what to feed someone facing chemotherapy

1. Oatmeal. Oatmeal provides numerous nutrients that can help your body during chemo. ...
2. Avocado. If your appetite is lacking, avocados can pack necessary calories and nutrients into your diet. ...
3. Eggs. Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy. While fat provides your body with energy, protein helps maintain and build muscle mass, which is especially important during chemotherapy.
4. Broth. Taste changes are normal during chemotherapy — and water is commonly said to taste different. In these instances, broth is a great alternative to keep you hydrated.
5. Almonds and other nuts. During chemotherapy, you may find yourself in and out of a lot of appointments — so snacks can come in handy.
Pumpkin seeds. Like nuts, pumpkin seeds are great for snacking on between your appointments. ...
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. In particular, broccoli offers a significant amount of vitamin C. What’s more, it contains sulforaphane, a plant compound thought to improve brain health.
Homemade smoothies. Homemade smoothies are a great option if you’re having a hard time chewing solid food or getting enough nutrients in your diet.
Bread or crackers. If you’re experiencing diarrhea or nausea, white bread or crackers are a good choice because they’re typically easy to digest.
Fish. If you enjoy seafood, it’s a good idea to eat two servings of fish per week when you’re in chemotherapy.

What foods can I eat during chemotherapy?

During the weeks or months you are undergoing chemotherapy, Komar recommends eating foods that are: Hydrating, such as watermelon, cucumbers, smoothies and coconut water Nausea-reducing, such as ginger, peppermint, oranges, lemons, limes, simple crackers, cereal and cinnamon toast

Can a healthy diet help you through chemo?

"It can also help your emotional well-being when you are eating better because you will feel better." During the weeks or months you are undergoing chemotherapy, Komar recommends eating foods that are: Hydrating, such as watermelon, cucumbers, smoothies and coconut water

What is the best comfort food to eat when you have cancer?

A Dozen Comfort-Food Dishes For Chemo Patients. 1 Oatmeal. One form of soluble fiber in oats, called beta-glucan, causes the oats to digest more slowly than other foods. 2 Dandelion Tea. 3 Yogurt. 4 Crackers. 5 Peppermint Tea. More items

Can you eat yogurt during chemotherapy?

Yogurt contains probiotics that can help keep the gut flora healthy. Greek yogurt also contains extra protein, which can help with energy levels during chemotherapy treatments. The American Cancer Society suggests keeping small, protein-rich snacks close by that are easy to eat throughout the day.

What do you feed someone on chemo?

10 Foods to Eat During ChemotherapyOatmeal. Oatmeal provides numerous nutrients that can help your body during chemo. ... Avocado. ... Eggs. ... Broth. ... Almonds and other nuts. ... Pumpkin seeds. ... Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. ... Homemade smoothies.More items...•

How do you get someone to eat during chemo?

MealtimeEat small amounts more frequently. ... Schedule mealtimes. ... Eat more when you're hungry. ... Limit fluids during meals. ... Create a pleasant mealtime atmosphere. ... Make meals more appealing. ... Avoid smells that make you sick.

What foods should chemo patients avoid?

What foods should you avoid during cancer treatment?Lightly cooked or raw fish, such as sushi.Soft-cooked eggs or foods that contain raw eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise.Unpasteurized cheeses and dairy products.Unwashed fruits or vegetables.

Is yogurt good for chemo patients?

Keep a variety of protein-rich snacks on hand that are easy to prepare and eat. These include yogurt, cereal and milk, half a sandwich, a bowl of hearty soup, and cheese and crackers. Avoid snacks that might make any treatment-related side effects worse.

What to feed someone who doesn't want to eat?

Some suggestions:Cheese sticks or string cheese.Full-fat yogurt.Diced fruit, fresh or packaged.Peanut butter and crackers.Cheese and crackers.Full-fat cottage cheese.Whole milk or chocolate milk.

What is the fastest way to recover from chemotherapy?

With your doctor's approval, start slowly and work your way up. The American Cancer Society recommends adult cancer survivors exercise for at least 150 minutes a week, including strength training at least two days a week. As you recover and adjust, you might find that more exercise makes you feel even better.

What foods increase white blood cells during chemo?

Good quality protein is important for cancer patients to include in their diet, because our bodies need the building blocks (amino acids) from the protein we eat to make the new WBCs. Lean meats, such as fish, eggs seafood, and skinless poultry contain high quantities of protein.

Do and don'ts during chemotherapy?

Take care not to get infections for up to one year or more after your chemotherapy. Practice safe eating and drinking during cancer treatment. DO NOT eat or drink anything that may be undercooked or spoiled. Make sure your water is safe.

How long after chemo does appetite return?

Keep healthy snacks nearby, like fruits and nuts. The good news is that your change in appetite will not last. In most cases, it takes two to six weeks after you stop chemotherapy for your appetite to come back. There are also medicines your doctor can give you that can help you if your loss of appetite is really bad.

Can you eat ice cream during chemo?

Eat high calorie foods: milkshakes, ice cream, sauces, Carnation Instant Breakfast, Ensure, and Boost. These foods replace the energy your body is using to fight the cancer cells. Stay away from fatty, fried, and greasy foods. Your appetite will come back in 2-6 weeks after your chemotherapy is over.

Are protein shakes good for chemo patients?

Add some protein. Your body uses it to repair tissue and make your immune system stronger. A lot of the time, people with cancer need more protein than those who don't have it. It helps heal tissue and fight off infection during and after treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.

How to help others through chemotherapy?

Share your best comfort foods with others. As you go through chemotherapy, you’ll find foods that work better for you than others. Posting your finds in social media groups can inspire others going through chemotherapy, and it could give friends and families ideas of foods they can prepare for you, too.

How to reset your diet after chemo?

As you end your chemotherapy treatment, remember to include foods like cruciferous vegetables, healthy teas, and fiber-filled foods in your daily diet. This can help prevent new cancer cells from growing.

What is the best medicine for nausea and vomiting?

Peppermint Tea. Peppermint tea is an old herbal remedy for nausea and vomiting that can work for even chemotherapy-induced tummy troubles. Peppermint tea is an old herbal remedy for nausea and vomiting. It’s been proven to work for even chemotherapy-induced tummy troubles.

Why is oatmeal good for chemo?

Oatmeal is a great food to eat during chemo for several reasons. First, it’s easy to make even when you’re not feeling well.

How to stop nausea and vomiting?

Eat bland foods whenever possible . Foods that have too strong a taste or scent, or that are too spicy , can set off bouts of nausea and vomiting. Foods that are greasy or too fatty could do the same thing. Start off with easy-to-digest foods and add other well-balanced foods on the days when you feel better.

What is the best snack to eat for cancer patients?

The American Cancer Society suggests keeping small, protein-rich snacks close by that are easy to eat throughout the day. Yogurt is included on the list of suggested foods, and it makes sense: keeping yogurt on hand allows you to eat whenever you want to and get the nutrients you need without overloading your digestive system.

What is the best soup for chemotherapy?

Cabbage Soup. Cabbage soup is an easy, nutrient-laden soup that can help patients on chemotherapy get the nourishment they need. Cabbage soup is an easy, nutrient-laden soup that can help patients on chemotherapy get the nourishment they need.

What foods should I eat for chemotherapy?

Because of this, it’s important to try to load up on enough calories and nutrients when you can. Prioritizing macro nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat), vitamins, and minerals will help to support your body during chemotherapy treatment and recovery.

What is the best diet for chemo?

If you’re getting chemotherapy, the best diet is the one that gets you the calories and nutrients you need, while not worsening any side effects you may have. This will be different for each person. So it’s important to work with your provider to see what’s best for you.

How does nutrition help with cancer?

Getting the right nutrition during cancer treatment can help you feel better , recover faster , and stay energized and strong. Each person has different needs, so there’s no single diet or meal plan that will help them through chemotherapy. The best diet for you is the one that gives you the calories and nutrients your body needs and helps you cope with any chemotherapy side effects you may have.

How to get vitamins and minerals?

Some also help support a healthy immune system. The best way to get vitamins and minerals is to eat foods rich in them. For most people, a varied diet is enough to get all the micronutrients they need.

What are some good foods to eat when you have chemo?

As we just reviewed, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are all great sources of fiber. Eating fiber can help lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease, and it can improve your gut health. That said, for some people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, your care team may recommend a diet low in fiber. For example, this may be true for people who’ve had bowel surgery.

What is the role of nutritionists in cancer treatment?

Nutritionists are usually part of a cancer treatment team and can make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need. Here we’ll review some of the important nutrients and how to get them.

How does chemotherapy work?

Chemotherapy works by targeting cancer cells, but it can damage healthy cells, too . For some people, chemotherapy affects how they tolerate certain foods. Chemotherapy can also change how the body absorbs nutrients.

How to keep muscle strength during chemo?

7. Eat eggs, and lean meat - The National Cancer Institute recommends eggs, fish, chicken and tofu to keep muscle strength during chemotherapy. Eggs also provide the raw materials for B vitamin production which is a casualty of chemotherapy. The can prevent hair loss. 8.

How to reduce cachexia?

1. Eat oily fish and fish oils - Top of the list for a very good reason. There are several quality studies that show taking daily fish oils (and eating oily fish) can greatly reduce the risk of cachexia. Cachexia is the fear of hospital oncologists and nutritionists.

What is the best oil to eat to calm your gut?

Eat more good fats - Extra virgin olive oil, EVOO, is very anti-inflammatory in the gut and will help calm you. It boosts gut bacteria. Walnut oil is good too. Good fats include EVOO, nut and seed oils, avocado and avocado oil, fish and fish oils. You could cook in avocado oil as it has a very high flash point.

Can chemo cause bloating?

Yeast infestation is an often ignored but very real side-effect of chemotherapy. With a loss of good gut bacteria to keep them in check, they can infest the gut, cause leaky gut, get into the blood stream, debilitate you, cause fatigue, cause bloating and reduce oxygen in tissues.

Does fasting improve chemotherapy?

For example, there is expert research that Calorie Restriction and even Fasting improve the success of chemotherapy and increase survival times. And that people with the highest levels of blood glucose survive the least!!!! Don’t you think everyone should know this??

What to eat during chemotherapy?

During chemotherapy take a small, bland snack with you. You can try the above foods as well as snack on low acid juices (apple, grape, and fruit nectars), liquid yogurts, fruits such as bananas, and crackers.

How to get rid of chemo toxins?

Bring a water bottle and fill it with your favorite beverage (avoid acidic foods which may be irritating to your digestive tract). Juices and supplements as Ensure or Boost are usually available where you are receiving chemotherapy; however ask in advance if these and any other foods are available.

How to stop nauseous feeling?

Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day (aim for 5-6 smaller meals rather than 3 large meals). Eat lower fat, blander foods! Try colder or cool foods – these give off less odor and aroma and are especially important if you feel nauseous.

What are some examples of bland foods?

Some examples of choices are: Plain or Fruited yogurt. Fresh fruit and cottage cheese. Poached egg and toast. Toasted bagel with a small amount of peanut butter. Cereal and milk (try Lactaid® milk, or Soy milk, if lactose intolerant) Chicken rice soup with saltine crackers.

What are the side effects of chemo?

Enteral and parenteral nutrition for adults. Exercise for appetite and digestion. Lactose intolerance. Increasing calories and protein (low to no lactose) Nutrition during chemo. Nutrition during radiation therapy. Managing Treatment Side Effects. Nausea and vomiting.

Why is nutrition important for cancer patients?

Nutrition is an important part of life, cancer treatment, recovery, and prevention. Food is one of the few things you can be in control of during your treatment.

How to contact Stanford Cancer Center?

Call us at 1-650-498-6000 to refer a new patient for a nutrition consultation. If you wish to refer a patient to the Stanford Cancer Center, please call the Physician Helpline.

What to eat during chemotherapy

"Good nutrition is crucial when you are undergoing chemotherapy because it can help keep your immune system stronger, keep your body weight stable and decrease side effects throughout treatment," says Shayna Komar, RD, LD, a registered and licensed dietitian at Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness at Piedmont.

The best foods to eat during chemotherapy

During the weeks or months you are undergoing chemotherapy, Komar recommends eating foods that are:

The worst foods to eat during chemotherapy

When undergoing chemotherapy, avoid or limit foods and beverages that cause inflammation and slow your body's healing process, such as:

The right amount of food at the right time

Chemotherapy affects enzymes in the digestive tract that help the body process food, so Komar recommends eating small meals every three hours to help the process go more smoothly.

Quick links

A person undergoing chemotherapy faces a range of challenges, both physically and mentally. A thoughtfully curated chemotherapy care package may help individuals cope with unpleasant side effects, improve their sense of well-being, and help occupy them during long hours of treatment.

Headcovers Comfort Cap

Headcovers offers a range of hats, scarves, and wigs for people with cancer.

Alra Mild Conditioning Shampoo

According to the manufacturer, this gentle cleanser and conditioner combination is suitable for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Buddha Teas Ginger Root Tea Bags

Ginger can be an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy.

Bonds of London Sugar Free Sherbert Lemons

Hard candy, such as lemon drops or mints, may help remove the unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth from chemotherapy. However, it is important to note that sugar-free candy may cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea in some people.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

This soothing nonfoaming facial wash is free from fragrances, parabens, and soap. Therefore, it is suitable for dry or sensitive skin.

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

This lip balm contains vitamin E to moisturize, while its SPF of 25 provides an extra layer of protection.