Fueling your body during cancer treatment

A healthy diet during cancer treatment is exactly what your body needs to fuel your recovery. Learn what you need to know about your diet during treatment.

Increase your calories

During cancer treatment, you often need to eat more calories to give your body the energy to heal. Insufficient calorie intake can result in muscle loss, reduced strength, and delayed recovery from treatment side effects. Meanwhile, dehydration, caused by factors such as vomiting and insufficient fluid intake due to taste changes, can exacerbate side effects and cause treatment delays.

Focus on proteins and plant based foods

During cancer treatments, ensuring adequate protein intake is crucial. Protein helps your body heal and preserves muscle mass. Good protein sources include

• Beans.
• Dairy.
• Eggs.
• Lentils.
• Meats like chicken, turkey and fish.
• Nuts, nut butters and seeds.

Additionally, incorporating plant foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains can boost the immune system.

Learn more about adding healthy fats into your diet.

Foods to avoid

Dietary restrictions for cancer patients depend on the treatment and its side effects. For example, patients with mouth sores might need to avoid acidic or spicy foods, while those with nausea could benefit from steering clear of high-fat or sugary options. For those maintaining their weight and feeling relatively well, nutrient-dense foods are recommended.

Can I eat sugar during cancer treatment?

You don’t need to completely cut sugar out of your diet. It’s more important to focus on calorie intake and staying hydrated.

Instead, try to cut out empty calories like added sugars from junk food and sugary drinks.

Learn more about sugar and its relationship with cancer.