Subscribe to our blogs

Reviewed by

Dr. Sachin Sekhar Biswal

Consultant – Medical Oncology

Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar

Book Appointment

Best Diet for Cancer Patients: What to Eat During Treatment

Reviewed by:

Our body suffers heavily during cancer treatment, so patients must follow balanced diets that provide essential nutrients and energy support. The cancer diet supplies vital nutrients that help maintain energy while assisting recovery. The body's immune system needs cancer-fighting foods to help defend against cancer and improve treatment outcomes. In this blog, we will provide you with the necessary information about cancer diet plans and managing side effects using food as medicine during treatment.

Synopsis

What Is a Cancer Diet?
Best Cancer-Fighting Foods to Include in Your Diet
Cancer Diet Plan: How to Structure Your Meals During Treatment
Foods to Eat When You Have Cancer: Managing Side Effects
Conclusion

What Is a Cancer Diet?

A cancer diet is a support system during treatment, providing essential nutrients while helping manage side effects like nausea, fatigue, and weight loss. So, what should a cancer diet plan include? Well, it should have nutrient-dense foods that can boost the immune system and help repair tissues, which remains very important as the body undergoes a rigorous, aggressive treatment process. Consuming a variety of foods also helps prevent deficiencies and supports overall health during cancer treatment.

Best Cancer-Fighting Foods to Include in Your Diet

Including foods in your diet during your cancer care journey can help reduce inflammation, protect cells, and support overall recovery. While there’s no single “cure” for cancer, these foods can complement cancer treatment and promote healing. Here are some of the best cancer-fighting foods to include in your diet:

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other dark leafy greens contain antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins that help reduce inflammation and support detoxification.
Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and flavonoids, which protect cells from oxidative damage and support immune function.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane, a compound that has cancer-fighting properties and supports detoxification.
Garlic: Garlic is rich in sulphur compounds linked to cancer prevention. It also helps boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other types of cancer.
Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and nuts, which support brain and heart health while providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
Green Tea: Packed with polyphenols, particularly EGCG, green tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect against cancer cell growth.

Cancer Diet Plan: How to Structure Your Meals During Treatment

Creating a cancer diet plan ensures patients get the proper nutrients throughout treatment. Maintaining a steady intake of calories, proteins, and vitamins during treatment can help fight fatigue and promote healing. Please avoid processed foods, sugar, and artificial additives, as they can negatively impact health and treatment effectiveness.

Meal Frequency	Eating small meals throughout the day is essential for maintaining energy levels. Aim for five to six smaller meals rather than three large ones.
Protein-Rich Foods	Include lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and legumes to maintain muscle mass and support tissue repair during treatment.
Whole Grains	Brown rice, quinoa, and oats provide complex carbohydrates that deliver long-lasting energy, especially if you feel fatigued from treatment.
Hydration	Keep hydrated with water, herbal teas, and clear broths. Staying hydrated is essential for flushing out toxins and supporting digestion.
Incorporate Variety	Aim for various colours on your plate by including different fruits and vegetables. This ensures your cancer diet plan contains necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Smoothies	If solid foods are challenging to digest, smoothies can be a great alternative. You can blend nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach, berries, yoghurt, and protein powder for an easy-to-consume, vitamin-packed meal.
Caloric Density	If you’re struggling with weight loss, incorporate calorically dense foods like nut butters, whole milk, and full-fat yoghurt to ensure you get enough calories.

Foods to Eat When You Have Cancer: Managing Side Effects

Cancer treatment can lead to side effects like nausea, loss of appetite, and changes in taste, making eating challenging. Knowing which foods to eat when you have cancer is very important for managing these symptoms and maintaining strength. Here’s how to manage side effects with the right foods:

Managing Nausea and Vomiting: Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, dry toast, and bananas. Small meals throughout the day can help prevent nausea.
Boosting Appetite: If you’re struggling with appetite loss, try eating high-calorie, high-protein foods, like scrambled eggs, yoghurt, and smoothies. Additionally, adding herbs like ginger or peppermint can help reduce nausea.
Improving Taste and Smell: Many people experience changes in taste during treatment. Try intense flavours like citrus, garlic, or fresh herbs to enhance the food's flavour and stimulate your appetite.
Handling Dry Mouth: Keep the mouth moist with hydrating liquids like water, smoothies, or herbal teas. Avoid salty or dry foods that can further irritate the mouth.

Conclusion

A well-balanced cancer diet plays a significant role in supporting the body during cancer treatment. By incorporating cancer-fighting foods into your daily meals and following a cancer diet plan, you can manage treatment side effects, maintain energy levels, and strengthen your immune system. Focusing on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods and staying hydrated is key to supporting recovery. Book an appointment with an expert today.