Cancer is one of the most difficult battles for your body to fight, not just physically but also emotionally. Imagine that nothing tastes good, even your go-to comfort meal doesn't taste the same, and it's been this way for weeks and months continuously. This is how chemotherapy affects you and your taste buds.

But what we need to realize here is that food is not just fuel for the body for energy; food is actually medicine if used properly. Having the right meals can actually help your nausea and energy levels and help your body heal a lot faster.

In chemotherapy, patients mostly struggle with not wanting to eat anything, which further drains their energy and does not give the body the right nutrients to heal at such a crucial juncture. But we at Dr. Shikha Sharma can help you make small changes in your diet that will make your meals tasty and full of nutrients.

Read More: Cancer and Diet: A Holistic Approach to Healing

Best Foods to Eat During Chemotherapy

Chemo can make you feel so tired and drained, weaken your immunity, and also make your digestion very weak. But eating something that gives you energy and soothes your stomach can help a lot!

Protein-rich foods—Eggs, paneer, dal, and lean chicken help you repair your tissues faster.
Soft, easy-to-digest foods—Khichdi, mashed sweet potatoes, and oats are very soft and easy on your stomach and don’t let you feel dehydrated.
Ginger and mint—According to traditional Indian medicine, they help you deal with nausea naturally.

At this time it is important to not put a strain on your stomach, so you should avoid raw salads or any food from outside.

Foods to Eat During Chemotherapy for Strength

Chemotherapy can make you feel so weak and tired that even eating food feels like an exercise, which is why patients think they don’t feel like eating. Foods below can help:

Soups & broths—Moong dal soup or vegetable stew are very light and easy to digest.
Smoothies—Blend bananas and some seeds and nuts for energy throughout the day.
Dry fruits & nuts—Soaked almonds or dates give lots of quick energy.

Many patients get mouth sores that make eating painful; in such cases, cold foods like custard or chilled fruit can help out a lot.

What to Drink During Chemo?

It is really important to stay hydrated during chemo, but plain water might feel boring sometimes. You should definitely try these.

Herbal teas—Chamomile or tulsi tea soothe digestion.
Buttermilk (chaas)—Cooling and full of probiotics.
Fresh juices—Pomegranate or amla juice increases hemoglobin in your blood.

Try to avoid sugary drinks and caffeine—as they can make you even more dehydrated.

How Dr. Shikha Sharma’s Approach Can Help?

At Dr. Shikha Sharma, we believe in holistic recovery and not just hiding the symptoms. We understand that everybody is different and has a different prakriti, so what might work for one doesn't necessarily work for the other. Our team of doctors, nutritionists, and Ayurveda experts works together to create a personalized plan that fits your body and your treatment. We will help you figure out your meals, help you find foods that actually taste good and give you energy, and support you through this difficult time. Reach out to us today to get a free assessment of your unique body type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Qn 1. What foods are best to eat while on chemo?

Ans: You should focus on soft foods with lots of protein like khichdi, eggs, dal, and fruits like bananas and chikoo. Please avoid raw or spicy foods if you have mouth sores.

Qn 2. What to drink during chemo?

Ans: Herbal teas, coconut water, buttermilk, and fresh juices (without sugar) are very good. Please stay away from alcohol and caffeine.

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Diet During Chemotherapy: What to Eat for Better Recovery

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