Top 7 Foods to Eat During Chemotherapy
When facing a cancer diagnosis, every decision feels critical—especially when it comes to nutrition. If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, you may wonder how food can support your treatment and help you feel stronger through the process. While no food can cure or prevent cancer, maintaining a healthy diet is vital for your energy, strength, and overall well-being during this challenging time.
Here’s why nutrition matters and the seven best foods to nourish your body during chemotherapy.
Why Is Nutrition Important During Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which is how it combats cancer. Unfortunately, it also affects healthy cells—especially those lining your digestive tract—leading to side effects like nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, and even vulnerability to infection.
Moreover, many chemotherapy regimens include corticosteroids to minimize side effects. While effective, these steroids can contribute to muscle breakdown and impact your immune system. Proper nutrition can counterbalance these effects, helping you maintain strength, support digestion, and manage side effects more effectively.
Let’s dive into the seven top foods to consider during chemotherapy:
1. Ginger: Your Natural Ally Against Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Ginger has long been praised for its natural anti-nausea properties. Whether it’s ginger tea, lozenges, candies, or fresh ginger incorporated into meals, this root can help ease that uneasy stomach feeling and encourage a better appetite.
If you're still struggling with nausea, always consult your medical team—but don’t underestimate the soothing potential of ginger.
2. Protein: The Foundation for Strength
Protein is crucial for rebuilding muscle mass and supporting your immune system, especially when you're taking corticosteroids. Incorporating protein-rich foods such as chicken, fish, eggs, legumes, and beans into your meals ensures your body has the building blocks it needs for recovery.
Bonus: Beans and legumes offer additional fiber and may have preventative health benefits when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
3. Whole Grains: Gentle on Your Digestive System
Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole-grain bread are packed with fiber and nutrients. They can help stabilize your stomach, combat both constipation and diarrhea, and keep you feeling full longer. Unlike processed grains, whole grains provide sustained energy and support digestive health—two essential benefits during treatment.
4. Healthy Fats: Nourishment That Lasts
Not all fats are created equal. Healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil and avocados, are beneficial for overall health and can help you feel more satisfied after meals. Aim to incorporate sources of unsaturated fats into your diet while minimizing processed, hydrogenated oils. Think Mediterranean: olive oil drizzled on veggies, a few slices of avocado on toast, or a handful of nuts in a smoothie.
5. Leafy Greens: Packed With Essential Nutrients
Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These power-packed veggies add vital nutrients to your diet, supporting overall health and recovery. While iceberg lettuce has high water content, opting for darker greens ensures you’re getting more nutrition per bite.
6. Hydrating Foods: Beyond the Water Bottle
Hydration is critical, but if drinking plain water is a challenge, hydrating foods can help. Fruits and vegetables such as melons, grapes, berries, and cucumbers have high water content and contribute to your daily fluid needs. They not only keep you hydrated but also provide essential vitamins and minerals, helping you feel refreshed and energized.
7. Smoothies: A Convenient Nutrient Boost
Smoothies are a fantastic way to pack in multiple food groups in one easy-to-digest meal. Blend together leafy greens, fruits, protein powders, and healthy fats like almond or peanut butter for a balanced, nutrient-dense drink. Smoothies are especially great when your appetite is low or when chewing and digestion feel challenging.
Final Thoughts
While no food can guarantee a cure or prevent recurrence, nourishing your body with the right foods can make a significant difference in how you feel during chemotherapy. Good nutrition supports your immune system, helps manage side effects, and fosters a sense of control and self-care during a time that often feels overwhelming.
Remember to consult your healthcare team before making any major dietary changes, and focus on incorporating these wholesome foods into a balanced diet to support your treatment and overall well-being.
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.
