Best Foods to Eat During Chemotherapy and Radiation

Bests foods to eat during chemotherapy and radiation

Here are some of the best foods to eat during chemotherapy and radiation therapy, including:

High- Protein foods

Protein is highly essential for repairing tissues and maintaining muscle strength, both of these functions can be affected negatively due to undergoing chemotherapy and radiation in patients. 

Here are top foods you can include in your diet:

• Eggs
• Chicken
• Beans, lentils, chickpeas
• Greek Yoghurt
• Tofu
• Nut butter

If you are feeling a low appetite, then try consuming protein shakes or smoothies that can help improve your energy levels and increase your moods as well. 

Easily Digestible Whole Grain Foods

Eating easily digestible foods including whole grains can provide sustainable energy and favorable B vitamins. 

Here are the best foods to have in your diet, including:

• Oatmeal
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Whole-wheat pasta
• Whole grain bread

In some patients, when nausea starts  then try to eat bland grains like white rice, or toast that may be easier to tolerate. 

Fruits and Vegetables rich in Anti-Oxidants

Eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, fibers can support immunity levels and healing in people. 

Here are some of the nutrient rich foods, including:

• Bananas ( Feels easy on the stomach)
• Berries (High in antioxidants)
• Carrots and sweet potatoes (Vitamin A)
• Leafy greens like kale or spinach
• Apples 
• soft fruits (easy to swallow)

Tip:  Avoid eating raw vegetables and fruits, and wash the fruits before eating them. Try steaming or blending them into smoothies for easy digestion, or you can add more vegetables to your soups.

Healthy Fat Foods

Adding healthy fats provides more calories and helps to maintain the weight of the cancer patients when their appetite is low. 

Here are the good sources of healthy fats, including:

• Avocado
• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Nuts and seeds
• Salmon, tuna, or sardines
• Nut butters

These healthy fats can reduce inflammation and infection and support brain health and heart health in patients.

Hydrating foods and fluids

In most cancer patients, dehydration is common during these treatments. Staying hydrated helps manage fatigue, dry mouth, and digestive issues. 

Try these foods, including:

• Water with lemon or cucumber
• Herbal teas
• Coconut water
• Broths and soups
• Water rich fruits like watermelon, oranges or grapes

Note: If your water tastes metallic, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Try to use lemon or cucumber to get some flavor to lighten the metallic taste, which can help to improve your taste.

Soft- easy to digest foods

Patients with symptoms such as mouth sores, dry throat, or difficulty swallowing foods can feel eating is a painful task.

Here are some foods to add in your diet, including:

• Smoothies
• Yoghurt
• Scrambled eggs
• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Soups and broths
• Cooked cereals

Tips: Avoid eating spicy, rough-textured foods, if you feel mouth sensitivity. 

Foods that reduce treatment side effects

For patients with the Nausea:

Here are are some foods you can add in your diet, including:

• Ginger teas or ginger-flavored candies
• Crackers
• Banana
• Peppermint tea

For patients with Diarrhea:

Here’s some foods that are your saviour, including:

• Banana, rice, applesauce, bread toast, 
• Oatmeal
• Potatoes
• Chicken

Practical tips to eating during Chemo and Radiation

Here are some of the practical tips for patients on what to eat during chemotherapy and radiation therapy, including:

• Eat small meals or snacks throughout the day instead of eating large meals. 
• Keep some healthy snacks on hand; eat them when you feel low energy levels.
• If you feel better in the morning, then eat bulk calories in the form of foods in the early morning. 
• Try some smoothies, adding some vitamin-rich fruits to get a boost in nutrients in patients.

Note: If you need any assistance, then consult your oncologist to get a more detailed, personalized nutritional diet according to your type of cancer.