Tips for healthy eating when you have cancer

Eating healthy isn't always an easy task if you have cancer. You need nutrients more than ever, but you may not feel much like eating, or you may find it difficult to eat even your favorite foods. But healthy nutrition can help you keep up your strength and energy, enable you to tolerate treatment-related side effects (such as pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue), and help you feel better and speed up your recovery. Here are some of the types of nutrients that may be particularly helpful.

People with cancer usually need more protein because it helps to heal tissues and fight infection after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. (Chemotherapy are drugs that go throughout the body to kill cancer cells. Radiation involves using high dose X-rays to target specific areas of cancer growth.) Fish, poultry, lean red meat, eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts, and soy foods are all good sources of protein you can try to include in your diet.

Carbohydrates (carbs) are your body's main energy source, fueling physical activity and keeping your organs functioning. Carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supply your body with vitamins and minerals. An added bonus: High-fiber carbs such as veggies and whole grain cereal can help ease common cancer treatment side effects, such as fatigue and constipation. 

Water is important for everyday health, but especially so if you have cancer. Drink water to ward off dehydration from the side effects of cancer treatment, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Experts recommend eight 8-ounce glasses of liquid every day, but you may need even more if you're vomiting or have diarrhea. If you can't keep liquids down or have vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours, notify your healthcare provider (HCP).

Mouth sores or sore throat are common with certain chemotherapy drugs or radiation. Try eating soft, bland foods such as pureed vegetables or lukewarm or cold foods such as soups and smoothies. Still in pain? You can also try rinsing your mouth regularly with 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt mixed in a quart of water.

Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other medications can also cause dry mouth, which can lead to a mouth infection or cavities in teeth. Prevent dry mouth by drinking plenty of fluids and chewing on sugarless gum to stimulate saliva.

Common treatment-related side effects such as pain, nausea, and constipation can cause a loss of appetite. If your appetite is decreased, try eating several snacks throughout the day instead of large meals, and avoid drinking fluids during meals (which can make you feel more full). Instead, focus on hydrating between meals. If you feel like snacking, keep high-calorie, protein-rich snacks on hand, such as hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, granola bars, and cheese.