Healthy Eating During Cancer Radiation Therapy

1. Listen to Your Body

Side effects may occur on the day of treatment or after treatment. Radiation therapy primarily targets cancer cells, but it can also affect healthy cells. When healthy cells are affected, patients may experience various side effects. The location of the body targeted by radiation therapy may lead to different side effects, including

• Nausea/vomiting;
• Loss of appetite or taste;
• Gas and bloating;
• Mouth sores;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Dehydration;
• Weight loss;

To adjust your diet, you can opt for a bland diet or add lots of flavorful foods to your meals. Pay close attention to the signals your body is sending and adjust your diet accordingly. If you experience any side effects related to your radiation therapy, be sure to inform your doctor.

2. Stock Up on Healthy Foods

Another ingredient of a healthy diet during radiation therapy is planning ahead. Stock your pantry with a variety of healthy foods. Prepare and store healthy foods in your refrigerator and freezer before starting therapy. With a little foresight and preparation, it will be easy to eat well, even if you are not feeling your best.

3. Eat Nutrient-Rich Meals

Fruits and Vegetables

Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green, red, and orange vegetables, beans, and peas. Prepare and store healthy meals in your refrigerator and freezer before starting therapy. With a little planning and preparation, it will be easy to eat well even if you are not feeling your best.

Fat-free or Low-Fat (1%) Milk and Dairy Products

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, are a source of calcium, potassium, and other essential nutrients. If dairy products are excluded or cause digestive difficulties, consider consuming unsweetened soy, almond, or coconut milk.

Grains

Whole grains such as brown rice, 100% whole-wheat breads and rolls, and oatmeal are nutritious options. Quinoa, being a complete protein, gluten-free, and easy-to-prepare whole grain, is also an excellent choice. Substitute quinoa for white rice in your meals for an added protein boost. In general, whole grains are more beneficial than processed carbohydrates like white bread.

Lean Protein

Choose a variety of protein-rich and low-fat foods such as seafood, lean meat, poultry, Greek yogurt, eggs, beans, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds. Keep in mind that some soy products are highly processed and may not be as healthy as other types of soy. Edamame (young soybean in a pod) is a good choice for adding healthy soy to your diet. It is recommended to consume at least 10% of calories as protein.

Foods to Avoid or Reduce

During radiation therapy, it is advisable to avoid or reduce the consumption of sodium (salt), added sugars, solid (saturated) fats, and excessive alcohol. It is important to note that every diet requires a certain amount of salt. Your doctor or dietitian can recommend the amount of salt to consume based on your medical history. In addition to the foods mentioned above, it is recommended to avoid spicy foods as they can cause gastrointestinal problems during radiation therapy. Indeed, while nausea and diarrhea are common symptoms of radiation therapy, spicy foods can also cause cramps and stomach aches. Avoid consuming foods that might get stuck in the throat or are highly acidic during head and neck cancer radiation therapy. This measure is recommended when a person receives radiation therapy near the throat or mouth, as certain foods can irritate the mouth.

Food Preparation

During radiation therapy treatment, it is crucial to reduce the risks of contracting a foodborne illness. You should avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods to minimize the risk of food poisoning. For example, if you are currently undergoing radiation therapy or have recently completed your treatment, your doctor might advise you to avoid cold cuts, unpasteurized milk, undercooked eggs, unwashed fruits and vegetables, undercooked or raw shellfish, sushi, etc. It is recommended to favor the consumption of nutritious meals to promote good recovery after radiation therapy. High-calorie, low-nutrient meals will not provide the body with the necessary elements to heal, which could slow down the recovery process.

4. Break the Rules

To maintain a good diet during your radiation therapy, you may need to set aside your usual mealtime rules and invent new ones. It is beneficial to consume smaller, more frequent meals if you experience side effects from radiation therapy. Opting for 5 small meals a day instead of 3 large meals could promote food digestion and prevent nausea. Take your time to eat each small meal. Break meal traditions by having usual meals at different times of the day. If you prefer not to have breakfast early in the morning, you might consider enjoying a small portion of roast chicken and rice, cream or broth soup, or even ice cream. On the other hand, you might be tempted to consume foods typically served at breakfast during dinner. Don't limit the types of healthy foods you eat based on the time of day.

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5. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Hydration is an important aspect of a diet during radiation therapy. Drink water or other fluids frequently. If the taste of water is not appealing, consider adding water to soup broths, fruit drinks, and flavored teas. It is essential to maintain good hydration, especially in case of diarrhea during radiation therapy. Jello, pudding, popsicles, and juice are other ways to hydrate. It is advisable to consume 6 to 8 cups of liquid per day. Make sure to always have a bottle of water within reach.

6. Vitamins and Minerals

Your body needs vitamins and minerals to function optimally and to transform the energy (calories) contained in food. Although most of these elements are naturally present in foods, they are also available in tablet and liquid supplement form. By following a balanced diet that is sufficiently rich in calories and protein, you will generally be able to meet your vitamin and mineral needs. However, maintaining such a diet can become complicated during cancer treatment, especially in the presence of side effects. In this case, your doctor or dietitian may recommend a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. If you have restricted your food intake for several weeks or months due to the effects of treatment, please inform your doctor. You may need follow-up to detect any possible vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

If you are considering taking a supplement, please discuss it with your doctor first. Some people with cancer consume significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements to boost their immune system or try to destroy cancer cells. However, some of these substances can be harmful, especially when taken in high doses. In fact, high doses of certain vitamins and minerals can decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If your doctor indicates the possibility of taking a vitamin during treatment, it may be wiser to select a supplement that does not exceed 100% of the daily value (DV) in vitamins and minerals, and is free of iron (unless otherwise advised by your doctor if iron is needed).

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