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Chemotherapy
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Chemotherapy and You
Eating Well During Chemotherapy
- It is very important to eat as well as you can while you are undergoing treatment.
People who eat well can cope with side effects better and are able to fight infection more
easily. In addition, their bodies can rebuild healthy tissues faster.
- Eating well during chemotherapy means choosing a balanced diet that contains all the
nutrients the body needs. A good way to do this is to eat foods from each of the following
food groups: fruits and vegetables; poultry, fish, and meat; cereals and breads; and dairy
products. Eating well also means having a diet high enough in calories to keep your weight
up and, most important, high enough in protein to build and repair skin, hair, muscles,
and organs.
- You also may need to drink extra amounts of fluid to protect your bladder and kidneys
during your treatment. (See Kidney and Bladder
Effects.)
What If I Don't Like Eating?
- Even when you know it's important to eat well, there may be days when you feel you just
can't. This may happen because side effects such as nausea or mouth and throat problems
make it difficult or painful to eat. You also can lose your appetite if you feel depressed
or tired. If this is the case, be sure to read the sections in this booklet on your
particular discomforts. They will give you tips that can make it easier for you to eat.
- When a poor appetite is the problem, try these hints:
- Eat small meals or snacks whenever you want. You don't have to eat three regular meals
each day.
- Vary your diet and try new foods and recipes.
- When possible, take a walk before meals; this may make you feel hungrier.
- Try changing your mealtime routine. For example, eat by candlelight or in a different
location.
- Eat with friends or family members. When eating alone, listen to the radio or watch TV.
- If you live alone, you might want to arrange for "Meals on Wheels" or a
similar program to bring food to you. Ask your doctor, nurse, local American Cancer
Society office, or the Cancer Information Service about these programs, which are provided
in many communities.
- The National Cancer Institute's booklet Eating Hints provides more tips about how
to make eating easier and more enjoyable. It also gives many ideas about how to eat well
and increase your protein and calorie intake during cancer treatment. For a free copy of Eating
Hints, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER. (See Resources.)
Can I Drink Alchoholic Beverages?
- Small amounts of alcohol can help you relax and increase your appetite. On the other
hand, alcohol may interact with some drugs to reduce their effectiveness or worsen their
side effects. For this reason, some people must drink less alcohol or avoid alcohol
completely during chemotherapy. Be sure to ask your doctor if it's okay for you to drink
beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages.
Should I Take Vitamin or Mineral Supplements?
- There is no single answer to this question, but one thing is clear: No diet or
nutritional plan can "cure" cancer, and taking vitamin and mineral supplements
should never be considered a substitute for medical care. You should not take any
supplements without your doctor's knowledge and consent.
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