Best foods for chemotherapy patients

We all know that chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses one or more drugs to combat cancer cells in your body. 

It is always recommended that you eat lightly on your chemotherapy day. Eating small portions slowly and every few hours seems to work best. Avoid skipping meals on these days and do not try eating fatty, greasy, or spicy foods.

During Chemotherapy, it's very important to eat healthy food and take a balanced diet during cancer treatment to keep your body functioning optimally. Foods that are mild in flavor, easy on your stomach, and nutrient-dense are some of the best options. These include-

Oatmeal

Oatmeal has the ability to lower bad cholesterol. Eating oats is linked to an average 7% drop in cholesterol, research shows. Oatmeal also lowers blood sugar levels, promotes healthy bacteria in your guts, helps you to manage your weight, relieves skin itching and irritation, and is easy to digest.

Oats boast an ample amount of protein, carbs, and antioxidants.

Preparing oatmeal is very simple, soak oats in a warm milk of your choice and cook. You can top it with berries, honey, or nuts in the morning. Or cook with salt and veggies of your choice.

Eggs

Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Eating eggs during chemotherapy will supply protein and fats. 

While fat provides your body with energy, protein helps maintain and build muscle mass, which is especially important during chemotherapy.

You can eat boiled eggs but not half-boiled because it is difficult to digest.

Vegetables and greens

Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, green peas, spinach, and cabbage boast impressive nutritional value. Broccoli offers a good amount of vitamin C and Vitamin C is vital for your immune system.

You can steam and roast veggies with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper. You can add lemon to add a little jest.

Soups

You can add some soup like mixed vegetable soup to your diet. Soup is easy to digest and also provide you required nutrition. Try to add small meals and snacks like soups throughout the day, (aim for 5-6 smaller meals rather than 3 large meals).

Almonds and other nuts

Eating nuts like almonds and cashews provide you a lot of health benefits. During chemotherapy, you may find yourself in and out of a lot of appointments and during this time you need some small snacks breaks, here you can use almonds and nuts as a snack which is easy to take on the go. 

Not only this they also supply ample amounts of protein, vitamins, healthy fats, and minerals.

Almonds are a very good source of manganese and copper.

You can also add nuts to your oatmeal.