Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer. While it works to destroy cancer cells, it can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, mouth sores, taste changes, fatigue, constipation, and diarrhoea. These changes can make eating during chemotherapy difficult, but good nutrition may help support your body and manage some treatment-related side effects. 

Many patients and caregivers ask, “What are the best foods to eat during chemotherapy?” The answer may vary depending on your diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, and nutritional needs. There isn’t a single diet that works for everyone, but choosing the right foods can help you maintain your strength, support recovery, and reduce the risk of malnutrition. 

In this guide, you’ll learn what to eat during chemotherapy, foods to limit, practical eating tips, and ways to manage common treatment-related side effects through nutrition

Key Takeaways 

• Good nutrition may help support your body during chemotherapy. 

• Including protein-rich foods in your meals may help maintain muscle mass during chemotherapy. 

• Eat small, frequent meals if your appetite is low. 

• Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated. 

• Choose soft, easy-to-eat foods if you have mouth sores or difficulty swallowing. 

• Food safety is important because chemotherapy can weaken the immune system. 

• A personalised nutrition plan from an oncology nutritionist can help you manage treatment-related side effects more effectively. 

Table of Contents 

Why Is Nutrition Important During Chemotherapy? 

Cancer and chemotherapy can affect how your body eats, digests, and uses nutrients. Many people experience a reduced appetite, weight loss, muscle loss, or changes in taste that make it difficult to eat enough food. 

Following a healthy diet during chemotherapy helps your body get the nutrients it needs to cope with treatment. While nutrition cannot treat cancer, it plays an important role in supporting your overall health throughout your treatment journey. The Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment guide also highlights the importance of maintaining adequate nutrition during treatment. 

A balanced diet may help: 

• Reduce the risk of malnutrition 

• Preserve muscle mass 

• May help improve energy levels 

• Help your body tolerate treatment better 

Because every person’s treatment is different, nutritional needs can also vary. Some people may need extra protein, while others may need softer foods or additional calories depending on their symptoms. 

Foods to Eat During Chemotherapy 

Choosing nutritious foods during treatment may help meet your body’s changing nutritional needs. Instead of focusing on a “perfect” diet, aim for balanced meals that include protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and enough fluids. Your nutritional needs may vary depending on your diagnosis, treatment, and side effects. Always consult your oncology nutritionist or healthcare team before making significant changes to your diet. 

1. Protein-Rich Foods

Protein may help maintain muscle mass and support tissue repair during chemotherapy. 

Good sources include: 

• Eggs  

• Fish  

• Chicken  

• Lean meat  

• Paneer  

• Tofu  

• Lentils  

• Beans  

• Greek yogurt  

• Milk  

• Cottage cheese  

• Peanut butter  

• Nuts and seeds  

• Protein supplements (only if recommended by your oncology nutritionist or dietitian) 

Your oncology nutritionist may recommend the right amount of protein based on your nutritional needs and treatment plan. 

2. Whole Grains

Whole grains provide carbohydrates for energy along with fibre, vitamins, and minerals. 

Some suitable options include: 

• Whole wheat flour 

• Rice 

• Millets  

• Wholemeal breads and pasta 

• Oats 

• Quinoa  

If you experience diarrhoea or digestive discomfort, your oncology nutritionist may advise choosing lower-fibre foods until your symptoms improve. 

3. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants that may contribute to overall nutritional health. 

Some options include: 

• Bananas  

• Apples  

• Papaya  

• Berries  

• Oranges (if mouth sores are not present)  

• Carrots  

• Pumpkin  

• Sweet potatoes  

• Spinach  

• Broccoli  

If raw fruits or vegetables are difficult to tolerate, steaming or cooking them until soft may make them easier to eat. Always wash fresh produce thoroughly before consumption. 

4. Healthy Fats

Healthy fats provide a concentrated source of energy and may help increase calorie intake when appetite is poor. 

Examples include: 

• Nuts and seeds 

• Avocados  

• Healthy oils like ghee, olive oil, cold pressed oils 

Adding healthy fats to meals may help increase calorie intake without significantly increasing portion sizes. 

5. Dairy and Calcium-Rich Foods

If tolerated, dairy products may provide protein and calcium. 

Examples include: 

• Milk  

• Yogurt  

• Curd  

• Cheese  

• Fortified plant-based milk  

If dairy products cause discomfort, your oncology nutritionist may recommend suitable alternatives. 

6. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is an important part of eating during chemotherapy. Vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, or poor appetite may increase the risk of dehydration. 

Suitable fluid choices include: 

• Water  

• Coconut water  

• Soups  

• Buttermilk  

• Milk  

• Flavoured or infused water  

• Herbal teas (if recommended by your oncology nutritionist or dietitian) 

If drinking large amounts at once is difficult, taking small sips throughout the day may be easier. 

Foods to Eat Based on Common Chemotherapy Side Effects 

Chemotherapy affects everyone differently. Adjusting your diet based on your symptoms may make eating more comfortable and may help you meet your nutritional needs. Always consult your oncology nutritionist or healthcare team for personalised dietary advice, as nutritional needs vary from person to person. 

If You Feel Nauseous 

Choosing bland, easy-to-digest foods may help if you are experiencing nausea. 

Some suitable options include: 

• Plain toast  

• Crackers  

• Rice  

• Bananas  

• Plain khichdi  

• Applesauce  

Eating smaller meals more frequently and avoiding greasy or heavily spiced foods may help reduce discomfort if these foods worsen your nausea. 

If You Have Mouth Sores 

Soft foods may be easier to eat if you have mouth sores or discomfort while swallowing. 

Some suitable options include: 

• Yogurt  

• Milkshakes 

• Oatmeal  

• Mashed potatoes  

• Soft rice  

• Scrambled eggs  

Avoiding spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods may help minimise irritation. 

If Your Appetite Is Low 

Loss of appetite is a common side effect during chemotherapy. 

Instead of eating three large meals, you may find it easier to eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day. 

Nutrient-dense foods may include: 

• Milkshakes  

• Yogurt  

• Peanut butter  

• Cheese  

• Nuts  

• Homemade protein-rich snacks  

• Protein supplements (if recommended by your oncology nutritionist or dietitian) 

Even small amounts of food consumed regularly may contribute to meeting your daily nutritional requirements. 

If Food Tastes Different 

Chemotherapy may temporarily affect your sense of taste, making foods taste metallic, bitter, or bland. This may reduce your appetite or make meals less enjoyable. 

The following tips may help: 

• Try cold or room-temperature foods if hot meals have a strong smell.  

• Use herbs and mild seasonings to enhance flavour.  

• Marinate meats before cooking.  

• If food tastes metallic, try using glass cookware or plastic cutlery.  

• Experiment with different foods to find what feels comfortable.  

If You Have Diarrhoea 

Diarrhoea may increase the risk of dehydration and nutrient loss. Choosing easy-to-digest foods and replacing lost fluids may help. 

Suitable foods include: 

• White rice  

• Bananas  

• Applesauce  

• Plain toast  

• Boiled potatoes  

• Yogurt (if tolerated)  

Drinking fluids regularly may help maintain hydration. 

If You Have Constipation 

Some chemotherapy medicines and pain medications may slow digestion, leading to constipation. 

The following measures may help, depending on your condition: 

• Drink enough fluids. 

• Include fruits and vegetables if tolerated.  

• Choose whole grains unless your healthcare team advises otherwise.  

• Stay physically active, if recommended by your dietitian.  

Foods to Avoid During Chemotherapy

There isn’t a single list of foods that everyone undergoing chemotherapy should avoid. However, food safety becomes especially important because chemotherapy may weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections. 

Your healthcare team may recommend avoiding: 

• Raw or undercooked meat  

• Raw seafood and sushi  

• Raw or undercooked eggs  

• Unpasteurised milk and dairy products  

• Unwashed fruits and vegetables  

• Foods prepared in unhygienic conditions  

• Expired or spoiled foods  

If your white blood cell count is low, your dietitian or oncology nutritionist may recommend additional food safety precautions. 

Tips for Healthy Eating During Chemotherapy 

Simple eating habits may help you manage treatment-related side effects and maintain adequate nutrition during chemotherapy. 

• Eat small meals every 2-3 hours instead of three large meals.  

• Don’t wait until you feel very hungry before eating.  

• Keep healthy snacks within easy reach.  

• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.  

• Include a source of protein with each meal, if possible.  

• Choose freshly prepared, hygienically cooked food.  

• Ask family members or caregivers for help with meal preparation if needed.  

• Consult an oncology nutritionist if eating becomes difficult, your appetite is poor, or you experience unintended weight loss.

When Should You Consult an Oncology Nutritionist? 

Nutrition needs can change throughout cancer treatment. If you’re struggling to eat or experiencing ongoing side effects, personalised nutrition guidance can make a meaningful difference. 

Consider consulting an oncology nutritionist if you: 

• Have unintentional weight loss 

• Experience loss of appetite 

• Have persistent nausea or vomiting 

• Find it difficult to swallow 

• Have mouth sores 

• Require tube feeding 

• Need help planning meals during treatment 

• Want personalised nutrition advice before, during, or after chemotherapy 

Final Thoughts

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to foods to eat during chemotherapy. Every person’s treatment journey is different, and so are their nutritional needs. 

A balanced, healthy diet during chemotherapy can help support your body, maintain strength, and make it easier to manage treatment-related side effects. Even small dietary changes, when guided by your oncology nutritionist or healthcare team, may help you meet your nutritional needs during treatment. 

If you’re unsure what to eat during chemotherapy or need personalised nutrition guidance, speaking with an experienced oncology nutritionist can help you feel more confident about your food choices during treatment. 

Need Personalised Nutrition Support During Chemotherapy? 

At Oncoheal, our experienced oncology nutritionists provide personalised nutrition plans tailored to your diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, and nutritional needs. Our Diet During Chemotherapy Program is designed to help you maintain strength, manage treatment side effects, and receive ongoing nutrition support throughout your journey. 

Learn more about our Diet During Chemotherapy Program. 

Medical Disclaimer 

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Nutritional needs during chemotherapy vary from person to person based on the type of cancer, treatment, symptoms, and overall health. Always consult your oncologist, oncology nutritionist, or healthcare team before making changes to your diet or taking nutritional supplements.

References 

1. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment. 

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/eating-hints 

2. National Cancer Institute. Chemotherapy and You: Support for People With Cancer. 

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/chemo-and-you 

3. National Cancer Institute. Chemotherapy and You (Patient Guide PDF). 

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/chemotherapy-and-you.pdf 

4. American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy. 

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/treatment-types/chemotherapy.html 

5. World Cancer Research Fund. Cancer Diet and Treatment: Expert Answers to Common Questions. 

https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/news-and-blogs/cancer-diet-and-treatment-expert-answers-to-common-questions/