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Diet for Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Food contains important substances necessary for life and health. Cancer patients must eat enough of these nutrients for their bodies to function at their best before, during and after treatment. However, the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplant often affect a person's eating habits. These side effects may include:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores
• Taste changes
• General loss of appetite

Here are ideas for managing the side effects you may have. Try to find what works best for you.

Nausea and Vomiting

• Eat meals slowly.
• Eat small portions of food frequently.
• Low-fat, bland and salty foods usually work best. Avoid greasy, fried and strongly spiced foods.
• Cool, clear beverages are recommended. Drink liquids between meals, rather than with meals.
• Do not lie flat for at least two hours after eating.
• If the smell of food makes you nauseated, avoid hot entrees.

Suggested foods:

• Cream of wheat, oatmeal and cold cereal
• Soups
• Cold sandwiches
• Cottage cheese
• Fruit
• Hard boiled eggs
• Plain pasta, rice and mashed potatoes
• Bread and saltine crackers
• Canned fruit, applesauce and Jell-O
• Custard and pudding
• Sherbet, popsicles and frozen fruit bars
• Soda, juice and herbal tea

Diarrhea

• Avoid milk, ice cream and puddings for now since they can upset your stomach. Yogurt, sherbet, cheese and custard may be tolerated since these foods contain smaller amounts of lactose.
• Stay away from greasy or fried foods.
• Cut down on high fiber foods such as whole grains, bran cereals and vegetables.

Suggested foods:

• Cream of wheat, oatmeal and plain rice and corn cereals
• Canned fruits, nectars and applesauce
• White rice, pasta and potatoes without skin
• Sandwiches on white bread
• Soups without cream
• Cheese and crackers, graham crackers and peanut butter
• Eggs
• Jell-O and Popsicles
• Soda and herbal tea
• Nutritional drinks like Ensure, Resource, Sustacal, Pediasure and Boost

Constipation

• Drink plenty of liquids -- eight to 10 glasses each day.
• Choose high fiber foods.
• Exercise, such as walking.

Suggested foods:

• Whole grains -- breads, cereals and pastas
• Cooked beans, peas and lentils
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Prune juice and hot lemon water

Mouth Sores / Chewing or Swallowing Difficulties

• Choose cool, smooth and bland foods. Soft solids and liquids work best.
• Avoid spicy, salty and acidic foods and beverages.

Suggested foods:

• Nectars and apple juice
• Canned fruit and applesauce
• Cream of wheat
• Potato soup, chicken noodle soup and rice soup (juk)
• Custard, puddings, yogurt and Jell-O
• Popsicles, ice cream and sherbet
• Milkshakes and Carnation Instant Breakfast
• Nutritional drinks like Ensure, Resource, Sustacal, Pediasure and Boost

Taste/Smell Changes

• Avoid red meats if they taste metallic. Eat more chicken, turkey, dairy products and casseroles.
• When foods have less taste, try tart foods such as yogurt, lemon or orange Jell-O, or lemonade.
• When foods taste or smell funny try cold or room temperature foods.
• Try marinated or spicy foods such as enchiladas, herbed chicken or spaghetti if you do not have nausea, vomiting or mouth sores.
• Use hard candies to take away bad taste between meals.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.

Loss of Appetite

• Eat three small meals and three snacks per day, whether you feel hungry or not.
• Keep snacks by your bedside.
• Choose high-calorie, high-protein foods and beverages.
• Try milkshakes or supplements such as Ensure Carnation Instant Breakfast, when you do not feel like eating.
• Choose your favorite foods.

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Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.