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Nutrition During Chemotherapy

It is recommended that patients eat lightly on chemotherapy days. Eating small portions slowly and every few hours seem to work best. Avoid foods that are fatty, greasy or spicy on chemotherapy days, as these may not be well tolerated. Make sure to eat a meal or snack prior to your infusion and avoid skipping meals, which can worsen nausea.

What to eat before chemotherapy:

Light, bland foods seem to work best. Some examples are:

• Plain or fruit yogurt
• Fresh fruit and cottage cheese
• Poached egg and toast
• Toasted bagel with a small amount of peanut butter
• Cereal and milk (try Lactaid or soy milk if lactose intolerant)
• Chicken and rice soup with saltine crackers
• Hot cereal with creamy nut butter or milk (or milk alternative)

What to eat during chemotherapy:

Some individuals don’t feel like eating during their chemotherapy infusions, and that’s OK. Keep in mind that you may feel better by eating small amounts of food.Ìý Drink small amounts every ½ hour, as tolerated.

• Bring a small, bland snack to chemotherapy appointments. Consider one of the above foods, low-acid juices (apple, grape, and fruit nectar), liquid yogurt, crackers, and fruits such as bananas, melon, and applesauce.
• Bring a water bottle filled with a favorite beverage. (Avoid acidic drinks, which may irritate the digestive tract.)
• Ask the infusion treatment nurse if they have light snacks available (example juice and crackers).

What to eat after chemotherapy and for the next few days:

• Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day. (Aim for 5 to 6 smaller meals rather than 3 large meals.)
• Eat low-fat, blander foods.
• Try cold or cool foods. These give off less odor and aroma, which is important when experiencing nausea.
• Drink fluids frequently. This will prevent dehydration and flush out some chemotherapy byproducts. Water is best. Other options include apple and grape juice, fruit nectar, broth, clear soup, sports drinks, popsicles, sherbet, gelatin, herbal teas such as ginger and mint, and weak black teas.
• Take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by medical team.

Adapted from: The American Cancer Society ()