For many cancer patients, undergoing treatment is challenging enough and causes considerable stress. In such situations, worrying about what they should or shouldn’t eat wouldn’t be their top concern. But even for cancer patients, nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery, energy levels, and overall well-being. However, not all foods can be considered as beneficial during treatment. Having knowledge of which foods to avoid can help in avoiding unnecessary discomfort and support the body's healing process.

Sugar Overload

It is natural to fall in the trap of sweet cravings every now and then. But excessive sugar can lead to inflammation and severely impact the immunity. Glucose is food for cancer cells, and foods that are high in refined sugars may inadvertently feed tumour growth or slow down your recovery. Soft drinks, chocolates and candies and pastries contain excessive sugar. Cutting down on these foods can benefit health significantly.

Instead, naturally sweet options, like fruits, berries or homemade fruit smoothies can be used to satisfy the sweet cravings instead.

Raw Food or Undercooked Meat

Raw or undercooked meat like poultry and eggs or seafood or even red meat may contain harmful bacteria that affect the body and its immunity. This can also include salads and raw fish like sushi. But raw or undercooked food and meat can impact the cancer treatment and weaken the immunity. This increases the vulnerability to foodborne infections. Other foods include certain soft cheeses and rare steaks.

Always keep in mind to thoroughly cook the food. Well-prepared vegetables, soups, or fully cooked meats aid in protecting from infections and also nourish during treatment.

Processed and Preserved Foods

Processed foods are high in additives and preservatives such as nitrates, artificial colourings, and excessive sodium. These preservatives can aggravate symptoms like nausea, dehydration, and inflammation. Other items like fast food, packed sausages, canned meals or even packaged snacks can cause unnecessary stress on the body.

Home-cooked meals, fresh fruits, and whole-grain alternatives are easier on the digestive system and don’t contain any preservatives.

Greasy and Fried Foods

Apart from processed foods, fried foods like fries and chips are also harmful to health when dealing with cancer. Additionally, oily dishes can trigger nausea, indigestion, and fatigue during treatment. Greasy foods can be harder to digest, leading to discomfort associated with treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Grilled, air-fried or baked food options are beneficial. Even steamed or oven-roasted foods seasoned lightly with herbs provide flavour without burdening your digestion.

Alcohol and Cancer Treatment

Alcohol has a negative impact if consumed with medications. This impact gets amplified with cancer medication. Alcohol can increase dehydration, and stress on an already strained liver. Even small amounts might cause complications or amplify side effects. Abstaining from alcohol consumption entirely during the treatment can help in protecting the health and help the body in recovery.

Instead beverages like tea, coffee, fruit juice or even smoothies keep the body hydrated enough and aid in the treatment.

Spicy Foods

People generally crave spicy foods, even if their tolerance for spice is low. But spicy foods can irritate sensitive digestive tracts, intensify nausea, or even worsen mouth sores common during chemotherapy.

Rather, spice cravings can be satisfied by mildly seasoning the food with less spicy ingredients like basil, thyme, and rosemary. They offer flavour without irritating the system.

Dairy Dilemma

While many people are not lactose intolerant, for some cancer patients, dairy products can become problematic. The treatment may trigger intolerance towards dairy for many or it can cause digestive sensitivity, causing bloating, discomfort, or diarrhea. Items such as full-fat milk, cream, cheese, and ice cream might trigger these symptoms, causing unnecessary discomfort.

While dairy items are a main source of protein, alternative sources of calcium and nutrition, like almond milk, soy-based yoghurts, or lactose-free dairy products can also be considered.

Mindful Eating: Your Gateway to Better Recovery

Eating experience for every cancer patient may vary. What might benefit one patient can cause discomfort and distress to another. Being aware of how the body might react to different foods and when to consult a nutritionist or doctor is necessary in building a proper nutritional plan.

Sticking to the plan and managing to stay off cravings can allow the body to recover properly, reduce unnecessary discomfort, and maintain the strength required to manage cancer treatment successfully.

Empowering Your Recovery Through Nutrition

Choosing the right foods during cancer treatment can profoundly affect your recovery journey. While the foods mentioned here are general guidelines to ease discomfort and support healing, every patient’s nutritional needs may differ. At KKR Hospital in Chennai, specialised nutritional counselling forms an integral part of cancer care, ensuring personalised guidance that empowers each patient’s unique recovery journey. By staying mindful and making informed dietary choices, you're actively contributing to your body's resilience and paving a smoother road toward healing.