Nourishing Your Body Through Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment can frequently cause a reduced appetite, eating difficulties, or digestive challenges. While no single "magic food" exists, an effective nutritional strategy focuses on staying well-nourished, managing symptoms, and choosing tolerable, nutrient-dense foods. The following evidence-based strategies can help manage common treatment side effects.¹

Cognitive function and concentration

Support brain health by incorporating nutrient-dense foods, including healthy fats (omega-3-rich salmon, tuna, sardines, nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive or canola oils) and complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, and starchy vegetables).²

Nausea relief

• Take prescribed anti-nausea medications approximately 30 minutes before planned meals or as directed by your care team.
• Eat small, frequent meals every 2 hours to avoid overfilling your stomach or letting it become completely empty
• Stay hydrated by sipping fluids throughout the day; rehydrate with electrolyte solutions, sports drinks, or broth after vomiting.
• Avoid foods that are greasy, fried, high in fat, heavily spiced, or strong-smelling.

Diarrhea prevention

• Choose well-cooked foods over raw items, as cooked options are easier to digest (e.g., smooth peanut butter instead of whole nuts, mashed potatoes instead of french fries, and cooked greens instead of raw salads).
• Emphasize soluble fiber (such as oats, applesauce, and bananas) and bland, mildly salty foods to replace lost electrolytes.
• Avoid carbonated, highly caffeinated, greasy, or high-fat foods and beverages.
• Sip fluids continuously to maintain hydration and restore fluid balance.
• Consult your oncology team before taking over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications.

Fatigue and energy management

Remember that calories provide essential energy; your body requires adequate caloric intake daily to maintain tissue repair and muscle mass during treatment.

• Eat at predictable intervals—aim for a meal or purpose-driven snack every 2 to 3 hours, and eat within 1 hour of waking.
• Include complex carbohydrates, which serve as the primary fuel source for cellular energy.
• Maintain hydration by drinking water continuously throughout the day.
• Engage in light-to-moderate physical activity (such as brief daily walks) as tolerated to help improve energy levels.
• Moderate caffeine consumption (e.g., plain coffee or tea) can provide a mild boost; avoid high-dose energy drinks, which can trigger tachycardia or interact with treatments.

Supporting immune function

• Reduce intake of ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, trans fats, added sugars, and processed meats.
• Focus on nutrient-rich whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber.
• Practice safe food handling (e.g., avoiding raw meats, unpasteurized dairy, or unwashed produce) if your white blood cell count is low, and consult your doctor before taking probiotic supplements during active treatment

General meal guidelines

Aim to combine 3 to 4 food groups per meal (non-starchy vegetables/fruits, lean protein, and whole-grain or starchy carbohydrates). Combine at least 2 food groups (e.g., an apple with peanut butter or yogurt with berries) to ensure balanced nutrition and sustained energy.³