Maintaining a nutritious and well-balanced diet during chemotherapy is crucial for bolstering your treatment and enhancing your overall health. Incorporating gentle foods that are easy on the digestive system, such as oatmeal and eggs (anda), can be particularly beneficial. Patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience side effects like dry mouth, alterations in taste, nausea, and fatigue. These challenges can hinder the ability to sustain a balanced diet. Consequently, it is essential to prioritize a healthy and balanced diet throughout cancer treatment to ensure that your body operates at its best. Focusing on foods that are not only mild in taste but also rich in nutrients can provide the necessary support during this challenging time.

Here’s a curated list of ten beneficial foods to include in your diet during chemotherapy.

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a nutritious option that can significantly benefit your body during the chemotherapy process. This wholesome food is packed with carbohydrates, protein, and antioxidants, along with a higher content of healthy fats compared to many other grains. Its mild flavor and creamy consistency are particularly helpful for individuals dealing with common chemotherapy side effects such as dry mouth or mouth sores.

Moreover, you can conveniently bring overnight oats to your chemotherapy sessions. To prepare this delightful dish, simply soak oats in a milk of your choice (like almond or soy) and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, enhance it with toppings like berries, honey, or nuts. Fruits, maple syrup, and nuts are popular additions, but you can also create a savory version of oatmeal by incorporating ingredients like avocado (butter fruit) or eggs. Enjoy it plain or sprinkle a little salt on top if you are experiencing nausea or mouth sores.

2. Avocado (Butter Fruit)

When you're feeling a dip in your appetite, avocados can offer a rich source of essential calories and nutrients to elevate your diet. This luscious green fruit is renowned for its high content of healthy monounsaturated fat, which plays a crucial role in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol while simultaneously increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. A serving size of approximately 100 grams provides around 6.7 grams of fiber, contributing to 22% of your daily value (DV). Thanks to their satiating nature, versatility, and mild flavor, avocados are an excellent choice for those dealing with dry mouth, constipation, mouth sores, or unexpected weight loss. They can be mashed and spread over toast for a delightful breakfast or sliced to enhance a bowl of grains, legumes, or a comforting soup.

3. Eggs

Experiencing fatigue is a frequent challenge for those undergoing chemotherapy. However, eggs can potentially combat this tiredness thanks to their impressive profile of protein and fats—providing approximately 12 grams of protein and 10 grams of fat in just 100 grams of eggs. This nutrient composition plays a crucial role; while fats serve as a source of energy, proteins are essential for maintaining and building muscle mass, a factor that becomes especially significant during chemotherapy treatments.

These versatile ingredients can be prepared in various ways to suit your taste and convenience. For example, you can opt for hard-boiled eggs as a convenient snack on the go or prepare a deliciously scrambled version for a hearty meal. It’s important to ensure that the eggs are cooked thoroughly, with firm yolks and solidified whites, to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Moreover, their soft and comforting texture makes eggs an excellent choice if you're dealing with mouth sores, providing a gentle option that is easy to consume.

4. Broth

Experiencing changes in taste is a common occurrence during chemotherapy, with many individuals noting that even water can take on an unusual flavor. In such situations, broth can serve as a fantastic alternative, helping you stay hydrated and nourished. This comforting liquid is crafted by gently simmering water along with an array of vegetables, herbs, and optionally, meat or poultry, along with bones for added depth of flavor.

If your appetite allows, consider enriching your broth by adding ingredients like chicken, tofu, or an assortment of vegetables. For those dealing with mouth sores, puréeing the mixture can make it more palatable and easier to consume. To boost the nutritional content of your broth, particularly if you're facing dry mouth or a decreased appetite, consider stirring in a spoonful of unflavored protein powder, such as collagen powder, to enhance its benefits without altering the taste.

5. Almonds and Other Nuts

Throughout your chemotherapy journey, frequent appointments can make it challenging to maintain a consistent eating schedule. That's where nutritious snacks, particularly nuts, come into play. Nuts such as almonds (badam) and cashews are not only convenient for on-the-go munching but also packed with healthy fats, essential vitamins, and minerals, in addition to a modest amount of protein, making them a smart choice for your diet.

Almonds are particularly notable for their high content of manganese and copper. These vital minerals contribute to the formation of superoxide dismutases, which are among the body's most effective antioxidants. Antioxidants are crucial for combating free radicals that can harm your cells. Moreover, nuts can be a delightful addition to oatmeal or various dishes, enhancing both flavor and nutrition. However, if you are suffering from mouth sores, consuming whole nuts may be difficult. In such cases, opting for nut butters can be a more palatable alternative.

6. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds, known as kaddu ke beej in India, are not only nutritious but also make for an excellent snack option between your appointments. These tiny powerhouses are packed with healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants such as vitamin E, which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, they provide over 2 grams of iron per 100 grams, contributing to approximately 13% of your daily value (DV). To add a delightful sweet-and-salty twist to your diet, consider creating your own trail mix by combining pumpkin seeds with dried cranberries and a mix of other dried fruits, seeds, and nuts for a deliciously nutritious treat.

7. Broccoli and Other Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables such as kale, broccoli (hari gobhi), cauliflower (phool gobhi), and cabbage (patta gobhi) are renowned for their outstanding nutritional benefits. These foods are not only versatile but also rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Among these, broccoli stands out for its high vitamin C content, a nutrient that plays a crucial role in strengthening your immune system. Regular consumption can help keep illnesses at bay and maintain overall health. For a delicious and healthy preparation, consider steaming or roasting these vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. If you're experiencing alterations in taste, adding a splash of lemon juice can enhance flavor, provided you're free from mouth sores or nausea.

8. Homemade Smoothies

Crafting your own smoothies at home is an excellent choice, particularly if you're struggling with chewing solid foods or aiming to boost your nutrient intake. These nutritious beverages are incredibly adaptable, enabling you to select ingredients that cater to your specific symptoms or evolving taste preferences.

Here’s a fundamental smoothie recipe you can follow:

• 240–475 ml (1–2 cups) of liquid such as water or juice
• 225–450 grams (1.5–3 cups) of vegetables and/or fruit
• 15 grams (1 tablespoon) of protein source
• 15 grams (1 tablespoon) of healthy fat

For example, blend together fresh or frozen fruits with milk (or buttermilk, known as chaas in India) or kefir, then add a couple of handfuls of washed spinach leaves. Incorporate a spoonful of flax seeds for healthy fats and a dollop of peanut butter for protein. A squeeze of lemon or lime can also be added to elevate and invigorate the flavors. Additionally, we have a selection of smoothie recipes available for you, perfect for any time of the day.

9. Bread or Crackers

When facing symptoms such as diarrhea or nausea, opting for white bread or crackers can be beneficial due to their easy digestibility. Conversely, whole-grain alternatives are a better option when your stomach is feeling stable, as they come packed with additional nutrients. In India, this could be likened to consuming roti or khakra for similar benefits. These options can be enjoyed plain, or you may enhance their flavor and nutrient profile by adding toppings like nut butter, smashed avocado, or ricotta cheese. This flexibility not only makes them palatable but also increases their nutritional value.

10. Fish

If you are a fan of seafood, incorporating fatty fish into your diet during chemotherapy can be quite advantageous. Fish are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial fats that must be obtained from your diet, are particularly beneficial. These fats are known to promote brain health and possess remarkable anti-inflammatory characteristics. Varieties such as salmon, mackerel , albacore tu, and sardines are especially rich in these beneficial fats.

Consider cooking your fish by steaming, pan-frying, or roasting, and don’t forget to add a hint of lemon for flavor. To ensure it is safely cooked, use a meat thermometer and check that it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (approximately 63°C) — or 165°F (around 74°C) if you are reheating it.

The Takeaway

Chemotherapy can lead to a variety of side effects, including dry mouth, altered taste, fatigue, mouth sores, and nausea, all of which can render eating a challenging or unappealing task. Understanding which foods to incorporate into your diet, such as bland foods for alleviating mouth sores and moist or creamy textures for easing dry mouth, can provide essential nourishment during your cancer treatment journey. It's beneficial to prepare and carry nutritious, portable foods to your medical appointments. Additionally, adhering to food safety practices is crucial to minimize your risk of foodborne illnesses. Should you encounter issues with chewing or swallowing while undergoing treatment, it is imperative to consult your healthcare professional for tailored advice.