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This information will help you get the nutrients you need during your cancer treatment. It explains important food safety guidelines and ways to add calories and protein to your diet. It also explains how different cancer treatments may affect your eating and what you can do to help manage common side effects. The food you eat during and after cancer treatment can play an important role in your recovery. Check out Memorial Sloan Kettering's nutrition advice and recipes to help you feel your best. Good nutrition is very important for people with cancer. There may be some changes you can make now that will help you during treatment. Start by following a healthy diet. This can make you stronger, help you maintain (stay at) a healthy weight, and help you fight infection. It may even help you prevent or manage some side effects of treatment. Once you start treatment, it may become hard to follow your usual diet. You may need to liberalize your diet (add different types of foods and drinks) to get the nutrition you need. There currently isn’t enough research to know that restrictive diets (diets that avoid certain foods or nutrients) are safe for people who have cancer. The most important thing is to make sure you get the calories and protein you need to keep your body strong during your treatment. Because of that, some of the information in this resource may seem very different from diet guidelines you usually follow. If you have questions, talk with your clinical dietitian nutritionist. Back to topGeneral Nutritional Guidelines
Recipes for People with Cancer Search for recipes according to diet type or symptom. Learn moreDietary supplementsDietary supplements include vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements. You can get all the nutrients you need from a well-balanced diet. But taking a low-dose multivitamin and mineral supplement can help if you’re having trouble following a balanced diet. A low-dose supplement is one that doesn’t have more than 100% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of any vitamin or mineral. There currently isn’t enough research to know that taking large amounts of antioxidants, herbs, or extra vitamins and minerals helps treat or cure cancer. Depending on your specific cancer treatment, taking too much of a dietary supplement can actually harm you or change the way your treatment works. If you’re thinking about taking any dietary supplements, talk with your doctor first. A clinical dietitian nutritionist or pharmacist can also answer your questions. Food safetyDuring cancer treatment, your body has a hard time fighting off infection. It’s more important than ever to make sure that the foods you’re eating are safe. This will lower your risk for foodborne illnesses and other infections. For more information and tips, read the resource Food Safety During Cancer Treatment. Staying hydratedIt’s very important to stay hydrated (get enough liquids) during your cancer treatment. You can hydrate with liquids other than water. Examples are listed in the table below.
Getting Calories and ProteinDuring your treatment, your clinical dietitian nutritionist may recommend certain foods to help you get more calories, get more protein, or eat more comfortably. Some of these foods may seem like less healthy choices. It’s important to remember that you will only be eating this way for a short while. Once your side effects go away and your appetite goes back to normal, you can stop eating foods you feel are unhealthy. Your clinical dietitian nutritionist can help you find an eating plan that works best for you. Tips for eating and drinking enoughDuring treatment, you may have good days and bad days when it comes to eating. Large meals can seem overwhelming or unappealing. This can happen when you have a decreased appetite (want to eat less than usual) or early satiety (feel full shortly after you start eating). The suggestions below can help you get the most from your meals.
Tips for adding more protein to your dietYour body needs a balance of calories and protein to work best. Your doctor or clinical dietitian nutritionist may tell you to temporarily increase the amount of protein in your diet. If you recently had surgery or have wounds, eating more protein will help you heal. The suggestions below will help you increase the amount of protein in your diet.
Tips for adding more calories to your dietThe suggestions below can help you eat more calories. They may seem to go against what you already know about healthy eating. But during your treatment and while you’re healing, the most important thing is that you get enough calories and protein.
Nutritional SupplementsIf you can’t make your own shakes, there are many nutritional supplements you can buy. Some are high-calorie, ready-made drinks that have vitamins and minerals added to them. Others are powders that you can mix into other foods or drinks. Most are also lactose-free, which means you can have them even if you’re lactose intolerant (have trouble digesting milk products). Always refrigerate ready-made drinks after you open them. Refrigerate powders after mixing them with a liquid. Bland, unflavored drinksThese drinks are useful for people who like mild sweetness. They can be used as a base for mildly sweetened milkshakes. These drinks are:
Flavored, sweetened drinksThese drinks are available in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and other flavors, depending on the brand. These drinks are:
Low-sugar drinks (for people with diabetes)These drinks are available in vanilla, chocolate, and other flavors, depending on the brand. These drinks are:
Fruity drinksThese drinks are available in peach, orange, wild berry, iced tea, apple, blueberry pomegranate, and other flavors, depending on the brand. These drinks are:
Milk-based, flavored, sweetened powdersThese powders can be mixed with milk or water, depending on the brand. They’re available in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
Unflavored supplementsThese supplements can be mixed into drinks or moist foods (such as pancakes, muffins, and puddings) for added calories, protein, or both. These supplements aren’t meant to be used as your only source of nutrition. Talk with your clinical dietitian nutritionist for help including them in your diet.
Nutritional supplements for people who need to limit their intake of potassium, phosphorus, or bothThese drinks are available in vanilla, butter pecan, and berry. They are:
High-calorie, high-protein puddingsThese pudding supplements are available in vanilla, chocolate, and butterscotch flavors. They are:
Snack bars for people with diabetesThey are:
Organic nutritional shakesThese shakes are available in sweet vanilla bean, creamy chocolate fudge, iced café mocha, and strawberries & cream flavors. They are:
High-protein, low-sugar shakesThese supplements are available in pre-made shakes in a variety of flavors or in powder form. They are:
Check your local market or drug store to see if they carry any of these nutritional supplements. You can also order them online for home delivery. The contact information is listed below. Back to topManaging Symptoms and Side Effects Through NutritionThis section describes some tips you can use to help you with:
Tell your doctor or nurse if you’re having any of the things above before following these tips. Diet changes can help, but you may need medication to best manage your side effects. If you’re prescribed medications, be sure to take them as instructed by your medical team. Appetite lossAppetite loss is a decrease in your appetite or desire to eat. It’s a very common side effect of cancer treatment. There may be certain times of the day where your appetite is best and you’re able to eat more. If this is the case, take advantage of those times and try to eat as much as you can. Review the “Getting Calories and Protein” section of this resource for ideas on ways to make sure you’re getting the most from your meals and snacks. Sometimes, you may not feel hungry at all. If this is the case, try following a meal schedule. For example, eat every 2 hours or so rather than waiting to feel hungry. Setting an alarm for yourself can be a helpful reminder. ConstipationConstipation is a common problem that makes it hard to have bowel movements. If you’re constipated, your bowel movements might be:
Constipation can be caused by many things, including your diet, activity, and lifestyle. Some chemotherapy and pain medications can also cause constipation. Below are ways to manage constipation through your diet. Eat more high-fiber foodsFiber is important because it increases the bulk in your stool. This helps your body move the stool out of your body. Add fiber to your diet one food at a time. Be sure to drink enough liquids to prevent gas and bloating. Examples of high-fiber foods are:
Drink plenty of liquidsTry to drink at least 8 to 10 (8-ounce) glasses of liquids per day. Drink water, fruit and vegetable juices, milk, and other liquids. This will help keep your stool soft. Read the “Staying hydrated” section for ideas of liquids to drink. Eat at consistent timesTry to eat your meals at the same time each day. If you make changes to your diet, do it slowly. Move aroundPhysical movement can also help with constipation. Do light physical activity (such as walking or slowly climbing stairs) to help food move through your digestive system. Check with your doctor before starting any new physical activity. DiarrheaDiarrhea is frequent, loose, watery bowel movements. It causes food to pass quickly through your intestines. When this happens, water and nutrients aren’t absorbed well by your body. Diarrhea can be caused by:
Check with your doctor before you use the suggestions below to manage your diarrhea. Drink plenty of liquidsDrink at least 8 to 10 (8-ounce glasses) of liquid daily. This will help replace the water and nutrients you lose when you have diarrhea. Try drinking:
For more examples, read the section “Staying hydrated.” Follow the dietary guidelines belowAvoid very hot or cold, high-sugar, high-fat, and spicy foods. These are hard on your digestive system and may make your diarrhea worse. Follow the eating and drinking guidelines below if you’re having diarrhea. Fruits and vegetables
Starches and carbohydrates
Meat and meat alternatives
Dairy
Condiments
Dry mouthA dry mouth can be caused by:
A dry mouth may also cause cavities. This is because you’re making less saliva, which protects your teeth against decay. Oral hygiene (taking good care of your mouth) is very important if your mouth is dry. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes. Instead, make your own mouthwash by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 quart (4 cups) of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this mouthwash every 2 hours. When your mouth is dry, eating can be hard. Some foods may be hard to chew and swallow. The types of foods you eat can make a difference. Choose foods that have a moist, soft texture and are easy to swallow. Avoid foods that are dry or rough. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Sipping fluids between bites at meals can make it easier to chew and swallow foods. Follow the eating and drinking guidelines below if your mouth is dry.
Sore mouth or throatMouth and throat sores can be caused by certain chemotherapy treatments as well as radiation to your head or neck. A sore mouth or throat can make eating difficult. The way you eat can make a difference. The following are some tips to avoid irritating your mouth:
If you have a sore mouth or throat, trying softer, bland, lukewarm, or cool foods can be helpful. Avoid foods that may increase pain, such as dry foods and foods that are spicy, salty, sour, or acidic. Follow the eating and drinking guidelines below if your mouth or throat is sore.
Taste changesYour sense of taste can be affected by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and some medications. Your sense of taste is made up of 5 main sensations: salty, sweet, savory, bitter, and sour. Taste changes are different from person to person. The most common changes are having bitter and metallic tastes in your mouth. Sometimes, food may not taste like anything. These changes usually go away after your treatment ends. Maintaining good oral hygiene (taking good care of your mouth) is very important to help with taste changes. You can do this by brushing your teeth and tongue (if your doctor or dentist says it’s okay) and drinking more liquids. Your care team may also recommend using an alcohol-free mouthwash (such as Biotene®). You can also make your own mouthwash by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 quart (4 cups) or warm water. Use the mouthwash frequently (before and after eating) throughout the day. If Your Food Seems Tasteless
If There’s a Bitter or Metallic Taste in Your Mouth
If Foods Taste Too Sweet
If Foods Taste or Smell Different Than Usual
Early satietyEarly satiety is when you feel full more quickly than usual when you eat. For example, you may feel like you can’t eat any more when you’re only halfway through your meal. Early satiety can be caused by surgery on your stomach, constipation, some medications, and other things. If you feel full too quickly, try to:
Nausea and vomitingNausea is a feeling of stomach upset or queasiness. Nausea can be caused by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. It can also be caused by pain, medication, and infection. If you have nausea, you may also have vomiting (throwing up). If you’re vomiting, try your best to follow the suggestions in this section. Be sure to keep yourself well hydrated with electrolyte-rich beverages. Read the “Staying hydrated” section earlier in this resource for examples. Below are suggestions for managing your nausea through nutrition. Ask your doctor or nurse if you need an antiemetic (medication to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting).
General Tips
If nausea is a lasting problem for you, it may be useful to keep a food diary. A food diary is a record of the foods you eat, the time you ate them, and the setting in which you ate them. Record any situations when you became nauseated. Discuss this with your doctor, nurse, or clinical dietitian nutritionist. FatigueFatigue is the most common side effect of cancer and cancer treatments. It may keep you from doing your usual daily activities. It may also impact your quality of life and make it harder for you to tolerate your treatment. Fatigue can be caused by many other symptoms, such as:
Managing these symptoms can also help with fatigue. If you have any of the above things, tell your healthcare provider. Another way to manage fatigue is to save your energy. You can do this by:
If you live alone and can’t shop for food or make meals, you may be eligible for food programs (such as God’s Love We Deliver or Meals on Wheels). There may be age or income requirements for some programs. Your social worker can give you more information. For some people, doing physical activity may actually increase your energy levels. Talk with your doctor about doing light-to-moderate intensity activities (such as walking or gardening). Research shows that some physical activity can make it easier to do your usual daily activities, boost your energy level, increase your appetite, and improve your mood. Back to topRecipesDo not add raw eggs to your shakes. Raw eggs can cause food poisoning. If you have diabetes or high blood sugar, these recipes may not be appropriate for you. Talk with your clinical dietitian nutritionist. Double Milk
Standard Milkshake
Standard Yogurt Milkshake
Standard Milkshake for People with Diabetes
Standard Dairy-Free Shake
Vanilla Almond Shake
Chocolate Almond Shake
Maple Walnut or Pecan Shake
Peanut Butter Shake
Fruity Shake
Cherry Vanilla or Chocolate Cherry Shake
Other shake variationsExperiment with other ingredients after you have tried the shake recipes in this resource. You can use any of the ingredients below to change the flavor of and add more calories to your shakes.
If you have diabetes or high blood sugar, ingredients with an asterisk (*) may not be appropriate for you. Talk with your clinical dietitian nutritionist before trying them. Back to topSample MenusUse these sample menus to get ideas for making your own high-calorie, high-protein meals. The menus are divided into 6 small meals and snacks throughout the day. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and snacks can be easier and help you get the calories and protein you need. If it’s hard for you to make your meals, ask family or friends for help. Try making meals in batches on days when you have the energy and freeze them to eat later. You can also eat ready-made foods such as frozen dinners, whole cooked chickens, or take-out foods. Key points
Regular diet sample menus
*Super premium ice cream has about 100 more calories per serving than regular ice cream. It also has about 20 grams of fat per ½-cup serving.
*Super premium ice cream has about 100 more calories per serving than regular ice cream. It also has about 20 grams of fat per ½-cup serving.
Vegetarian diet sample menus
Vegan diet sample menus
ResourcesAcademy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) American Institute for Cancer Research Cook For Your Life FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition MSK Integrative Medicine Service The Integrative Medicine Service also provides counseling on nutrition and dietary supplements. You can find more information about herbal and other dietary supplements at www.mskcc.org/herbs. You can also schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider in the Integrative Medicine Service. They will work with you to come up with a plan for creating a healthy lifestyle and managing side effects. To make an appointment, call 646-608-8550. MSK Nutrition Website National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements Contact Information for Nutrition Services at MSKAny MSK patient is welcome to make an appointment with one of our clinical dietitian nutritionists for medical nutrition therapy. Our clinical dietitian nutritionists are available for appointments at multiple outpatient locations within Manhattan and the following regional site locations:
To schedule an appointment with a clinical dietitian nutritionist at any of our locations, contact our nutrition scheduling office at 212-639-7312. Back to top
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