Good Nutrition

More important than ever!

When your body is working to overcome cancer, good nutrition is more important than ever. Having enough of the right foods can:

  • Help you keep your strength up
  • Protect healthy tissue in your body
  • Rebuild tissues damaged by cancer
  • Help reduce side effects

Protein is especially important

Protein helps your body repair tissue damaged by cancer. Even if you don't feel like eating much, find ways to add protein to your daily diet to promote healing and general health.

What can you do?

  1. Eat a variety of foods, because different food groups provide different nutrientsPop Up Link.
  2. If you feel most hungry in the morning (which many people do during treatment) make breakfast your main meal. Don't be afraid to eat hearty breakfasts with high-protein foods such as eggs, meats, and cheese.
  3. If you find you can only eat one or two things on certain days, stick with those until you feel better.
  4. Try small meals and frequent snacks throughout the day, instead of three main meals.
  5. If you have days when you can't eat anything, try not to pressure yourself. Do whatever helps you feel more comfortable and drink as much fluid as you can. Start eating again as soon as possible. Contact your health care team if this lasts more than a day or two.

Always be sure to drink lots of fluids - at least 10 to 16 full glasses of water, juice, or caffeine-free beverages every day

Tips for Adding Protein and Calories to Your Diet

  • Add instant non-fat dry milk to regular milk (for drinking and cooking); add the dry milk directly to many foods such as eggs, soups, sauces, and gravies.
  • Add cheese to sauces, vegetables, and soups.
  • Add chopped leftover meat to soups and casseroles.
  • Spread cream cheese or peanut butter on crackers, bread, apples, celery, or waffles.
  • Add extras such as butter, salad dressing, mayonnaise, or whipped cream to any dish you like.
  • Keep snacks handy and carry them with you; try nuts, dried fruit, popcorn, granola, cheese and crackers, and ice pops.

NOTE: Some of these foods may not work for you if you are having side effects such as constipation or diarrhea. Find solutions for those special needs.

Cancer
A general term for more than 100 different diseases that involve the uncontrolled increase of abnormal new cells. These cells form tumors that can destroy surrounding tissue and spread throughout the body.
Protein
A molecule made up of amino acids that are needed for the body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes, cytokines, and antibodies.
Side effect
A result of drug or other therapy which is in addition to the desired therapeutic effect.
Tissue
A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.