10 foods to eat during cancer chemotherapy

This is an automatically translated article.

A healthy, balanced diet during cancer treatment is important to keep your body functioning optimally. Foods that are mild in taste, easy to digest and rich in nutrients are among the best choices.

“What should cancer chemotherapy eat?” . Here are 10 foods that you should include during cancer chemotherapy.

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains a higher amount of carbohydrates, protein and antioxidants, as well as more healthy fats than most other grains. Oatmeal also helps balance the gut, as it has beta glucan, a type of soluble fiber that is good for your gut. The tasteless nature and smooth texture of oatmeal are especially beneficial if you are experiencing common side effects of chemotherapy such as dry mouth or mouth sores.

2. Avocados

When performing cancer chemotherapy, anorexia is a common phenomenon. In this case, eating avocados will help provide the necessary calories and nutrients to your diet.
Avocados are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. It's also high in fiber, which increases stool volume and feeds the bacteria in your gut.
Avocado is considered a nutritional supplement when undergoing cancer chemotherapy to help improve dry mouth, constipation, mouth sores. You can puree them and spread them on toast or slice them to top with cereals, beans, or soups.

3. Eggs

Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Eggs can relieve fatigue thanks to their rich source of protein and fat.
In one egg (44 grams) contains about 6g protein and 4g fat. Fat helps fuel the body, while protein helps build and maintain muscle mass, which is especially important during chemotherapy. The combination of protein and fat in eggs helps replenish essential nutrients, soothe fatigue. In addition, thanks to the soft texture of eggs, it is very suitable for patients undergoing chemotherapy who have mouth sores.
Make sure eggs are thoroughly cooked, yolks and whites fully cooked, to prevent food poisoning.

4. Broth

Taste changes help to be normal during chemotherapy - and water is perceived to taste different. In these situations, broth is a great alternative to keep you hydrated.
Broth is made by boiling water with vegetables, herbs and can add meat or poultry, with bones if desired. During this process, electrolytes are dissolved into the broth, including nutrients like sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium, which help keep your body functioning properly. Taking sips of broth is very beneficial if you are losing electrolytes through vomiting, sweating or diarrhea.
If you are craving for food, you can add chicken, tofu or vegetables to the broth. Using broth can ease the pain if you are suffering from mouth ulcers. For extra nutrients, especially when you're suffering from dry mouth or loss of appetite, you can add a teaspoon of flavorless protein powder, like collagen powder.
However, keep the broth clean and simple, taking sips if you are feeling nauseous or vomiting. When experiencing this condition, broth is very good because the lack of fiber makes it easier to digest.
Clean broth helps keep you hydrated and replenished, especially if the water starts to taste different during chemotherapy. You can add vegetables or protein if you feel you can digest solid foods.

5. Almonds

Almonds are a rich source of manganese and copper, accounting for about 27% and 32% of the daily value, respectively, per 1 ounce (28 grams).
These minerals form superoxide dismutases and some of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. These substances help fight free radicals that damage cells. However, if you are suffering from mouth ulcers these seeds will not be easy to eat.

6. Pumpkin Seeds

“What should cancer chemotherapy eat?” . Pumpkin seeds are rich in fats, proteins, and antioxidants like vitamin E, which help fight inflammation.
Some cancer treatments, such as blood transfusions, can increase the risk of iron overload or iron overload in the body. If you have symptoms of iron overload, you should reconsider the amount of pumpkin seeds and other iron-rich foods in your diet.

7. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli, provide a significant amount of vitamin C which is important for the immune system. In addition, broccoli contains sulforaphane, a plant compound that improves brain health. Research has shown that sulforaphane helps reduce inflammation and protects brain cells from damage, positively impacting health.

8. Nutrition during cancer chemotherapy with homemade smoothies

Homemade smoothies are a perfect option for cancer people undergoing chemotherapy who are having difficulty chewing solid foods or are not getting enough nutrients in their diet.
You can choose the best ingredients according to the symptoms or according to your taste.

9. Bread or crackers

White bread or crackers are a good choice when you are suffering from diarrhea or nausea because they are easy to digest.
Salty crackers are especially useful for replenishing sodium lost through vomiting or diarrhea.

10. Fish

Fish nutrition helps people undergoing chemotherapy provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are important fats that you must get through your diet. They have anti-inflammatory properties and support brain health. Plus, eating plenty of protein and healthy fatty foods like fish can help you avoid unhealthy weight loss during treatment.
Salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna and sardines are particularly high in this type of fat. Fatty fish like salmon and herring are good sources of vitamin D, essential for the immune system and bones. In fact, one small piece of salmon (170 grams) provides 113% of the daily value.
Steam, fry or grill fish with lemon juice. Use a thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is at least 145°F (63°C) - or 165°F (74°C) if you're reheating.
Fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Also, eating foods rich in fats and proteins like fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids helps prevent unhealthy weight loss and vitamin D is important for Immune System. It's best to eat two servings of fish per week.

summary

Chemotherapy can cause many side effects, including dry mouth, taste changes, fatigue, mouth ulcers, and nausea. These side effects make eating difficult or uninteresting. Knowing what foods to eat, such as bland foods for mouth sores and wet or smooth textures for dry mouth, helps nourish the body during cancer treatment.
It's convenient to bring nutritious, easy-to-carry foods to your appointments. To reduce the risk of food poisoning you should practice food safety.
Even so, if you have difficulty chewing or swallowing during treatment, go to your doctor for a physical examination and advice.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.