What Are the Best Foods to Eat During Cancer Treatment?
Cancer treatment is a physically and emotionally demanding journey. Therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy can affect appetite, digestion, immunity, and energy levels. During this time, nutrition plays a critical supportive role—not as a cure, but as a powerful tool to help the body tolerate treatment, maintain strength, reduce side effects, and improve overall quality of life.
As a Onco-Nutritionist Dietician Geetanjali Mengi in Mumbai, I work closely with cancer patients to design individualized medical nutrition plans that support healing while respecting treatment-related challenges. Let’s explore the best foods to include during cancer treatment and why they matter.
1. Protein-Rich Foods: Building and Repairing Tissues
Cancer treatments increase the body’s protein needs. Protein helps repair tissues, preserve muscle mass, support immunity, and improve recovery.
Best protein sources include:
Moong dal, masoor dal, toor dal
Paneer, curd, Greek yogurt
Eggs
Fish and lean chicken (if non-vegetarian)
Soy products like tofu and soy milk
Nut butters and seeds (when tolerated)
For patients with poor appetite, small, frequent protein-rich meals or soft options like curd, dal soups, and smoothies work well.
2. Whole Grains and Complex Carbohydrates for Energy
Fatigue is one of the most common complaints during cancer treatment. The body needs adequate carbohydrates to maintain energy levels and prevent excessive weight loss.
Choose easily digestible whole grains such as:
* Rice (white or brown, based on tolerance)
* Oats and porridge
* Soft chapatis or multigrain rotis
* Dalia and millets (if digestion permits)
* Potatoes and sweet potatoes
These foods provide sustained energy and help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is especially important during treatment.
3. Fruits and Vegetables: Antioxidants and Immune Support
Fruits and vegetables supply vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that help combat oxidative stress and support immune function.
Best options during treatment:
* Cooked vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, and spinach
* Fruits such as papaya, banana, apple (stewed if needed), pomegranate, and berries
* Vegetable soups, stews, and purees for easy digestion
When immunity is low, well-washed and cooked produce is safer than raw salads.
4. Healthy Fats for Weight Maintenance and Healing
Many cancer patients struggle with unintended weight loss. Healthy fats provide concentrated calories and support cell health and hormone balance.
Include sources like:
Cold-pressed oils (olive, groundnut, mustard)
Ghee in moderation
Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds)
Avocado (if available and tolerated)
Adding small amounts of healthy fats to meals can significantly improve calorie intake without increasing portion size.
5. Fluids and Hydration: Often Overlooked, Always Essential
Dehydration can worsen fatigue, constipation, nausea, and kidney strain during treatment.
Helpful fluids include:
Water and coconut water
Clear vegetable or dal soups
Buttermilk and curd-based drinks
Herbal teas (as advised)
Sip fluids throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once, especially if nausea is present.
6. Managing Common Side Effects with Food Choices
Cancer treatments can cause side effects like nausea, mouth sores, taste changes, diarrhea, or constipation. Nutrition should be adjusted accordingly:
Soft, bland foods for mouth sores
Low-fiber foods during diarrhea
High-fiber foods and fluids for constipation
Cold or room-temperature foods to reduce nausea
This is where personalized nutrition guidance becomes crucial—there is no one-size-fits-all diet.
Final Thoughts
Nutrition during cancer treatment is not about restriction—it is about nourishment, strength, and support. The right foods can help patients feel better, cope with side effects, and maintain dignity and energy through treatment.
Every cancer type, treatment protocol, and individual is different. Therefore, working with a qualified clinical dietician ensures that nutrition plans are safe, evidence-based, and tailored to medical needs.
If you or your loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, professional nutritional support can make a meaningful difference in the healing journey.
Geetanjali- The Voice of Healthcare- a Reg, Clinical Dietician Nutritionist, Wellness-Speaker, Author, Anchor, Wellness Expert, Pod-caster, Blogger, You tuber is based in Mumbai