Articles on: Course Specific

Nutrition and Lifestyle Considerations During Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is often accompanied by a variety of side effects that can influence appetite, digestion, energy levels, and overall nutritional intake. While diet cannot eliminate these challenges, certain nutritional and lifestyle strategies may help make them more manageable. Importantly, what proves most effective will vary depending on the chemotherapy regimen, specific side effects, and individual health status.


IMPORTANT: Before making any changes to diet, supplements, or lifestyle during chemotherapy, it is recommended that discussions take place with the oncology team. Certain foods, dietary supplements, or herbal products may interact with chemotherapy drugs, altering their effectiveness or side effect profile. An oncologist or medical doctor should always be consulted before adjustments are made.


For Nausea and Vomiting

  • Smaller, more frequent meals are often better tolerated than large meals.
  • Bland and low-odour foods such as plain rice, toast, crackers, or bananas may help to reduce discomfort.
  • Greasy, spicy, or strong-smelling foods may worsen nausea in some individuals.
  • Ginger, in the form of tea, crystallised pieces, fresh slices or as a supplement (0.5g to 1g), may help in the short-term to reduce nausea. (Ginger should not be used around the time of surgery as it may act as a blood-thinner.)


For Loss of Appetite

  • Energy- and protein-dense snacks such as nut butters, hummus, cheese, or avocado have been shown to support calorie and protein intake.
  • Smoothies and soups are sometimes easier to consume than solid meals.
  • Easy-to-grab or pre-prepared foods may facilitate intake during short windows when appetite is present.


For Fatigue and Muscle Loss

  • A moderate to higher protein consumption (e.g. 1.2g to 2.0g per kilogram of body weight per day) may help preserve muscle mass. Food sources include eggs, fish, chicken, beans, lentils, tofu, or yoghurt.
  • Healthy fats, including olive oil, nuts, and seeds, can provide additional calories if unintended weight loss occurs.


For Dehydration and Dry Mouth

  • Frequent sipping of fluids such as water, diluted juices, broths, or herbal teas may help reduce the risk of dehydration.
  • Ice chips, frozen fruit pieces, or sugar-free lozenges may help to ease dry mouth.
  • Alcohol and excess caffeine may exacerbate fluid loss and are often discouraged. In addition, alcohol can increase the risk for complications and impact the efficacy of some chemotherapy drugs.


For Mouth Sores

  • Soft, cool foods such as yoghurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs may be more soothing.
  • Acidic, salty, or spicy foods are more likely to cause discomfort in sensitive oral tissues.
  • Gentle rinsing with mild saltwater or a baking soda solution is sometimes recommended in oncology settings (e.g. 1 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of baking soda in 1 L of water).
  • In those taking fluorouracil, swishing ice chips in the mouth for 30 minutes, starting 5 minutes before treatment may help reduce mouth inflammation.


For Digestive Changes

  • Diarrhoea: Individuals may better tolerate low-fibre, bland foods such as white rice, bananas, applesauce, or toast. Hydration, particularly with electrolyte-containing fluids, is emphasised.
  • Constipation: Gradual introduction of dietary fibre (e.g., oats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) alongside adequate fluid intake may support improved bowel regularity. Gentle activity, when feasible, may also help.


General Tips

  • Food safety is critical, as chemotherapy can weaken immune defences. Undercooked meats, raw fish, unpasteurised products, and expired foods should be avoided.
  • Individual responses vary considerably; keeping a record of foods and symptoms can help identify personal triggers or tolerances.


References:

Updated on: 15/10/2026

Was this article helpful?

Share your feedback

Cancel

Thank you!