Dietary Supplements. Drinking orange juice and other folate-rich foods, such as fortified breakfast cereals, spinach and liver, can help to support your body's red blood cell production.
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