Dietary Tips to Help Manage Nausea During Cancer Treatment

What are the Dietary tips to manage nausea during cancer treatment

To manage nausea during the cancer treatments, you may need to focus on eating small and frequent meals. Additionally, include low-fat foods and stay hydrated with the consumption of liquids as well. Here are a few dietary recommendations suggested by oncologists.

These may include:

1. Eat small meals frequently

If you were diagnosed with cancer recently or are undergoing cancer treatments, you may tend to experience nausea. If you are experiencing nausea, then avoid eating large amounts of meals, because it can overwhelm your digestive system. 

Instead of eating large amounts of meals, consider eating 5 to 6 portions of small meals or snacks throughout the day.

Always keep your foods in a small quantity, but make sure that they are nutritionally rich and healthy for you.

2. Choose easy-to-digest foods 

Always choose easy-to-digest foods for eating if you are experiencing nausea due to cancer. Eating strong flavors and greasy foods might trigger nausea in people. Always stick to easy-to-digest foods, including plain rice, potatoes, pasta, toast, or bananas. 

Additionally, include applesauce, oatmeal, or soft-cooked vegetables in your diet. Always try to avoid spicy, fried, or highly cooked or seasoned foods. 

3. Stay hydrated and drink water a lot (sip slowly) 

If you are not drinking enough water then it can make you nauseous. Dehydration can make people nauseous most of the time. Try to stay hydrated and always sip water slowly and avoid gulping altogether. You can also drink herbal teas, electrolytes instead of drinking water. 

If you can’t tolerate liquids, then try to suck ice cubes and frozen fruit popsicles in your diet. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeinated drinks as well.

4. Include Ginger and peppermint

Ginger and peppermint are known for their nausea-relieving properties. You can add a small piece of ginger to your tea, or chew a small piece, or eat ginger-flavored candies to control your nausea. You can also take peppermint tea or peppermint oil for aromatherapy.

Additionally, including fresh ginger in soups and foods is good and beneficial for getting relief from nausea.

5. Eat room- temperature foods

Eating hot-temperature foods can intensify the level of nausea in cancer patients. Instead of eating hot foods, consider eating cold or room-temperature foods. You can try foods like sandwiches, salads, yogurts, or chilled soups to get some relief from nausea. Consider taking smoothies made with fruits, protein powder, and peanut butter as well.

6. Avoid lying down immediately after eating

Always give your body enough time to digest. Here are the few things to watch out for:

• Try to stay upright or sit down for a while, at least for 30 to 60 minutes after eating.
• If you need some rest, then recline a bit with support; if rest is still needed, avoid lying flat immediately.

7. Limit consuming fatty and sweet foods

Eating high-fat and sugary foods that are harder to digest normally, and it may generally increase nausea in people. Avoid the consumption of foods like cream-based sauces, heavy desserts, and fried foods.

If you are experiencing nausea continuously, then opt for baked, grilled, or steamed dishes such as hard steamed vegetables instead.

8. Add lemon and citrus flavors in the food

If you are feeling nauseous, then adding a lemon can cut through the nausea and help to leave a refreshing taste in the mouth. Adding a lemon slice to your drinking water or tea can enhance your taste buds and even uplift your mood. You can also try citrus-flavored candies; they will improve and eliminate your nauseous feelings. 

Some studies have suggested that the scent of fresh lime and lemon may also help to curb nausea in people.

9. Eat when you feel hungry or starving

Always listen to your body; if you feel hungry early in the day, eat more essential meals in a day. If you are feeling hungrier in the evenings, then consider eating calorie-dense meals at that time.

10. Taking consultation from a dietitian

Every cancer patient’s body reacts differently to cancer treatments. Some might experience fewer symptoms, but most of the cancer patients experience nausea, mouth sores, and hair loss as well.

If you are experiencing nausea for more than 2 weeks, without any improvements, then consult a registered oncologist and dietitian and customize your diet plan.

Consult Today

Managing nausea during cancer treatment is not just about comfort and improving the quality of life. This is vital for staying nourished and maintaining overall strength. With a combination of smart dietary strategies, gentle foods, and professional advice and support, it’s highly possible to ease nausea and continue supporting your body through its healing journey.

At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at affordable cancer price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then do not wait; visit Oncare Cancer Center. Book an appointment for our cancer specialist consultation. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!