Help with Nutrition During Chemo

[LisaLisa1]

Hi.  Can anyone suggest a good diet +/or vitamin plan that they have had success with that would help fight cancer along with my chemotherapy?

[milashka]

My oncologist said no supplements during chemo except a multivitamin, but I was allowed to eat everything I wanted. So I tried to eat healthy to get as much good stuff as I could the natural way LOL. My advice:

1. Water (drink as much as you can, I drank 3 liters at least), it helps with the side effects and flushes the kidneys which decreases the risk of kidney failure.
2. Protein
3. Fruits (especially the red, orange, purple ones)
4. Veggies

Then again, if you have problems eating due to loss or change of appetite, eat what you like and can eat. But keep eating. My thing was gorgonzola, potatoes and apple sauce on the days I didn't feel well. You may also want to eat light the day before a treatment and the day off.

[LisaLisa1]

I appreciate everyones help!

[toothfairyp]

Hi! I don't have any nutritional info but I have other helpful info. There is a mouthrinse called Biotene that is over the counter that helps with mouthsores from chemo. Get on it asap hopefully before you start chemo to prevent them from coming. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!

[suzsen]

I believe the American Cancer Society website has a section on nutrition during chemo.  Not sure exactly where it is on the site, but I know I saw it.  www.cancer.org (what a cheery website name - not!)

[brthbbs]

I think the cleanest diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and meats are the best for overall health.  I've managed to keep my red cell count up during ehemo with diet alone--cooking in cast iron helps with the iron content of the food.  I've actually been craving vegan breads--heavy, dense and full of seeds and cracked grains.  Really good toasted and helps with the red count as well.  The docs can't believe it when I tell them I'm not taking supplements.  I think the bread also helps with the constipation problem.
The processed foods, fortunately, don't appeal to me anymore--so I'm eating clean because my body craves it.  Everyone has a favorite cancer busting food but I think it's an overall approach to health that makes a difference.  One acquaintance told me I could cure my cancer eating avocados--yeah right--I've had a love affair with avocados since I was 12 and I still go cancer--so who knows?

[newlifegal]

Make sure you get enough protein in your diet because protein is important in helping your body to heal.  Also try to drink lots of water--easier said then done, I know.  But staying well hydrated is key in keeping everything in balance.  You might see is a nutritionist is available where you receive your chemo.  I started working with one and have found her information very helpful.

[Hazel30]

My Mom drinks lots of juices (blueberry, pomergranet (sp?)) Those two are very high in antioxidents.  She also eats black caviar that is also great while on chemo, very pricy but hey its worth it.  Thats about it.  4 out 5 chemos she only needed the immune booster shot nuelesta once.  So Im assuming its all the things she eats and drinks thats helping her.  Good Luck