Why Nutrition Matters During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy attacks rapidly dividing cells both cancer cells and some healthy cells. This can cause sideeffects that affect appetite, taste, digestion and the bodys ability to absorb nutrients. Maintaining good nutrition helps to:
- Support the immune system and reduce infection risk
- Maintain muscle mass and strength
- Improve energy levels for daily activities
- Help the body tolerate and recover from treatment
- Prevent weight loss or unwanted weight gain
Common Nutrition Challenges on the Day Unit
Patients often experience one or more of the following during treatment days:
- Nausea & vomiting: Can make it hard to keep food down.
- Loss of appetite: A reduced desire to eat, especially foods with strong flavors.
- Changes in taste or smell: Food may taste metallic or bland.
- Mouth sores or dry mouth: Make chewing and swallowing painful.
- Diarrhoea or constipation: Affect fluid and fibre balance.
Tip: Keep a symptom diary for a week. Noting when nausea occurs, which foods trigger it, and how you feel after eating will guide personalized adjustments.
Practical Nutrition Tips for the Day Unit
1. Small, Frequent Meals
Instead of three large meals, aim for 56 minimeals or snacks every 23 hours. This eases digestion and provides a steady source of energy.
2. Choose Easily Digestible Foods
Opt for soft, lowfat options such as cooked cereals, smoothies, brothbased soups, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and yogurt. Avoid fried, greasy or heavily spiced dishes that can aggravate nausea.
3. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration worsens fatigue and can intensify sideeffects. Sip water, herbal teas, diluted fruit juices, or electrolyte drinks throughout the day. Aim for at least 1.52L (about 810 cups) daily, unless fluid restriction is advised.
4. Manage Nausea with Food Timing
Eat a small, bland snack (e.g., a cracker or toast) 30minutes before chemotherapy. After treatment, wait a short break before trying solid foods; start with a clear broth or gelatin.
5. Enhance Flavor Without OverSeasoning
Use herbs, citrus zest, or a little lowsodium soy sauce to brighten taste. Warm foods often smell better and are more soothing.
6. Focus on Protein
Protein helps repair tissues and maintain immune function. Include sources such as lean poultry, fish, eggs, beans, tofu, Greek yogurt, and lowfat cheese.
7. Include Fiber Wisely
If constipation is an issue, add soluble fibre (e.g., oatmeal, peeled apples, bananas). For diarrhoea, choose lowfiber foods like white rice, plain pasta and cooked carrots.
8. Keep a Snack Pack Ready
Pack a small bag with items that you tolerate well: nutbutter packets, dried fruit, cheese sticks, or a readymade protein shake. Having them on hand makes it easier to eat during treatment breaks.
Sample OneDay Meal Plan (12001500kcal)
Adjust portion sizes according to personal needs and appetite.
Before Treatment (30min early)
- 1 plain cracker or a small piece of toast with a thin spread of almond butter
- cup (120ml) gingerpepper tea (helps settle stomach)
Breakfast (posttreatment, if tolerated)
- Greek yogurt ( cup) topped with a tablespoon of honey and a handful of soft berries
- cup cooked oatmeal mixed with a splash of milk and a pinch of cinnamon
MidMorning Snack
- Bananasmoothie: 1 banana, cup lowfat milk, cup rolled oats, a drizzle of maple syrup
Lunch
- Clear chicken broth with noodles and shredded carrots
- Softcooked fish fillet (100g) with a drizzle of lemon juice
- Mashed sweet potato ( cup) seasoned with a tiny pinch of salt
Afternoon Snack
- Wholegrain rice cake with a thin spread of cottage cheese
- Handful of unsalted almonds (if nuts are welltolerated)
Dinner
- Vegetable pure soup (carrot, pumpkin, a little coconut milk)
- Soft scrambled eggs (2 eggs) with finely chopped spinach
- Steamed white rice ( cup) with a touch of olive oil
Evening Snack (if needed)
- Warm milk ( cup) with a sprinkle of nutmeg
- 23 small digestive biscuits
Remember: the goal is to listen to your body. If a meal feels too heavy, switch to a lighter option or spread the same calories over more frequent snacks.
Further Resources
- American Cancer Society Nutrition for People With Cancer
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Nutrition Support in Cancer Care
- Local dietitian or clinical nutritionist request a oneonone session on the day unit.
- Support groups sharing experiences can provide practical tips and emotional comfort.
