The foods you eat during chemoimmunotherapy may largely depend on how you’re feeling.
“When you’re feeling generally well, you’re encouraged to incorporate healthy eating practices,” says Vanessa Salino, RD, a board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. “Good nutrition should focus on a balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fluids.”
She recommends incorporating the following foods into your diet during chemoimmunotherapy.
1. Leafy Green Vegetables
“Cruciferous vegetables are well researched to be protective and contain nutrients like vitamin C, folate, and fiber,” says Salino.
She suggests incorporating vegetables into soups. “When reheating chicken noodle or tomato soup on the stovetop, adding some kale — fresh or frozen — provides more nutritional value.”
2. Berries
“Berries — like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries — are rich in antioxidants,” says Salino. “The tangy or tart flavors of berries can also be helpful when experiencing taste changes and nausea.”
She suggests adding berries to hot or cold cereal or yogurt. Fresh berries are already fairly easy to prepare when you’re tired: Just wash and eat. But prewashed frozen berries may be even easier and won’t spoil as quickly.
3. Squash and Root Vegetables
“Butternut squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots are rich in the protective compounds called carotenoids, while being gentle on digestion,” says Salino. “Some of the many benefits of carotenoids include eye health, heart health, and cancer protection.”
These veggies can be cooked in soups or stews or roasted in the oven for an easy side dish or main course.
4. Melon
“Good fruit choices for loose stools can include melons like cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon,” says Salino. They’re also hydrating and can taste refreshing in a fruit salad or as a snack with yogurt or nut butter.
5. Fatty Fish
Salmon, sardines, and other fatty fish are good protein sources and have omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, says Salino. Protein can help you maintain a healthy weight and lean muscle mass during treatment.
If you’re not into the taste of fish right now, Salino suggests using a marinade, such as honey mustard or orange juice and teriyaki sauce. If you have a metallic taste in your mouth — another potential side effect of treatment — avoid metal cookware for now and use a glass baking dish instead.
6. Nuts
Nuts are a good source of protein and contain omega-3s, says Salino. Sprinkle them on your cereal or yogurt along with fruit, add them to salads, or top fish with them.
7. Nonmeat Proteins
If meat and fish are unappealing due to taste changes, nausea, or low appetite, Salino recommends eating nut or seed butters and yogurt. Protein shakes and smoothies can also help you get enough protein when you’re struggling with appetite or experiencing other symptoms, such as a sore mouth or throat, that make it hard to eat.
Of course, if you eat lean meat and can tolerate it, you can incorporate it into your meals, as well. Like fish, lean meat can help you maintain a healthy weight and lean muscle mass during treatment.
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