Source: https://top-list.co/top-best-foods-to-eat-during-chemotherapy-v4633.html
- Oatmeal
- Avocado
- Eggs
- Broth
- Almonds and other nuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables
- Homemade smoothies
- Bread or crackers
- Fish
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is high in nutrients that might help your body cope with chemotherapy. It has more carbohydrates, protein, and antioxidants than other grains, as well as more healthy fats. It also contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut, which helps to regulate your bowels.
If you’re suffering from common chemo side effects like dry mouth or mouth sores, oatmeal’s neutral flavor and creamy texture can help. You may also bring overnight oats to treatment appointments. To cook this dish, soak oats in the milk of your choice overnight in the refrigerator. You may top it with fruit, honey, or almonds in the morning. To avoid foodborne illnesses, eat oatmeal within 2 hours if you’re on the move, though you may reduce the risk by keeping it in a cooler. Fruit, maple syrup, and nuts are popular additions, although savory oatmeal can also be made with avocado or eggs. If you get nausea or mouth sores, eat it plain or with a pinch of salt.
Oatmeal
Avocado
Avocados are a nutritious item to include, it includes vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that help your body stay healthy and avoid disease. Avocados can help you get the calories and nutrients you need if your appetite is lacking.
This creamy green fruit is abundant in monounsaturated fat, which can help decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. It’s also high in fiber, with only 3.5 ounces (100 grams) providing 27% of the Daily Value (DV). Avocados are an excellent alternative if you’re suffering from dry mouth, constipation, mouth sores, or weight loss because they’re filling, versatile, and mild. You may use them to top a dish of grains, beans, or soup by crushing and spreading them on toast. Wash unpeeled avocados before cutting them, as their skin might house Listeria, a common bacteria that cause food poisoning.
Avocado
Eggs
Eggs have long been thought to be unhealthy due to their cholesterol content. In comparison to most other foods, a large egg has 212 mg of cholesterol. However, many studies have demonstrated that dietary cholesterol in eggs has little effect on blood cholesterol levels.
Chemotherapy causes fatigue, which is a common side effect. Due to their high protein and fat content (almost 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fat in a single medium-sized egg), eggs may help tackle fatigue.Protein, unlike fat, helps your body maintain and increase muscle mass, which is especially important during chemotherapy. Eggs may be hard-boiled for a quick snack or scrambled for a delicious meal. To avoid food poisoning, make sure they’re completely cooked, with thickened yolks and hardened whites. If you have mouth sores, eggs are good because of their soft, soothing texture.
Eggs
Broth
Chemotherapy causes taste changes, and water is usually said to taste different. The broth is an excellent way to stay hydrated in these situations. It’s made by simmering vegetables, herbs, meat or poultry, as well as bones, in water.
Electrolytes are released into the fluid during this process. These charged particles, which include nutrients like sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium, aid in maintaining optimal body function. If you’re losing electrolytes from vomit, sweat, or diarrhea, sipping broth can help. You may add chicken, tofu, or vegetables to your broth if you have the appetite. If you have mouth sores, puréeing this mixture will make it easier to eat. Add a teaspoon of flavorless protein powder, such as collagen powder, for extra nutrients, especially if you’re experiencing dry mouth or a lack of appetite. If you’re suffering nausea or vomiting, keep your broth simple and clear, and sip slowly. The broth is ideal in these situations since it is low in fiber and hence easy to digest.
Broth
Almonds and other nuts
You may have a lot of appointments during chemotherapy, so snacks might come in handy. Nuts like almonds and cashews are convenient to carry along, and they’re high in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Almonds are high in magnesium, vitamin E, and dietary fiber, which are all important minerals for your body. A single serving of almonds is a full and nutritious snack. Almonds are high in manganese and copper, supplying 27% and 32% of the daily value (DV) per ounce, respectively (28 grams). These minerals create superoxide dismutases, which are among the body’s most effective antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radical damage. Nuts can also be used in oatmeal and other foods. Though, if you have mouth sores, they may be difficult to digest. In these situations, nut butter is preferable.
Almonds and other nuts
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds, like almonds, are perfect for nibbling in between appointments. Pumpkin seeds offer an outstanding nutritional profile that benefits many aspects of your health, according to modern science. They’re high in protein, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, all of which help to lower the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.
Furthermore, they provide about 3 grams of iron per 1/3 cup (33 grams), which is roughly 15% of the daily need. However, some treatments, such as blood transfusions, may raise the risk of iron overload or having too much iron in your body. You should limit your intake of pumpkin seeds and other high-iron foods if you get this condition. Make your own trail mix using pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and other dried fruits, seeds, and nuts for a sweet-and-salty twist. The American Heart Association suggests a quarter cup of pumpkin seeds each day as part of a balanced diet, which is around 30 grams. This amount will provide you with enough protein, healthy fats, fiber, zinc, selenium, magnesium, and other important minerals.
Pumpkin seeds
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables
Kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are examples of cruciferous vegetables with an impressive nutritional profile. Cruciferous vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. These beneficial fats are necessary for a variety of bodily functions, including maintaining excellent cognitive health and lowering the risk of mental decline.
Broccoli, for example, has a significant amount of vitamin C. Your immune system needs this vitamin. Sulforaphane, a plant chemical considered to boost brain function, is also found. Sulforaphane has been demonstrated in studies to improve brain health by lowering inflammation and protecting cells from harm, which is particularly crucial when undergoing chemotherapy. With a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt, steam or roast these vegetables. If you’re having trouble with your taste, try a squeeze of lemon if you don’t have mouth sores or nausea.
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables
Homemade smoothies
If you’re having trouble chewing solid food or getting enough nutrients in your diet, homemade smoothies are a great choice. They’re flexible, allowing you to choose the best ingredients for your symptoms or taste preferences.
You can refer to how to make a simple smoothie: 1–2 cups of liquid (240–475 ml); 5–3 cups (225–450 grams) of fruits and vegetables; 15 grams of protein (1 tablespoon) and 15 grams fat (1 tablespoon). Put in a handful or two of washed spinach leaves after mixing fresh or frozen fruit with milk or kefir. Add a tablespoon of flax seeds for fat and a tablespoon of peanut butter for protein. If using fresh berries, soak them first before rinsing them completely under running water. This will aid in the removal of any dirt or bacteria that may cause you to become ill. To brighten the flavors, put in a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Homemade smoothies
Bread or crackers
Extra calories and protein are typically required during cancer therapy to help you maintain your weight and heal as quickly as possible. Snacks can help you satisfy those demands, maintain your strength and energy level, and make you feel better if you’re losing weight. To meet your calorie demands during treatment, you may have to rely on snacks that are less nutritious sources of calories.
Bread or crackers are a wonderful choice if you have diarrhea or nausea because they are often easy to digest. When your stomach isn’t upset, whole-grain ones with extra nutrients are perfect. Saltines or salted crackers are particularly beneficial for replenishing sodium lost due to diarrhea or vomiting. If you want extra taste and nutrition, top them with nut butter, smashed avocado, or ricotta cheese.
Bread or crackers
Fish
If you love seafood, eating two portions of fish per week while undergoing chemotherapy is a smart idea. This is due to the protein and omega-3 fatty acids it contains.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that must be obtained through your diet. They’re good for your brain and have anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, consuming enough protein and healthy fat-rich foods like fish throughout therapy might help you prevent unhealthy losing weight. These fats are abundant in salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, and sardines. Furthermore, fattier fish such as salmon and herring are high in vitamin D, which is essential for bone and immune health. A small salmon filet (170 grams) contains 113% of the daily value. With a squeeze of lemon, steam, pan-fry, or roast your fish. If you’re reheating it, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer.
Fish
