Important To Eat During Cancer Treatment

Dt. MALLIKA GARG
(Clinical Dietician, M.Sc. in Food & Nutrition)

Why Is It Important To Eat During Cancer treatment?
  • Cancer  directly affects the nutritional status by changing the body's metabolism and causing the patient to loose appetite. 
  • Body increases energy use,which means the patient needs more calories to maintain the current weight and lean body mass. 
  • Cancer associated loss of appetite is probably the result of physical changes but may also be due to a psychological response to the disease. 
  • People who eat well,including diets high in proteins and calories,are able to tolerate surgery, chemotherapy and radiation better.
  •  People with cancer frequently require a high calorie diet to prevent weight loss. They may also need a diet that is high in protein to prevent muscle wasting.
  • Patients with good eating habits have fewer infections and are able to recuperate better.

Nutrition before treatment

  • Preparing for treatment is very important to strengthen the immune system
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Include good amount of protein and calorie dense foods.

Nutrition during treatment 

  • Make sure your refrigerator is full of grains,seasonal fruits and vegetables and milk & milk products.
  • Develop the habit of having at least five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
  • There may be symptoms such as appetite loss,changes in taste or smell,nausea, fatique. Fight with it.

Nutrition after treament

  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Continue with nutritional supplements to replenish the depleted stores.
Reshape your diet


  • Include fruits and vegetables that provide good antioxidants. include at leat 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day in the form of fruchat, sups, vegetables smoothies, etc.
  • Follow a rainbow diet -include different colors in the diet.
  •  High protein and high calorie diet to be taken such as chicken,eggs,fish,legumes,milk & milk products,almonds,butter,peanut butter etc.
  • Drink plenty of fluids such as water,green tea,whey water, coconut water , lemonades ,juices, buttermilk,milkshake etc.
  • Include more healthy starchy foods-that are unrefined,lower and with a lower glycemic index. 
  • Strive to eat at least 1/3rd of your calorie and protein needs at breakfast.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids,minerals and vitamins enhance immunity. 
  • Reduce saturated fat intake-found in meat,full fat dairy products, margarines,cakes,biscuits. Avoid alcohol intake as it is the leading cause of mouth,liver,colorctal cancer.






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