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Nutrition During Radiation

For people with cancer, getting good nutrition in means getting enough calories and protein to prevent weight loss, regain strength, and rebuild healthy tissues. See list of important nutrients below:

Protein

• Helps repair body tissue and maintain a healthy immune system.
• Cancer patients usually need extra protein, especially after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
• Good sources of protein include lean meat, fish, poultry, dairy products (cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, cottage cheese), eggs, nuts, beans and lentils, soy foods (tofu, soy milk, tempeh, edamame), commercial nutrition beverages (Ensure Plus, Boost Plus, Orgain, Enu), and protein powders.

Carbohydrates and Fat

• Supply the body with the bulk of calories that it needs to maintain weight.
• Good sources of carbohydrate include all fruits, starchy vegetables (corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes), grains (rice, quinoa, oatmeal, etc.), pastas, cereals, beans, peas, certain dairy products (yogurt, kefir, and milk), honey, maple syrup, jelly, and jam.
• Good sources of fat include olive oil and other oils, nuts, seeds, avocado, butter, mayonnaise, gravy, full-fat dairy products (whole milk, sour cream, cream cheese, full fat yogurt, ice cream, cheese), foods made with oil or butter (pastries, chips, tuna canned in oil).

Vitamins and Minerals

• Help our body’s cells grow and develop properly.
• Allow the body to use the energy in foods.
• Are found in foods of every color: Tomatoes, watermelon, cherries, melon, carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges, apples, pears, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, edamame, garlic, onions, plums, blueberries, grapes, green tea, oatmeal, quinoa, barley, walnuts, almonds, etc.

For additional information on nutrition during treatment for head and neck cancer, please watch the following video.