Cancer Treatment Food

Chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer treatments can be hard on your body. Fortunately, making healthy food choices can help you feel better and speed your recovery. Food and nutrition are critical parts of any successful cancer treatment. Nutrients support the growth of healthy cells in your body; they also go a long way toward helping you maintain energy and strength.
Below are tips for cancer during treatment
Choose Healthy Foods
"When you're being treated for cancer, it's important to avoid extreme diets that may leave you short on key nutrients," says Veronica McLymont, PhD, RD, director of food and nutrition services at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Instead, focus on eating a balanced diet. Ask your oncologist or a nutritionist if you need extra calories and protein to keep your strength up during treatment.

Try to Eat, Even If You Don't Have an Appetite
Lack of appetite is common during cancer treatment. Some treatments can even make food taste unpleasant. "Even though you don't feel like eating, it's important to get adequate nutrition," says Sarah Rafat, RD, a senior dietitian at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Here’s what to do:
Ease Side Effects With Food
Certain foods can help ease the common discomforts from cancer treatment.
• Conquer constipation by drinking water and eating high-fiber foods like beans, lentils, vegetables, and fresh or dried fruit.
• Drive away diarrhea with bland foods such as rice, bananas, and apples. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Protect mouth sores and manage dry mouth by grinding or pureeing foods to make them easier to swallow. Or eat foods that are already soft and mostly liquid, like soups and milk or yogurt shakes.
• Nix nausea by choosing bland foods and foods without strong odors. Steer clear of greasy foods. Go easy on your stomach by eating small meals throughout the day. Drink plenty of water even if you are vomiting.
Focus on Food Safety
Some cancer treatments temporarily weaken your immune system. So it’s important to avoid germs that you can pick up from food. Contaminated food can make you quite sick. Here are some guidelines to help keep you safe.
Talk to Your Doctor Before Taking Supplements
It may be tempting to take supplements to get the nutrients you need