What to Eat During Chemotherapy

Figuring out what to eat during chemotherapy can feel like another mountain to climb, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Think of food as your fuel, it's what will give your body the strength to fight, heal, and rebuild. This isn't about strict rules or a 'cancer diet'; it's about being kind to yourself with simple, powerful strategies focusing on three essentials: calories, protein, and hydration.

Your Nutritional Toolkit During Chemotherapy

Let's reframe how we think about food during treatment. Instead of a list of 'dos and don'ts', picture it as a toolkit you're building for your body. The goal is simple: supply it with high-quality materials to help you manage side effects, keep your immune system in good shape, and maintain your energy. Food can be one of the most gentle and effective ways to feel a bit more in control.

This guide is all about practical, real-world advice. You won't find rigid meal plans here. Instead, you'll get flexible ideas that you can adapt to how you're feeling day by day, or even hour by hour. The most important thing is to listen to your body and give it what it's asking for.

Why Nutrition is So Important Right Now

Your body is working overtime during treatment. Chemotherapy is designed to target fast-growing cancer cells, but it can sometimes affect other healthy cells that also grow quickly—like the ones lining your mouth and digestive system. This is where many of the common side effects come from. As a result, patients often experience symptoms such as mouth sores, nausea, and changes in appetite. Understanding these reactions can help you prepare for what to expect, making it easier to manage these challenges. For a comprehensive understanding, refer to the chemotherapy side effects overview, which outlines potential impacts and their management strategies.

Good nutrition steps in to play a crucial supporting role. Eating well helps you:

• Hold onto a healthy weight: Keeping your weight stable is a huge part of staying strong.
• Fight off fatigue: The right foods can make a real difference to your energy levels.
• Support your immune system: A well-fed body is better prepared to ward off infections.
• Repair and rebuild: Protein is the building block your body needs to mend tissues.
• Manage side effects: The right foods and drinks can help soothe nausea, mouth sores, and other issues.

For a wider view on this topic, our guide on a healthy diet for cancer patients has some great additional insights.

Following Professional Guidance

Across the globe, the approach to nutrition for cancer patients has really shifted. The priority is now firmly on getting enough calories and protein to prevent weight and muscle loss, which can happen during treatment.

Clinical guidelines, like those from ESPEN, recommend that patients aim for 30–35 kcal per kg of body weight and 1.0–1.2 g of protein per kg of body weight each day. This evidence-based approach helps keep your body as strong as possible.

"Forget about a 'perfect' diet. Your goal is consistent nourishment. When you don't feel well or your appetite is gone, small, frequent, nutrient-rich meals are almost always easier to manage—and more effective—than trying to force down three big ones."

This is all about a gentle and steady approach. Let's dig into what that actually looks like in practice.

The Three Pillars of Your Chemotherapy Diet

When you’re going through chemotherapy, figuring out what to eat can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get bogged down in the details. The best way to cut through the noise is to focus on three simple, core pillars: protein, calories, and hydration.

Think of them as the foundation of your nutritional house. If you get these three things right, everything else becomes that much easier to handle. Let's look at why each one is so crucial and how you can get what you need, even on the days when eating feels like a monumental effort. This isn't about aiming for perfection; it's about giving your body consistent, gentle support.

Pillar 1: Protein Is Your Repair Crew

Picture your body as a building site. Chemotherapy is a powerful and necessary tool, but it can cause some collateral damage to healthy cells along the way. Protein is the dedicated repair crew that swoops in to rebuild and reinforce everything, from your muscles and skin to the very cells that make up your immune system.

Getting enough protein is absolutely vital for healing tissues, fighting off infections, and simply keeping your strength up. When your appetite is low, the trick is to focus on small, protein-packed servings throughout the day instead of trying to face a single large meal.

Some gentle, easy-to-digest protein sources include:

• Eggs: Scrambled, boiled, or in an omelette—they’re soft and full of high-quality protein.
• Poultry and Fish: Tender chicken, turkey, or flaky white fish like cod or haddock are usually very gentle on the stomach.
• Dairy and Alternatives: Full-fat Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, or a glass of milk can add a real protein boost, especially in smoothies and snacks.
• Legumes: Think lentils, beans, and chickpeas. They make brilliant plant-based options, especially when blended into soups or puréed into a soft hummus.

A great tip is to add a scoop of unflavoured protein powder to soups, smoothies, or mashed potatoes. It’s an invisible boost that makes every single bite count.

Pillar 2: Calories Are Your Energy Source

Calories often get a bad rap, but right now, they are your best friend. They are the pure fuel your body needs to function, fight cancer, and cope with the deep fatigue that so often comes with treatment. One of the most important goals during chemo is to prevent unintended weight loss.

When you're finding it hard to eat much, finding simple ways to add calories can make all the difference. The strategy here is to make the food you can manage as energy-dense as possible.

Consider these simple calorie boosters:

• Healthy Fats: A drizzle of olive oil over vegetables, a layer of avocado on toast, or a spoonful of nut butter blended into a smoothie.
• Full-Fat Dairy: Go for full-fat milk, yoghurt, and cheese instead of the low-fat versions. They provide more energy for the same amount of food.
• Sauces and Gravies: Adding a creamy sauce or a bit of gravy can make food much easier to swallow while significantly upping its calorie count.

Don't be afraid to enrich your food. A knob of butter melting on your potatoes, a sprinkle of cheese on your soup, or a dash of cream in your porridge are small changes that deliver a powerful energy kick.

Even though it’s tough, it’s worth remembering that general healthy eating advice still applies. For instance, nutrition authorities recommend aiming for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. However, a recent report found that only 25% of cancer patients managed this during chemotherapy, often because of side effects. If you're struggling, be kind to yourself and focus on what you can do. You can find more practical advice in this guide to eating well during cancer treatment.

Pillar 3: Hydration Flushes and Soothes

Staying hydrated is the third critical piece of the puzzle. Water helps your body process the chemotherapy drugs and flush out all the waste products. It also plays a huge role in managing side effects like fatigue, constipation, and headaches.

But what if water tastes metallic, or you just don’t feel like drinking? The good news is that plenty of other fluids count towards your daily goal.

Try these gentle hydration options:

• Clear Broths: A warm cup of chicken or vegetable broth can be incredibly soothing and hydrating.
• Herbal Teas: Peppermint or ginger tea can help settle nausea, while chamomile is naturally calming. Just make sure they’re caffeine-free.
• Diluted Juices: If pure juice is too sweet or sharp, try diluting it with water.
• Milk or Milkshakes: These are fantastic because they provide fluid, protein, and calories all at once.
• Ice Lollies: Especially those made from real fruit juice. They can be a refreshing way to get fluids in, particularly if you have a sore mouth.

The key is to sip small amounts consistently all day long, rather than trying to down a large glass in one go. Keep a water bottle or a cup of tea nearby as a constant, gentle reminder.

On a final note, while you're focusing on your diet, it’s wise to be cautious about supplements. For more on this, have a look at our guide on taking supplements during cancer treatment to understand what you need to discuss with your oncology team first.

Managing Common Side Effects with Food

Chemotherapy affects everyone differently, but one of the most common battles is managing its side effects. The good news is that what you eat can be a powerful and practical tool to help soothe discomfort and keep you nourished.

Think of this section as your troubleshooting guide. You can jump straight to the issue you're facing and find simple, actionable food strategies to help you feel better. This isn't about finding a magic cure, but rather using gentle, effective techniques to ease your symptoms and support your body through treatment. Small dietary tweaks can often make a huge difference to your day-to-day comfort.

The foundation of your chemotherapy diet will always rest on three key pillars: protein, calories, and hydration.

These three elements work together, giving your body the strength, energy, and resources it desperately needs to heal and recover during treatment.

Tackling Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea is one of the most dreaded side effects, but certain foods can help settle a queasy stomach. The trick is to stick with bland, simple items and to eat small amounts often. An empty stomach can actually make nausea worse, so try to keep a little something in there.

Foods that can help include:

• Dry and Salty Foods: Think plain crackers, toast, or pretzels. They can be incredibly settling.
• Ginger: Sipping on ginger tea or flat ginger ale is a classic remedy for a reason—it can really calm your stomach.
• Cold Foods: Cold or room-temperature foods often have less of an aroma, which makes them much easier to tolerate. Try a cold chicken sandwich or a simple fruit smoothie.

It’s also smart to steer clear of foods that are greasy, spicy, or have strong smells, as these can easily trigger that feeling of sickness. Sipping fluids slowly throughout the day, rather than downing a large glass at once, also helps to keep nausea at bay.

Navigating Taste and Smell Changes

One of the most frustrating side effects is when food suddenly tastes bland, metallic, or just wrong. This happens because chemo can affect the cells in your mouth and nose responsible for taste and smell. It's a really common issue, but there are ways to make food more appealing again.

A simple but surprisingly effective trick is to switch to plastic cutlery instead of metal, which can significantly reduce that metallic taste. You can also experiment with new flavours to wake up your taste buds.

If everything tastes bland, try adding tart or sharp flavours like a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to your food and drinks. Conversely, if foods taste too strong, you might want to try more plain options for a while.

Exploring different herbs and spices like rosemary, basil, or mint can also make meals more interesting. For more in-depth strategies, our guide on what to eat when nothing tastes right during cancer has some brilliant tips: https://cancercareparcel.com/eat-when-nothing-tastes-right-during-cancer/

Soothing a Sore Mouth or Throat

Mouth sores, sometimes called mucositis, can make eating painful and difficult. The goal here is to choose soft, soothing foods that won't irritate your mouth or throat. Think smooth textures and gentle temperatures—nothing too hot, spicy, or acidic.

Gentle food ideas for a sore mouth:

• Smoothies and Milkshakes: These are fantastic for getting calories and protein in without needing to chew.
• Soups: Creamy, blended soups served lukewarm are comforting and easy to swallow.
• Soft Proteins: Scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and flaky fish are all great options.
• Mashed Vegetables: Think mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or carrots. Nutritious and gentle.

Using a straw can help you bypass sore spots in your mouth when drinking. It's also best to avoid anything crunchy or hard, like crisps, nuts, and crusty bread, as these can cause more irritation.

Managing Diarrhoea and Constipation

Your digestive system can become very sensitive during chemotherapy, often leading to either diarrhoea or constipation. The dietary approach you take will depend entirely on which issue you're facing.

For diarrhoea, the focus is on low-fibre, binding foods that are easy to digest. Good choices include:

• White rice, white pasta, and white bread.
• Bananas and applesauce.
• Boiled or steamed chicken or fish.
• Clear broths and electrolyte drinks to replace lost fluids and salts.

On the other hand, for constipation, you'll want to increase your intake of fibre and fluids. This helps soften your stool and keep things moving along.

• Incorporate whole grains like oatmeal and wholewheat bread.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially prunes, pears, and leafy greens.
• Drink warm liquids, such as herbal tea or warm water with lemon, to stimulate your bowels.

When it comes to common tummy troubles during treatment, looking into the digestive benefits of olive oil could offer some relief, particularly for constipation, as it can act as a natural lubricant for the digestive system. Don't underestimate gentle movement, either—even a short walk can make a big difference.

To make things even easier, here’s a quick-reference table matching common side effects with helpful food strategies.

Food Strategies for Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects

Remember, these are just starting points. The most important thing is to listen to your body and find what works for you.

Essential Food Safety During Chemotherapy

When you’re going through chemotherapy, your immune system takes a real hit, leaving you more open to infections. This means food safety suddenly becomes one of the most important things you can focus on. It’s not just a good idea—it’s a crucial part of your daily routine.

Think of your kitchen as a sanctuary. By following a few straightforward rules, you can create a safe space that helps protect your health and gives you one less thing to worry about. The basic principles are simple: keep everything clean, separate raw from cooked, cook food thoroughly, and chill it fast.

Your Four Foundational Rules

Getting these four habits down can make a massive difference in lowering your risk of picking up an illness from something you've eaten. They are the absolute cornerstones of kitchen safety while you're in treatment.

1. Clean Hands and Surfaces: Always wash your hands properly with soap and warm water before you start cooking and after you’ve handled food. Your countertops, chopping boards, and knives need to be kept just as clean.
2. Separate Raw and Cooked Foods: This one is a biggie. Use separate chopping boards and utensils for raw meat, poultry, and fish. Keep them well away from ready-to-eat foods like fruit and salads to stop nasty bacteria from spreading.
3. Cook to Safe Temperatures: Make sure all meat, poultry, and fish are cooked right through to the centre. A food thermometer is a brilliant little gadget for this—it takes all the guesswork out of knowing when something is safely cooked.
4. Chill Promptly: Get any leftovers into the fridge within two hours of cooking. Perishable food left at room temperature is a playground for bacteria, so get it chilled quickly.

Your immune system is already working overtime, so the last thing it needs is another battle to fight. Being strict with food hygiene isn't about being paranoid; it's about being smart and proactive. You're giving your body the cleanest, safest fuel possible to help it recover.

High-Risk Foods to Temporarily Avoid

While you're on treatment, it's a wise move to press pause on certain foods that have a higher risk of carrying harmful bacteria. Your oncology team or dietitian will give you personalised advice, but there are some common culprits that everyone should be wary of.

Food safety is a real concern for people with cancer. Official advice from health organizations strongly recommends steering clear of things like mould-ripened cheeses (brie, camembert), raw eggs, and unpasteurised dairy. One survey really brought this home, finding that 15% of cancer patients reported getting food poisoning during chemo, often from these higher-risk foods.

Here’s a quick list of foods to handle with extra care or avoid for now:

• Raw or Undercooked Meats, Fish, and Poultry: That means no sushi, steak tartare, or any meat that's still pink in the middle for the time being.
• Raw or Undercooked Eggs: Be cautious with foods made with raw eggs, like homemade mayonnaise, some mousses, or eggs with runny yolks.
• Unpasteurised Dairy: Stick to pasteurised milk, cheese, and yoghurt. It's best to avoid soft, mould-ripened cheeses like brie and camembert, and blue-veined ones like stilton.
• Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables: Give all fresh produce a really good wash under running water before you eat it, even if you’re going to peel it.
• Deli Counter Meats and Salads: These can sometimes be a source of bacteria, so it’s safer to give them a miss for a while.

To keep your kitchen a truly safe zone, it helps in understanding the risks of consuming moldy food, which is even more important when your immunity is low. Keeping up with these safety practices doesn't just protect you from getting sick; it also helps support your digestive system, which is under enough stress as it is. For more on this, have a read of our article on the importance of gut health during cancer treatment.

Putting It All Together: A Sample Day of Eating on Chemo

Trying to figure out what a full day of eating looks like can feel overwhelming, so let's walk through a sample plan. Think of this less as a strict rulebook and more as a flexible guide to show how you can weave these nutritional ideas into your day. It’s built around eating five or six smaller meals and snacks, which many people find easier to manage than three large meals, helping keep energy levels more consistent.

The most important thing is to listen to your body. If a smoothie sounds awful but a simple slice of toast sounds good, go with the toast. Your preferences and tolerance can change day by day, and that's completely normal.

To make this even clearer, here’s a sample schedule that shows how you might structure your meals and snacks to maximise nutrition and manage your appetite.

Example One-Day Meal and Snack Schedule

Remember, this is just one example. You can swap out any of these ideas for something that appeals more to you on a particular day.

Your best tool is flexibility. Feel good enough to add a poached egg to your avocado toast? Brilliant! If not, the toast alone is still a great choice. Go with what works for you in the moment.

For more practical ideas and recipes specifically created for people undergoing treatment, our guide on cooking for chemo is full of inspiration. The goal is simply to get consistent, gentle nourishment into your body, not to follow a perfect plan. These nourishing recipes are designed to be easy on the stomach and provide the essential nutrients your body needs during this challenging time. For those looking for more comprehensive information on navigating their journey, chemotherapy treatment options explained can help demystify what to expect and how to care for yourself throughout the process. Remember, the focus should always be on what feels right for you, allowing your body the fuel it needs to heal and recover.

When to Talk to a Dietitian

While the tips in this guide are a great starting point, it's so important to know when to call in the experts. You don't have to figure all of this out on your own, and a registered dietitian can be one of the most valuable members of your cancer care team.

Think of them as your personal nutrition strategist. They have years of specialised training focused entirely on helping people with cancer get the nourishment they need. Taking control of your diet is fantastic, but getting that professional guidance ensures you’re on the safest and most effective track.

Key Signs You Need to Seek Help

Knowing when to put your hand up and ask for help is a crucial part of looking after yourself. Some symptoms are clear signals that your body needs more specialised support than general advice can offer.

You should definitely reach out to your doctor or oncology team for a referral if you’re experiencing any of these:

• Significant or Rapid Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying is always a red flag during treatment. It needs to be looked at right away.
• Persistent Nausea or Vomiting: If you can’t keep food or even liquids down for more than 24 hours, you need medical help to avoid dehydration.
• Severe Side Effects: When things like diarrhoea, constipation, or mouth sores are really bad and aren’t getting better with the simple tricks you've tried.
• Extreme Fatigue: If you're so exhausted that the very thought of making or eating food feels overwhelming, a dietitian can find simple, high-energy solutions that work.

A dietitian cuts through all the confusing advice and creates a plan that's just for you. Their job is to make eating less of a battle, helping your body stay as strong as possible.

How a Dietitian Can Support You

A registered dietitian offers so much more than a generic meal plan. They’ll take a close look at your specific cancer, your treatment plan, the side effects you're having, and even your personal food preferences to build a strategy that fits your life.

Here's how they can help:

• Developing a Personalised Nutrition Plan: They’ll create a plan focused on hitting your specific protein, calorie, and fluid targets.
• Managing Complex Side Effects: For stubborn issues like severe taste changes or digestive problems, they have more advanced strategies up their sleeve.
• Advising on Tube Feeding: If eating normally becomes too difficult or impossible, they are the experts in managing nutritional support like feeding tubes.

Chatting with a dietitian gives you access to expert care designed for your unique situation, which can make a world of difference in helping you feel more in control.

Your Questions, Answered

Let's tackle some of the most common questions that come up when you're trying to figure out what to eat during chemotherapy. Think of this as a quick-reference guide for you and your family.

Can I Take Vitamins or Supplements?

It's a question we hear all the time. You want to do everything you can to help your body, and reaching for vitamins seems like a logical step. But this is one area where you absolutely have to be careful.

You must talk to your oncology team before taking any supplements—that includes vitamins, minerals, or even herbal remedies you might see online. Some of these can actually interfere with how well your chemotherapy works or cause unexpected side effects. Your doctor or dietitian is the only one who can give you the green light on what’s safe for you.

What Can I Drink Besides Water?

Staying hydrated is non-negotiable, but let's be honest, sometimes plain water is the last thing you want. Especially when your taste buds are all over the place. The good news is, plenty of other things count towards your fluid intake and can even sneak in some extra nutrition.

Some great alternatives to water include:

• Clear broths: A warm cup of chicken or vegetable broth is incredibly soothing, easy on the stomach, and hydrating.
• Diluted fruit juices: If you find straight juice too sharp or sweet, try watering it down. Apple or grape juice are often good starting points.
• Milk and milkshakes: These are brilliant because they’re a triple threat—providing fluids, protein, and calories all at once.
• Electrolyte drinks: If you’ve been dealing with diarrhoea or vomiting, these can be a real help in replacing lost salts and minerals.

Is It Safe to Get a Takeaway or Eat at a Restaurant?

Sometimes, the thought of cooking is just too much. Getting a takeaway can feel like a welcome treat, but you do need to be a bit more cautious while your immune system is low.

The best advice is to stick with places you know and trust to have excellent food hygiene standards. When you order, choose dishes that are thoroughly cooked. For now, it's best to avoid high-risk items like salad bars, sushi, raw seafood, or anything undercooked. A little extra care means you can still enjoy a break from the kitchen without the worry.