A common treatment for various types of cancer, chemotherapy involves the administration of potent, cancer-killing drugs to the patient over a period of several months. Each round of these drugs may wreak havoc with your digestive system, making recovery from treatment a physical and nutritional challenge. A diet based on nutrient-dense foods will support your recovery from both chemotherapy and, eventually, cancer.
Nutrient Density
Nutrient-dense foods contain a concentration of nutrients your body needs to function optimally, including protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. When you are in recovery from chemotherapy treatments, your body will need these nutrients to rebuild tissues and boost your immune system to fight off new cancer cells. The fiber in whole foods will also help prevent constipation, a common side effect of chemotherapy drugs. However, foods that are "nutrient-empty" -- fast foods with excessive sodium and trans fats, and refined carbohydrates, such as sugary snacks, sodas and white bread -- offer no nutritional value. In fact, these foods may rob your body of nutrients that support your recovery. For example, sugar may actually help cancer cells proliferate, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, while beta-carotene and other antioxidants found in fresh fruits and vegetables may help you live longer following treatment.
Loss of Appetite
For several days after a chemotherapy treatment, you may feel waves of nausea that keep you from eating. Nutrition experts advise eating small amounts throughout the day, instead of three large meals, to keep your energy levels up. Skipping meals may aggravate your symptoms. The Cleveland Clinic recommends eating quality protein with each meal or snack, such as beans, peanut butter, eggs, fish or nuts. Ginger tea or crystallized ginger may help relieve nausea; whole grain crackers may also do the trick. In addition, treatment can cause a diminished sense of taste. Try eating foods cold or warm instead of hot. Drink plenty of pure, filtered water and herbal teas to help flush the toxins from your body. However, consume beverages after meals instead of before to avoid feeling too full to eat. A slice of lemon in your water adds flavor and stimulates your taste buds.
Diarrhea and Constipation
Many chemotherapy drugs cause digestive problems such as diarrhea and constipation. To mitigate diarrhea, limit milk and dairy products; avoid spicy and fried foods; cut back on meat; eat fiber-rich foods such as oatmeal, apples and bananas; and drink plenty of noncarbonated beverages, such as water. Getting eight to 10 glasses of pure water a day can also help alleviate constipation. To keep your digestive system functioning properly, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains for their dietary fiber. Fiber is the part of plant foods your body can't digest, but which creates bulk in your intestines to keep you regular. If your diarrhea or constipation persists for several days, notify your oncologist.
Post-treatment Nutrition
If you increased your consumption of nutrient-dense foods during chemotherapy, stay on the same path when your course of treatment ends, and avoid returning to empty-nutrition foods. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables supplies a variety of phytonutrients with proven anti-cancer and immune-boosting properties. Registered dietitian Diana Dyer, herself a cancer survivor, recommends a post-treatment diet that increases intake of healthy fats, such as those in fish, avocados and flaxseed; boosts fruit and vegetable intake to nine servings a day; incorporates beans and legumes almost daily; includes whole grains instead of refined; and uses soy foods such as tofu and tempeh. Good nutrition can help you stay in remission for a longer, healthier life.
References
- "Today's Dietitian"; Nutrition Management During Chemotherapy; Karen Wagner, MS, RD, LDN, and Jaimie Bornstein, MPH, RD, CDN; September 2009
- BreastCancer.org; Ask the Expert Online Conference: Food for Cancer Recovery; July 2000
- Oral Cancer Foundation: Nutrition During Treatment
- American Cancer Society; Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment: Answers to Common Questions; 2006
- Cleveland Clinic: How to Cope With High-Dose Chemo and Radiation Therapy Side Effects
- UCSF Medical Center: Coping With Chemotherapy
