Chemotherapy - Know Diet Before & After It!

Chemotherapy is the standard treatment for curing cancer. The procedure includes administering anti-cancer drugs that attack the cancer cells and kill them. This prevents the cancer cells from growing further. As a part of chemotherapy, the person may also undergo radiation therapy and surgery.

But along with destroying the cancer cells, chemotherapy also kills your appetite. You may suffer from nausea, vomiting, sore throat and diarrhoea. As maintaining your diet is crucial for the success of your chemotherapy, you need to stay fit.

Diet before undergoing chemotherapy

On the day of your chemotherapy, it is recommended that you eat light. Eat in small quantities but avoid skipping any meals. You must not consume any greasy, spicy or fatty foods. You can eat the following foods – 

• Cottage cheese and fresh fruits

• Milk with cereals

• Plain yoghurt

• Egg poach and toast

• Chicken rice soup

• Salty snacks such as crackers 

Apart from these foods, you can consume grape and apple juices that are not acidic. Fruits such as bananas and liquid yoghurt are good. Carry a water bottle with you. During the process, you may be given juices and supplements. You may not feel like eating but eating in small amounts will give your energy.

You might drink liquids in small amounts every ½ hour. 

What to eat after chemotherapy

You can follow this diet after chemotherapy – 

• Eat bland and low-fat foods

• Instead of 2 or 3 large meals, eat 5 or 6 smaller meals every day

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help you prevent dehydration and remove the unwanted by-products of created in the body due to chemotherapy

• Other healthy fluids include fruit nectars, apple or grape juice, black tea, clear soups, gelatine, herbal teas and Gatorade

• Take the anti-nausea medication as prescribed by the doctors

• Steps to maintain your diet

As chemotherapy makes your stomach turn, you have to take steps to increase your appetite.

• Don’t skip the calories

Chemotherapy treatment will require you to eat more calories to regain your strength. So your diet must include cheese, milk, meat and eggs. You can also take liquids that are high in calories, such as milkshakes.

• Eat well-cooked and heated foods

Aim to eat thoroughly cooked foods that are also well heated. This is because cooking properly and heating the food well kills all the bacteria in it. This can prevent bowel infections too. 

Chemotherapy reduces your body’s defence against infections and germs. Therefore, it is better to avoid fast food that may not be properly cooked and are difficult to digest.

• Maintain cleanliness

To prevent any kind of infections, always wash your hands before eating your meals. Make sure the utensils used for cooking are clean also. It is recommended to keep the food covered or refrigerated and not lying in the open.

Always try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables during chemotherapy. It is best to talk to your doctor about the diet you should follow to stay fit and healthy.