Chemotherapy treatment includes the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells that grow at an alarming rate. These drugs in the process of killing cancer cells destroy even the healthy cells in the body that grow very fast. Therefore patients show a lot of side effects while undergoing chemotherapy. Nausea, vomiting and mouth sores are the most common side effects of chemotherapy cancer patients experience. This leads to avoidance of food. But it is important for patients to maintain a diet rich in nutrients. As the body is in the process of repairing cancerous cells, it requires more vitamins and minerals to heal the damaged cells. Chemotherapy food should be rich in anti-oxidants to help fight the cancer. Protein and iron intake should be increased in the patients to make up the damage caused by chemotherapy. Although patients do not feel like eating,  nutrition for chemotherapy patients is essential and therefore they should be encouraged to eat smaller and lighter meals to make sure that they don’t become malnourished.

As the patients find it difficult to swallow and chew, a hearty beef stock made from clean and grass fed beef is the best option. It includes proteins and the necessary amount of iron that is required during chemotherapy. Here are a few other foods and beverages which cancer patients can consider having:

• Liquid Drinks/ Food: As patients suffer from nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, they avoid eating solid foods. These patients should be encouraged to drink liquid nutrition supplements. “Ensure” is one such supplement that is packed with some essential vitamins. If there is a problem chewing because of the mouth sores, healthy smoothies, soups and shakes are also good alternatives. Patients can get the required amount of nutrition from liquid drinks and foods.
• Protein Rich High Calorie Food: Proteins help to ease fatigue, which is quite common during chemotherapy. To give patients more energy, food with high calories is also needed. Some of the foods include, cheese, nuts, avocados and hard boiled eggs. Protein powder can be added to food or drinks to provide an extra boost of energy to patients, which is very essential throughout the day.
• Soft Foods: Most patients experience difficulty in chewing and swallowing the food because of dry mouth and mouth sores. Soft foods such as macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, yogurt, cottage cheese, puddings, scrambled eggs, soft fruits such as peaches, bananas and watermelons can be taken. Another good option is baby food as it is soft and enriched with vitamins.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and are high in anti-oxidants.  and therefore,  the diet for chemotherapy patients should include fresh vegetables and fruits. If patients find it hard to chew vegetables and fruits, they can steam them to make them softer and easier to consume. In some cases, patients might experience stomach irritation after consuming fruits and vegetables. In such cases they need to consult a doctor.

Spicy and highly acidic food should be avoided by patients as these foods aggravate the stomach irritation. One needs to remain hydrated throughout the day by sipping liquids and by consuming plenty of water.