Good nutrition plays an important role in effective cancer treatment, says UCLA Health dietitian Deborah Hong, RDN.
“Food is a tool that can help improve outcomes,” Hong said in a webinar presented by the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, which provides nutrition and psychosocial support at no cost to people receiving cancer treatment at UCLA Health.
Hong offered guidance around food safety; coping with treatment-related symptoms such as reduced appetite, nausea and vomiting; food aversions; and taste changes.
Here are some top takeaways.
Food safety takes on extra importance during cancer treatment because chemotherapy temporarily weakens the immune system, Hong said.
It’s a good idea to stay away from buffets and street food during treatment to avoid consuming ingredients that haven’t been maintained at proper temperatures. Other potentially unsafe foods include sashimi and sushi, raw oysters, ceviche, unpasteurized dairy such as soft cheeses, raw honey, raw sprouts and deli meats. Avoid fresh juices, too, unless you squeeze them yourself, she said.
When preparing foods at home, be sure to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Hong suggested using a mix of baking soda and water, or vinegar, salt and water to ensure produce is free of dirt and bacteria. Stay away from runny eggs and make sure meats are cooked thoroughly, using a meat thermometer to make sure internal temperatures reach a safe level (usually 145 degrees Fahrenheit for beef and 165 degrees for chicken).
Reduced appetite is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea also contribute to diminished appetite during cancer treatment, as do nausea, taste changes and cold sensitivities. But nutrition is essential as the body repairs and rebuilds.
Consider setting an alarm to remind you about mealtimes and aim to eat something small, Hong suggested: “Try not to wait until you feel famished before eating and try not to skip meals.”
If you’re hungrier in the mornings, have a larger meal then, and opt for smaller snacks later in the day. Cottage cheese, fruit, yogurt and nut butters make for easy, healthy snacks.
Many treatment regimens include anti-nausea medication. While it may seem counterintuitive, eating small amounts throughout the day can help quell nausea, Hong said: “Stomach acid builds up on an empty stomach.” Choose bland foods such as rice or toast, she said.
Food aversions and taste changes can make once beloved foods unappealing.
“One quick tip you can try is to mix a teaspoon of baking soda and some salt in some water and rinse your mouth before and after meals or snacks to really try to cleanse your palate,” Hong said.
Starchier foods or tart foods may be more appealing during this time, she added.
If foods taste too bitter, acidic or metallic, try swapping out stainless steel cutlery for wooden or plastic utensils.
Sensitivity to smell may make cooking unpleasant. Keep the kitchen well-ventilated or opt for foods that don’t need to be cooked such as smoothies, sandwiches, nut butters and fruit.
Digestive issues are common during cancer treatment. Many patients will experience gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, Hong said.
To combat gas and bloating, reduce consumption of high-fiber vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cabbage. Cooked vegetables may be easier to digest than raw.
Avoid dairy foods, as cancer treatment may cause temporary lactose intolerance, Hong said. Sugar substitutes, carbonated drinks, chewing gum and drinking from a straw can also exacerbate gas and bloating, she said. Soluble fiber – such as that found in bananas, oatmeal, applesauce and potatoes – may be helpful. This type of fiber absorbs water and can help slow digestion.
But your fiber needs are likely to change throughout cancer treatment, she added.
“Many people fluctuate between diarrhea and constipation,” Hong said, “and you may need to manipulate just how much fiber you’re consuming.” Working with a dietitian during your treatment can help you determine how much and what type of fiber may be best for your circumstances.
Drinking more water can help ease constipation, as can drinking hot beverages, which relax the muscles to help stimulate a bowel movement, she said.
Insoluble fiber – found in wheat bran, quinoa, almonds, flax seeds and leafy greens, among many others – adds bulk to stool and speeds digestion. “Think of it as a broom that really sweeps out the stools from your GI tract,” she said.
Walking also helps with digestion, she added, and can help stimulate appetite.
