Food is something many of us take for granted until cancer treatment makes it feel like a daily struggle. Side effects can turn eating into a challenge, even when your body needs nourishment the most. Clinical Oncology Dietitian Robin Strate discusses how treatment affects the body, the importance of a healthy diet, and what realistic nutrition looks like throughout your cancer journey.
The importance of nutrition
Maintaining a balanced diet during cancer treatment supports your long-term health by aiding in recovery, helping prevent DNA damage, repairing damaged cells, and even targeting cancerous cells. Proper nutrition can also minimize interruptions or dose changes during treatment. To ensure you’re eating a well-rounded diet, start by including foods from the five main food groups: protein, grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
Protein
Protein is crucial for maintaining lean mass and strength, especially during treatment when many medications can affect bone health. Although incorporating protein into your diet isn’t difficult, changes in taste can make it more challenging. Many women find that meat can taste metallic or unpleasant, so non-meat protein options may help you maintain protein intake while also enjoying your food. Options like yogurt, cheese, beans, nuts, nut butters, and seeds are all great alternatives.
Dairy products can also be an excellent source of protein, but some women notice changes in how their body tolerates lactose, the natural sugar found in many dairy foods. If this happens, you can switch to lactose-free dairy products, use Lactaid, or choose non-dairy alternatives. For a plant-based option, you could go with soy milk since it is one of the best substitutes for cow’s milk. If you are allergic to soy or nuts, you could choose oat milk instead. However, oat milk only has about one to two grams of protein per cup while soy milk usually has about eight to nine grams per cup.
Carbohydrates
Although carbohydrates often get a bad reputation, they are the best source of energy and fiber and are vital for energy and brain function. Because 90% of Americans don’t eat enough fiber, the most beneficial carbohydrates to choose are the ones that are rich in fiber. These include quinoa, beans, lentils, fruits, and whole grains. Even whole grain breads, whole grain pastas, and Fiber One cereal can still be part of a healthy diet.
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are also part of a balanced diet since they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (compounds that give plants their color, aroma, and flavor). Including a rainbow of colors while produce shopping can help ensure you get the most nutrition and variety.
While the U.S. Department of Agriculture monitors pesticide residues on conventionally grown produce, it’s worth noting that organic farming also uses pesticides, though these are natural rather than synthetic. Synthetic pesticides often require smaller amounts, whereas some organic options may be less efficient and need higher quantities. Unlike conventional produce, residues on organic produce aren’t routinely tested. To maximize safety and nutrition, buy fruits and vegetables in season and wash them thoroughly under running water for at least 30 seconds.
Healthy dietary patterns
People often forget that food connects us to our culture and our families. It’s easy to become hyper-focused on your diet to the point where you feel stressed or you can’t enjoy meals with loved ones. However, this isn’t sustainable and can negatively impact your mental health. You can still enjoy meaningful foods while keeping your overall health and wellness goals in perspective – you just have to find the right balance that works for you.
Following evidence-based dietary guidelines can help you be creative and flexible with your meals while also making sure you get a good balance of fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains.
- Mediterranean Diet – This diet is a heart-healthy eating pattern that focuses on plant-based foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Research has shown that the Mediterranean Diet decreases your risk of coronary artery disease.
- New American Plate Diet – The American Institute for Cancer Research developed this diet to help Americans understand serving sizes and what a filling, well-balanced meal should look like. This diet recommends that two thirds of your plate be from fruits, vegetables, or plant foods, and one third or less of your plate should be from animal proteins.
When eating feels like a chore
Having quick, nutrient-dense options on hand can help you meet your health goals, even on your most challenging days. Protein-rich snacks like string cheese, Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, or trail mix offer essential nutrients with minimal effort. Keeping ready-to-eat items like rotisserie chicken and steamable bags of vegetables can make mealtime easier, especially if you lack the energy or support to cook and clean.
Staying hydrated
Staying hydrated isn’t always easy, especially when plain water doesn’t appeal to you. Mixing up your sources of hydration can make the process much more enjoyable. As Robin explains, “if it’s in its liquid state at room temperature, it counts toward your hydration.” For example, you could aim for half of your daily 8 to 10 cups of fluids to come from water while the rest come from milk, juices, broth, or soup.
Foods with high water content such as yogurt and fruits can also contribute to your overall hydration. Smoothies are another great option, especially when your appetite is low.
Combatting nausea, mouth sores, and dry mouth
Cancer treatment can bring a variety of side effects that make eating and staying nourished more challenging. The most common side effect is nausea, which comes from medications, changes in digestion, or even fear or anxiety. Unlike nausea from a virus where eating often leads to vomiting, treatment-related nausea is usually more similar to pregnancy-related nausea, where you may feel both hungry and nauseous at the same time. Although it might seem counterintuitive, eating can sometimes help. Choosing mild foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day while limiting greasy and fried foods can help.
Mouth sores and dry mouth are also a side effect of treatment. To help manage and prevent irritation, you can regularly rinse your mouth with equal parts baking soda and salt mixed in water. This will help keep your mouth clean and remove food particles that may linger and cause irritation. Eating softer foods or items that are cool are usually better tolerated and less likely to aggravate sensitive areas. Try to avoid rough, crunchy, spicy, and acidic foods.
Overall, it’s not about perfection
It’s not about being perfect; it’s about doing what you can, when you can, and giving yourself grace while your body works hard to heal. You are doing the best you can with the resources you have and the season of life that you’re in. Whether that means grabbing a protein shake while you take your children to practice, aiming to eat more whole foods and less processed snacks, or just staying hydrated throughout the day, every small effort matters. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Your care team and nutritionists are here to help you every step of the way.