This series explores the role of nutrition during cancer treatment. Healthy, balanced eating gives you the strength and energy you need to support your body’s ability to fight cancer and manage treatment side effects. Whether your treatment involves chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or a combination of cancer treatments, we’ll discuss the ways you can fuel the fight! The number one recommendation throughout this series is to always work closely with your medical team, which hopefully includes a registered dietitian! Registered dietitians can evaluate your unique nutritional status and develop personalized plans to meet your needs. Each cancer treatment and recovery process is unique. Always inform your medical team of any negative side effects or new symptoms you experience during cancer treatment.

Nourishing Your Body Through Cancer Treatment: Surgery

We all know that good nutrition is important. When you’re going through cancer treatment, good nutrition becomes more important than ever. First up in our “Nourishing Your Body Through Cancer Treatment Series” is optimizing your nutrition throughout surgery.

Before Surgery
Before surgery, your focus should be on eating overall balanced meals. Well-balanced meals include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. A healthy eating pattern prior to surgery will help prepare your body by building strength and charging up your immune system. An example day of meals is included below. The meals include complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats which may help aid in your recovery! Make sure to talk with a registered dietitian who can tailor these meal ideas to your unique nutrition needs.

Breakfast
Whole-grain cereal or oatmeal + low-fat milk + fruit + chopped nuts
Scrambled eggs with spinach + red peppers
Lunch/Dinner
Lean protein (chicken, fish, turkey)
Roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, peppers, Brussels sprouts, asparagus)
Salad (Cucumber + tomato + onion salad with lemon vinaigrette)
Whole grains (quinoa or brown rice) OR Starchy vegetable (potatoes, sweet potatoes)
Snacks
Fruit + nut butter
Greek Yogurt + fruit

It is important to note that surgical procedures may vary, and specific instructions regarding dietary requirements before surgery should be obtained from your medical team. Your team will provide you with personalized recommendations and guidelines to follow in the immediate days leading up to your surgery.

After Surgery
After surgery, your body is working overtime to heal damaged tissue – a surgeon just cut you open after all! To aid the healing process, an increase in protein and other nutrients may be needed. Unfortunately, changes in appetite and digestion caused by the surgery may make it difficult to get the nutrition your body needs. A registered dietitian can assess if you need any supplements to support your recovery. Eating small, more frequent meals may help you get the nutrition you need while helping avoid discomfort. You may need to avoid spicy, fried, or fatty foods, which can cause nausea, heartburn, or diarrhea. Some may experience difficulty swallowing and need easier-to-swallow foods such as smoothies, soups, or mashed potatoes. It is also important to avoid foods that may increase your risk of infection, such as raw or undercooked meat, eggs, or fish. Dehydration can slow the healing process and increase your risk of negative side effects. Be sure to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, and avoid sugary drinks.

From a personal perspective, it’s also important to relax! Stick to the guidelines your team sets for your recovery and take the time you and your body need to rest so you can feel better faster!

Nourishing Your Body Through Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy (chemo) is the second topic in our series “Nourishing Your Body Through Cancer Treatment.” During chemo, your body is constantly going through changes. Eating well-balanced meals remains important during chemo, and many of the same principles we discussed in part one apply during chemo); however, more adjustments to account for individual side effects are needed. To better support your body during treatment, here are a few tips to optimize nutrition and manage side effects.

Balance Your Bacteria
During chemo, your gut bacteria may be out of balance, causing digestive issues such as diarrhea. Foods rich in probiotics may help balance your gut bacteria and improve digestion. Probiotic-rich foods may also help strengthen your immune system. Foods to incorporate may include yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and kombucha. There are also several probiotic supplements that may be helpful. Be sure to talk with your healthcare team before adding new foods or supplements to ensure they are safe for you!

Taste Some Relief
Certain foods, including some herbs and spices, may provide some relief from chemo side effects and add health benefits. One of my favorites is ginger. Chemo can cause nausea and vomiting, and ginger is an herb that may help soothe these side effects due to its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties. My favorite way to consume ginger is to drink ginger tea for extra hydration, but you can also chew on crystallized ginger or add fresh ginger to meals to get the benefits! Below is a brief list of chemo side effects and certain foods that may help. Talk to your doctor before adding any new foods/herbs as some may interact with certain medications.

• Anxiety: Chamomile tea
• Constipation: Prunes
• Diarrhea: Applesauce, bananas, yogurt
• Insomnia: Tart cherries, almonds
• Loss of appetite: Citrus foods
• Mouth sores: Aloe vera, chamomile
• Nausea and vomiting: Ginger, peppermint

Power Up with Plant Protein
Protein is essential for optimal recovery. Plant-based protein sources include beans, chickpeas, tofu, and nuts. These proteins offer fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help repair tissues, provide energy, and potentially lower inflammation in the body. Plant-based protein sources are often easier to digest compared to animal-based proteins and can help those who cannot tolerate the taste of meat during chemo.

Eat the Rainbow
Your tastes and ability to tolerate foods will change during chemo. The best way to boost your nutrition is to try including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your meals and snacks. Fruits and vegetables provide the needed vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health and strengthen your immune system. These foods also have a high water content, which will help you stay hydrated, energized, and refreshed. If you have trouble tolerating the taste of vegetables, try adding them to smoothies or soups!

Know Your Limits
It’s important to pay attention to your body during treatment and make choices that make you feel good. Everyone is different, but there will be days when you feel great and days when you don’t feel as good. Your ability to tolerate certain foods, food amounts, and activities will likely change. On days when you feel hungry and are able to tolerate foods, choose nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support your body. On days when you don’t feel as hungry, set alarms throughout the day to remind yourself to try eating a small meal or snack. Communication is vital. If you experience severe side effects, talk with your healthcare team to determine a plan that’s right for you.

Maintaining a well-balanced eating pattern during chemotherapy is crucial. Balancing your gut bacteria, adding herbs, plant-based proteins, a variety of fruits and vegetables, and knowing your limits, can support your body throughout chemotherapy, optimize nutrition, and manage side effects.