10 Foods to Avoid During Chemotherapy for Better Health and Recovery
Undergoing chemotherapy is a challenging time, and nutrition plays a vital role in supporting your body through treatment. While many foods can help you maintain your strength, there are some you should avoid to protect your health and optimize your recovery. Here are 10 foods to steer clear of during chemotherapy:
1. Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice Grapefruit contains enzymes that can interfere with the metabolism of many chemotherapy drugs. To stay safe, it’s best to avoid both the fruit and its juice throughout your treatment.
2. Raw Meat and Fish Sushi, carpaccio, and other dishes featuring raw meat or fish can harbor harmful bacteria. With a weakened immune system during chemotherapy, your body may struggle to fight off these potential infections. Opt for fully cooked proteins instead.
3. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables While fresh produce is essential, always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Unwashed produce can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites that a compromised immune system may not be able to handle.
4. Caffeinated Beverages and Alcohol Moderation is key when it comes to caffeine and alcohol. Excessive caffeine can disrupt sleep and increase anxiety, while alcohol can irritate the liver—critical for processing chemotherapy drugs. It's best to limit caffeine to mornings and avoid alcohol altogether during treatment.
5. Unpasteurized Dairy Products Soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and certain goat cheeses made from unpasteurized milk can contain harmful bacteria. Stick to pasteurized dairy products to reduce your risk of infection.
6. Certain Supplements and Herbs Antioxidant supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy. While antioxidants in whole foods are safe, supplements should be avoided. Additionally, steer clear of garlic (a natural blood thinner) and St. John's wort (which can interact with medications).
7. Processed Foods Highly processed foods are often laden with chemicals and additives that provide little nutritional value. They can also contribute to weight gain and depression. Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods ensures you're getting the nutrients your body needs.
8. Sugary Foods Excess sugar can increase anxiety, impair sleep, and fill you up with empty calories, leaving less room for nutrient-dense foods. Reducing sugar intake can help you maintain better energy levels and focus.
9. Deli Meats Freshly sliced deli meats may be left out for extended periods, increasing the risk of contamination. While pre-packaged, sealed deli meats are safer, it’s generally wise to avoid deli counters during chemotherapy.
10. Packaged Processed Meats Although factory-sealed packaged meats are safer, highly processed meats still often contain preservatives and additives. Whenever possible, choose lean, freshly prepared meats.
Foods You Don't Have to Avoid It’s worth noting that you don’t need to avoid soy products or dairy unless specifically advised by your healthcare provider. These foods are often misunderstood but can be part of a healthy diet during chemotherapy.
Final Thoughts Staying mindful of what you eat during chemotherapy can make a significant difference in how you feel and recover. Remember, everyone's needs are unique, so always consult your healthcare team for personalized advice.
A long-time practicing oncologist and professor at the University of Michigan, Jennifer has received several awards for her medical excellence and published over 150 original research articles as well as numerous editorials and book chapters. She is also a speaker and advocate, committed to improving the quality of medical care and reducing the barriers to equity among the disenfranchised.
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
