Eat little and often
Five to six small meals are easier to manage than three large ones when you feel nauseous or full quickly.
Protein at every meal
Eggs, paneer, curd, dal, tofu and fish help protect muscle and support healing.
Managing side effects
Choose cool, soft foods for mouth sores, ginger for nausea, add herbs when taste changes, and drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea.
Food safety
Your immunity may be lower, so wash produce well, avoid raw or undercooked foods and keep food stored properly.
Managing side effects with food
Targeted food choices can ease common problems:
- Mouth sores — soft, cool, non-spicy foods
- Nausea — small, dry, bland meals; ginger
- Taste changes — herbs, lemon, cold foods
- Fatigue — regular protein-rich snacks
Preserving muscle
Enough protein and calories through treatment helps prevent cachexia and supports recovery.
What to avoid
Raw or undercooked foods when blood counts are low, unpasteurised dairy, alcohol and unproven supplements.
Frequently asked questions
What should I eat before chemotherapy?
A light, easy-to-digest meal a few hours beforehand is often best.
How do I stop losing weight during radiation?
Add energy-dense foods, eat on a schedule, and get your plan adjusted as soon as weight starts to drop.
When should nutrition support start?
Ideally at diagnosis, before treatment begins, so the body enters therapy as strong as possible.
Written by Dr. Jai Vora. This article is for education only. Speak with your doctor before changing medication, diet or treatment.