Chemotherapy treatment often affects the palate and appetite of the patient negatively. Because of such changes and other ill-effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation etc, the patients tend to find food unappealing and do not have the urge to eat at all. This being an unhealthy practice only deteriorates the health of the patient and makes it difficult for the patient to cope up with the repercussions of the treatment. Hence, it is important that proper and healthy diet for chemotherapy is followed by the patient. The challenge for those undergoing chemotherapy is that the food seems flavorless and they also have a strange taste in the mouth that keeps them away from the food. Chemotherapy is a strong treatment that has a great impact on the body and also causes many side effects. To remain unaffected by them or to fight them, one must follow a nutritional diet during chemotherapy. In this article we will further discuss about the diet for chemotherapy patients.

Meaning of “Diet for Chemotherapy”

Chemotherapy diet may seem like a term suggesting that there are special diets designed for chemotherapy. However, the fact of the matter is that there is no such specific diet to be followed by chemotherapy patients and there are no special chemotherapy diet recipes as such. What is important when we talk about diet after chemotherapy and chemotherapy diets is that the patient’s body should receive as much nutrition as possible to counter the ill-effects of chemotherapy. That being said, eating proper food does not mean that it works like drugs and fights the problems immediately but it only helps to keep your immune system functioning properly. The effects of chemotherapy on patients differ from case to case and therefore, there is no universal plan as such to be recommended for chemotherapy patients. The individual’s taste changes, the appetite changes and so does the way of consuming food play a role in the effects of chemotherapy treatment on the body. So coming to the same question, what is the meaning of diet for chemotherapy? A diet for chemotherapy is nothing but a diet that includes all food groups. What would those be? It’s no mystery, everyone is aware of it!

Food Types / Groups to be included in the Diet for Chemotherapy

Components of diet for chemotherapy are no different than what is required for a healthy living for a healthy person not undergoing chemotherapy or any other treatment. Many of us in our busy lifestyles either forget or ignore to live and eat healthy and are often recommended by the doctors to follow healthy eating habits and to indulge in regular exercise or physical activity. So let’s take a look at the foods to be included in the diet for chemotherapy patients.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are the natural sources of vitamins and minerals including antioxidants that helps to keep the immune system sturdy and prepares it to fight against infections and also cancer compounds. A serving of minimally cooked green leafy vegetables daily is great for the body. Similarly, one should also eat salads and fresh fruits on a daily basis. Include vegetables such as carrots, corn, tomatoes, squashes, capsicum, pumpkin etc. Olive oil should be the preferred option instead of heavy dressing for salads. Eat a variety of fresh fruits and avoid eating those that are kept in the cold storage for a long time. If experiencing pain in the jaws, it could be taken in the form of juices and smoothies.

Protein-rich Food, Dairy Products and Meat

Protein helps the body to maintain energy and strength and also helps in fighting infection. This food group includes milk, eggs, peanut butter, cottage cheese, tofu, dried beans etc. Meat and fish also are a great source of proteins and iron and therefore a portion of meat should be eaten after the removal of excess fat. Lean meat such as chicken should be the preferred choice for those seeking a diet for chemotherapy patients. Grilling is recommended over frying meat or fish as it would not be strong in odor and taste and this means that the patient also may not feel nauseous. One or two servings of low fat dairy products would also be good for the chemotherapy patients.

Those were the widely classified food categories that are recommended in the diet for chemotherapy patients however there may be many reasons due to which a chemotherapy patient may not be able to consume all of the above mentioned foods. Chemotherapy patients experience many side effects such as nausea, diarrhea etc. during and after the treatment. Take a look at the diet tips that may help when undergoing chemotherapy.

Diet Tips for Chemotherapy Patients

• Drink plenty of water and other fluids to maintain proper hydration levels during the treatment
• Small and frequent meals would be better than having 3 full meals in a day as poor appetite and nausea could cause trouble when eating in large portions
• One particular food type or recipe may seem boring so don’t fear from experimenting new recipes but of the same nutritional value
• Calories are not something that a chemotherapy patient may compromise on as the treatment may be too much for the body to bear and you need calories to feel energized and continue with the treatment
• Ensure that the food is well cooked and freshly made
• Last but most definitely not the leaste, do not eat junk food. You may feel the need of taste in food and be attracted to junk food but it does not provide nutrition and may also be difficult to digest. Home cooked food could be as tasty as and anytime healthier than take-away food.

So those were some of the tips when considering diet for chemotherapy. Exercise during chemotherapy is also essential, then be it a stroll in the garden. Do consult with your doctor to know more about your eating options.