10 Nutrition Tips for People with Cancer
by Angela Zaccagnini, MS, RD, LDN
Nutrition is more than just fuel for the body. It is a vital component of health, especially when navigating the complex journey of cancer treatment and recovery. Proper nutrition supports the body’s ability to fight cancer, manage side effects, and enhance overall well-being, making it a cornerstone of care that deserves greater attention and understanding. The right foods can help strengthen the body, support healing, and reduce the risk of disease. The tips below will support individuals living with cancer to improve quality of life and enhance recovery throughout the challenging process of treatment.
1. Eat small, frequent meals. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause nausea or loss of appetite. It is very important to avoid an empty stomach. Eating smaller meals more often can help maintain energy levels without worsening symptoms.
2. Manage nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort with light foods. Try bland, easy-to-digest foods like broth-based soups, crackers, bananas, applesauce, and rice. Avoid strong odors and highly seasoned foods. Ginger and peppermint tea can also help alleviate an upset stomach.
3. Prioritize protein for healing. Cancer and cancer treatments can lead to muscle loss and fatigue. Include protein-rich foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs to help repair tissues, maintain muscle mass, and support a healthy immune system. Include plant-based proteins as well. Beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and soy products can aid in digestion and proper bowel function.
4. Stay well hydrated. Proper hydration is crucial to prevent dehydration, which can be common during cancer treatments. Focus on adequate fluid intake by consuming 64 ounces of water daily, unless otherwise specified. Include other fluids such as herbal teas, soups, and broths throughout the day.
5. Choose whole, nutrient-dense foods. Opt for foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. When able, consume colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, healthy fats, and high-quality dairy products.
6. Limit simple sugars and processed foods. Cookies, candy, cake, pastries, sweetened beverages, and snack-type foods can be high in calories but low in nutritional value. They can contribute to inflammation and fatigue; consider these foods to be “treats” not “staples” in the diet.
7. Limit intake of red meats and processed meats. The nutrition guidelines for oncology suggest limiting red meat to 18 ounces or less per week. Red meats include beef, lamb, pork, and venison. Processed meats such as hot dogs, luncheon meats, sausage, and bacon should be consumed even less often.
8. Focus on healthy fats. Incorporate sources of omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy fats to support brain function and reduce inflammation. Some foods that contain these fats include salmon, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds, and avocado.
9. Consider nutritional supplements. While experiencing certain symptoms with cancer and cancer treatment, it can be difficult to consume a balanced diet and meet nutrition needs through food alone. Supplemental shakes, powders, and vitamins are available, they can help to promote adequate nutrition and weight maintenance. Always consult your doctor or dietitian prior to taking any supplements.
10. Work with a dietitian. A registered dietitian that specializes in oncology can create personalized nutrition plans and provide guidance while considering specific needs related to treatment side effects, preferences, and overall health and well-being.
Nutrition is a powerful ally in the fight against cancer. Incorporating balanced, nutrient-dense foods into daily life can bolster the body’s defenses, improve quality of life, and support recovery.
Research suggests that those who maintain good nutritional status during treatment may experience better outcomes, including fewer complications, improved response to treatment, and fast recovery times. Embracing the importance of nutrition can make all the difference. Each individual experiences cancer and cancer treatment differently. It is important to work closely and collaborate with your healthcare team to address specific needs and concerns throughout treatment.
Angela Zaccagnini, MS, RD, LDN is a licensed and registered dietitian with a Bachelor and Master’s Degree of Science in Food and Nutrition from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She completed a dietetic internship in 2014. She worked as an inpatient dietitian before she made the switch to oncology nutrition in 2017. She is now a team lead dietitian at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. She works alongside Dr. Lanie Francis, the Director of the Wellness and Integrative Oncology program. The team works together to provide nutrition therapy to patients by discussing symptom management, specialized diets, supplements, and lifestyle changes to promote optimal health.
