Food is something many of us take for granted until cancer treatment makes it feel like a daily battle. Side effects can make eating a challenge, even when your body needs more nourishment. Clinical Oncology Dietitian Robin Strate discusses how treatment affects the body, the importance of a healthy diet, and what realistic eating 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 to prevent DNA damage, repair damaged cells, and even target cancer 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 vital for maintaining lean mass and strength, especially during treatment when many medications can affect bone health. While incorporating protein into your diet isn’t difficult, changes in taste can make it more difficult. Many women find that meat can have a metallic or unpleasant taste, so meat-free protein options can help you maintain your 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 a great source of protein, but some women notice changes in how their bodies tolerate 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, as it is one of the best substitutes for cow’s milk. If you are allergic to soy or nuts, you could opt for oat milk. However, oat milk only has about one to two grams of protein per cup while soy milk typically has about eight to nine grams per cup.
Carbohydrates
Although carbohydrates often get a bad rap, 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 those that are high in fiber. These include quinoa, beans, lentils, fruit and whole grains. Even whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta and Fiber One cereals can still be part of a healthy diet.
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are also part of a balanced diet as they provide essential vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (compounds that give plants their colour, aroma and taste). Including a rainbow of colors when shopping for produce can help ensure you get the most nutrition and variety.
While the USDA monitors pesticide residues in conventionally grown produce, it’s worth noting that organic farming also uses pesticides, although these are natural rather than synthetic. Synthetic pesticides often require smaller amounts, while some organic options may be less effective and require larger amounts. Unlike conventional products, residues in organic products are not regularly tested. To maximize safety and nutrition, buy fruits and vegetables that are in season and wash them thoroughly under running water for at least 30 seconds.
Healthy eating patterns
People often forget that food connects us to our culture and our families. It’s easy to focus too much on your diet to the point where you feel stressed or unable to enjoy meals with loved ones. However, this is not sustainable and can negatively affect 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.
Documenting dietary guidelines can help you be creative and flexible with your meals while ensuring you’re getting a good balance of fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains.
- Mediterranean diet – This diet is a heart-healthy eating pattern that focuses on plant foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Research has shown that the Mediterranean Diet reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
- New American Plate Diet – The American Institute for Cancer Research developed this diet to help Americans understand portion sizes and what a filling, balanced meal should look like. This diet recommends that two-thirds of your plate should come from fruits, vegetables, or plant foods, and one-third or less of your plate should come from animal protein.
When eating seems like a chore
Having quick, nutrient-dense options available can help you reach your health goals, even on your toughest days. Protein-rich snacks such as cheese, Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs or scrambled eggs provide essential nutrients with minimal effort. Keeping ready-to-eat items like roast chicken and bags of steamed vegetables can make a meal easier, especially if you don’t have the energy or support to cook and clean.
Staying hydrated
Staying hydrated isn’t always easy, especially when plain water isn’t your thing. Mixing up hydration sources can make the process much more enjoyable. As Robin explains, “if it’s in a liquid state at room temperature, it counts for your hydration.” For example, you could aim for half of your 8 to 10 cups of fluids a day to come from water, with the rest from milk, juices, broth or soup.
Foods with a high water content such as yogurt and fruit can also contribute to your overall hydration. Smoothies are another great option, especially when your appetite is low.
Fights nausea, mouth sores and dry mouth
Cancer treatment can have a variety of side effects that make eating and nutrition more difficult. 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 hungry and nauseous at the same time. Although it may seem counterintuitive, food can sometimes help. Choosing bland foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day while limiting fatty and fried foods can help.
Mouth sores and dry mouth are also a side effect of the treatment. To treat and prevent irritation, you can regularly rinse your mouth with equal parts of baking soda and salt mixed with water. This will help keep your mouth clean and remove food particles that may remain 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.
In general, it is 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 do the best you can with the resources you have and the season of life you are in. Whether that means grabbing a protein shake while taking your kids to practice, aiming to eat more whole foods and fewer processed snacks, or simply staying hydrated throughout the day, every little effort counts. Remember, you don’t have to navigate alone. Your care team and nutritionists are here to help you every step of the way.
