Diet During Chemotherapy: What Helps Reduce Nausea, Fatigue, and Appetite Loss
Dr. Sneha Kommineni, Consultant – Medical Oncology, Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore
Chemotherapy has several kinds of effects on the body. Common side effects include nausea, exhaustion, altered taste, and decreased appetite. Although there isn’t a single anti-cancer diet, eating the right foods can greatly reduce side effects, promote healing, and improve a patient’s ability to handle treatment.
Chemotherapy targets cancer cells that divide quickly. However, it can also impact the brain’s nausea control centres and healthy cells in the digestive system. This leads to sensations of queasiness, reduced hunger, or even changes in taste.
Managing nausea and vomiting:
Large portions are typically more difficult to tolerate than small, frequent meals. Bananas, rice, crackers, toast, and other dry, bland foods can aid in stomach settling. It has been demonstrated that ginger, whether taken as tea, chewed, or as a food additive, helps many patients who are experiencing nausea from chemotherapy. Eating slowly, avoiding oily or spicy foods, and avoiding strong smells can all be beneficial. It’s crucial to stay properly hydrated with water. Coconut water, clear soups, or oral rehydration solutions, particularly if vomiting happens.
Coping with appetite loss and taste changes:
Since appetite loss is common, nutrient-dense foods should be prioritised over quantity. Curd, smoothies, porridge, dal, and soups are examples of soft, easily swallowed foods that are frequently more well-liked. Using lemon, herbs, or mild spices can make food more palatable if it tastes bitter or metallic. Using plastic cutlery instead of metal may also reduce metallic taste. Patients should eat when their appetite is best, even if that means unconventional meal timings.
Reducing fatigue through nutrition:
Fatigue during chemotherapy is often linked to inadequate calorie and protein intake. Include protein at every meal, such as eggs, dairy, pulses, tofu, fish, or lean meat. These foods help maintain muscle strength and energy levels. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, millets, fruits, and vegetables provide sustained energy, while healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and oils add calories without increasing portion size.
Food safety and individualisation:
Chemotherapy can weaken immunity, making food safety crucial. Foods should be freshly prepared, well-cooked, and hygienically stored. Unless otherwise instructed, raw or unpasteurised foods should be avoided. Importantly, dietary needs vary based on cancer type, treatment phase, and side effects, so nutrition plans should be individualised.
Strategies to Improve Appetite
While it may take time to regain normal eating habits, small and consistent changes can make a big difference.
1. Eat small, frequent meals:
Instead of three large meals, try 5–6 smaller portions throughout the day to keep your stomach comfortable.
2. Choose soft, mild foods:
Soups, mashed vegetables, porridge, and fruit smoothies are gentle on the stomach.
3. Add flavour smartly:
Using mild herbs, lemon, or mint can help mask metallic tastes caused by chemotherapy.
4. Stay hydrated:
Dehydration worsens nausea. Sip water, coconut water, or light herbal teas frequently.
5. Don’t skip breakfast:
Morning meals can stabilise energy levels before nausea sets in.
Loss of appetite and nausea can also affect mental health, leading to anxiety or frustration about food and body image. Support groups, counselling, and family encouragement play a major role in helping patients stay motivated.
