Chemotherapy regimens

What are the best foods to eat while on chemotherapy?

What foods should be avoided during chemotherapy?

What foods help with nausea from chemo?

What should I eat the night before chemo?

Chemotherapy regimens

A regimen is a plan of treatment that involves drugs such as chemotherapy. A regimen specifies: the types of drugs the dosage of each drug how long you take the drugs for how often they are taken. Your medical team plan the best treatment for you based on your individual circumstances. Chemotherapy drugs may be given in combination using several different medications. These medications may be given at the same time, or one after another for a specific period of time. This is referred to as a chemotherapy regimen. These regimens may be identified by an acronym, which are formed using the first letter(s) of the chemical name, chemical abbreviation, and/or trade name of the agents used in the regimen.

Some chemotherapy drugs may be given on their own (for example pixantrone and bendamustine), especially if the aim of treatment is to control symptoms. You may have a chemotherapy drug with a different type of drug such as an antibody (biological) therapy like rituximab, or a steroid such as prednisolone.  Which chemotherapy regimen might I have? The exact regimen you have depends on a number of factors including: the type of lymphoma you have how quickly the lymphoma is growing – whether it’s fast-growing (high-grade) or slow-growing (low-grade) where in your body the lymphoma is the symptoms or problems that your lymphoma is causing your general health and fitness.

Read more about: Chemotherapy

Read more about: Chemotherapy side effects

Read more about : open heart surgery in Iran

Read more about : Stages of fissure healing

Read more about : Rectal abscess burst

What are the best foods to eat while on chemotherapy?

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal provides numerous nutrients that can help your body during chemo.

It boasts ample amounts of carbs, protein, and antioxidants, as well as more healthy fats than most grains. It also helps regulate your bowels because of its beta glucan, a type of soluble fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut.

Oatmeal’s neutral flavor and creamy texture are especially advantageous if you’re experiencing common chemo side effects like dry mouth or mouth sores.

What’s more, you can take overnight oats to your chemo appointments. To make this dish, simply soak oats in a milk of your choice and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, you can top it with berries, honey, or nuts.

If you’re taking oatmeal on the go, eat it within 2 hours to avoid foodborne illnesses though you can minimize this risk by keeping it in a cooler.

Fruit, maple syrup, and nuts are common add-ins, though you can also make savory oatmeal with avocado or eggs. Eat it plain or with a dash of salt if you’re experiencing nausea or mouth sores.

Oatmeal provides numerous nutrients and is palatable if you’re experiencing chemo symptoms like dry mouth, mouth sores, and nausea. Its fiber can also help keep your bowel movements regular.

2. Avocado

If your appetite is lacking, avocados can pack necessary calories and nutrients into your diet.

This creamy, green fruit is particularly high in healthy monounsaturated fat, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while raising HDL (good) cholesterol. It’s also loaded with fiber, with 3.5 ounces (100 grams) packing 27% of the Daily Value (DV)

Its fiber bulks up your stool and feeds the friendly bacteria in your gut.

Because they’re filling, versatile, and mild, avocados are a great option if you’re experiencing dry mouth, constipation, mouth sores, or weight loss.

You can smash and spread them on toast or slice them to top a bowl of grains, beans, or soup.

Just be sure to wash unpeeled avocados before you slice them, as their skin can harbor Listeria, a common bacterium that can cause food poisoning.

Avocados are a nutritional powerhouse. With plenty of fat and fiber, they can keep you full and provide needed calories when your appetite is low.

3. Eggs

Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy.

Eggs may fight tiredness due to their generous supply of protein and fats nearly 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fat in a single medium-sized egg (44 grams).

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

You can hard-boil eggs for a portable snack or scramble them for a scrumptious meal. Make sure that they’re thoroughly cooked, with thickened yolks and hardened whites, to prevent food poisoning.

Their soft, soothing texture makes eggs ideal if you’re experiencing mouth sores.

Eggs may ease fatigue due to their combination of protein and fats. Additionally, they’re easy to eat if you have mouth sores.

4. Broth

Taste changes are normal during chemotherapy and water is commonly said to taste different.

In these instances, broth is a great alternative to keep you hydrated. It’s made by simmering water with vegetables, herbs, and if desired meat or poultry, plus bones.

During this process, electrolytes are released into the fluid. These charged particles, which include nutrients like sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium, help keep your body functioning properly.

Sipping on broth can be helpful if you’re losing electrolytes through vomit, sweat, or diarrhea.

If you have the appetite for it, you can add chicken, tofu, or veggies into your broth. Puréeing this mixture will help it go down easier if you have mouth sores.

For added nutrients, especially when you’re experiencing dry mouth or low appetite, you can heap in a spoonful of flavorless protein powder, such as collagen powder.

However, keep your broth clear and simple if you’re experiencing nausea or vomiting and sip slowly. Broth is great in these instances, as its lack of fiber makes it easier to digest.

Clear broth helps you stay hydrated and replenished, especially if water starts tasting differently during your chemo. You can add veggies or protein if you’re feeling able to handle solid food.

5. Almonds and other nuts

During chemotherapy, you may find yourself in and out of a lot of appointments so snacks can come in handy.

Not only are nuts like almonds and cashews easy to take on the go, but they also boast ample amounts of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

These minerals form superoxide dismutases, some of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants help fight free radicals that damage your cells.

You can also add nuts to oatmeal or other dishes.

However, they may not be easy to eat if you’re experiencing mouth sores. In these instances, choose nut butters instead.

Almonds boast an impressive number of nutrients, including manganese and copper, and serve as an ideal snack.

6. Pumpkin seeds

Like nuts, pumpkin seeds are great for snacking on between your appointments.

They’re rich in fats, protein, and antioxidants like vitamin E, which can help fight inflammation.

What’s more, they deliver nearly 3 grams of iron per 1/3 cup (33 grams), or about 15% of the DV.

However, some treatments, such as blood transfusions, may increase your risk of iron overload, or excess iron in your body. If you develop this condition, you’ll want to watch your intake of pumpkin seeds and other high-iron foods.

For a sweet-and-salty twist, make your own trail mix by combining pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and other dried fruits, seeds, and nuts.

Pumpkin seeds are great on-the-go snacks and are especially rich in healthy fats and iron. Yet, if you have iron overload, you may want to limit your intake.

7. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, including kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, boast an impressive nutritional profile.

In particular, broccoli offers a significant amount of vitamin C. This vitamin is vital for your immune system.

What’s more, it contains sulforaphane, a plant compound thought to improve brain health.

Research has shown that sulforaphane can positively impact brain health by reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage, which is especially important when undergoing chemotherapy.

Steam or roast these veggies with olive oil and a dash of salt. If you’re experiencing taste changes, try a squeeze of lemon as long as you don’t have mouth sores or nausea.

Broccoli and other cruciferous veggies are high in nutrients your body needs. In particular, broccoli contains sulforaphane, a plant compound that may help protect brain health.

8. Homemade smoothies

Homemade smoothies are a great option if you’re having a hard time chewing solid food or getting enough nutrients in your diet.

They’re highly customizable, allowing you to choose the best ingredients for your symptoms or taste changes.

Here’s a basic smoothie formula:

• 1–2 cups (240–475 ml) of liquid
• 1.5–3 cups (225–450 grams) of veggies and/or fruit
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of protein
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of fat

For instance, combine fresh or frozen fruit with milk or kefir, then toss in a handful or two of washed spinach leaves. Dump in a spoonful of flax seeds for fat and peanut butter for protein.

If you’re using fresh berries, be sure to soak them before rinsing thoroughly in running water. This will help remove any debris or bacteria that could make you sick.

You can also squeeze in a bit of lemon or lime to brighten up the flavors.

Smoothies are a great option for times when eating is difficult. Plus, they’re an ideal way to add fruit and veggies to your diet.

9. Bread or crackers

If you’re experiencing diarrhea or nausea, white bread or crackers are a good choice because they’re typically easy to digest. Whole-grain versions, which supply added nutrients, are ideal for when your stomach is not upset.

Salted crackers or saltines are especially useful to replenish sodium lost through diarrhea or vomiting.

Eat them plain or top with nut butter, smashed avocado, or ricotta cheese if you desire more flavor and nutrients.

White bread and crackers can be helpful if diarrhea or nausea set in. Saltines can help restore sodium lost to diarrhea or vomiting.

10. Fish

If you enjoy seafood, it’s a good idea to eat two servings of fish per week when you’re in chemotherapy. That’s because it provides protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3s are important fats that you must get through your diet. They support brain health and boast anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, eating plenty of protein and healthy fat-rich foods like fish can help you avoid unhealthy weight loss during treatment.

Salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, and sardines are particularly high in these fats.

What’s more fattier fish like salmon and herring are a rich source of vitamin D, which is necessary for proper bone and immune health. In fact, a small salmon filet (170 grams) provides 113% of the DV.

Steam, pan-fry, or roast your fish with a squeeze of lemon. Use a meat thermometer to be sure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) or 165°F (74°C) if you’re reheating it.

Fish can be a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Plus, eating protein and fat-rich foods like fish high in omega-3s can help prevent unwanted weight loss, and vitamin D is important for immunity. Aim to eat two servings per week.

Read more about: Chemotherapy types

Read more about : Cancer Treatment

Read more about : Orchiectomy surgery for prostate cancer

What foods should be avoided during chemotherapy?

Foods to avoid (especially for patients during and after chemo):

• Hot, spicy foods (i.e. hot pepper, curry, Cajun spice mix).
• Fatty, greasy or fried foods.
• Very sweet, sugary foods.
• Large meals.
• Foods with strong smells (foods that are warm tend to smell stronger).
• Eating or drinking quickly.
• Drinking beverages with meals.
• Lying down after a meal.

What foods help with nausea from chemo?

Knowing how to manage nausea is important to staying healthy during your treatment. The following are suggestions to minimize your discomfort:

1. Avoid your favorite food.Do not eat your favorite food if you are feeling nauseated. This may create a negative association with that food and the next time you try to eat it, your favorite food may cause you to feel queasy. Rather, have foods that are easy to digest such as crackers, toast, yogurt, potato, broth, or rice.
2. Talk to your doctor about nausea medications.Common medications for nausea include ondansetron (Zofran) and prochlorperazine maleate (Compazine). It is best to take these medications about an hour before eating. This will help you maximize how much you can eat and allow you to enjoy your meal more.
3. Avoid strong smells.Half of our taste sensors come from our nose, so avoid the kitchen while your family or friends are cooking (this would be a good time for a nap in your bedroom). Open a window to help neutralize any smells.
4. Avoid warm foods.Cold foods like yogurt and ice cream are often well tolerated. Try letting your warm food cool down for 30 minutes before eating (this will also allow more time to pass when airing out the kitchen). If you cannot wait, place your warm dish in a large bowl of ice to it cool down quickly.
5. Eat every 2-3 hours.Sometimes an empty stomach causes a queasy stomach. Try to not let your stomach get completely empty by snacking on pretzels, crackers, toast, yogurt, cheese, or a milkshake.
6. Eat what you want to eat.If you feel like having macaroni and cheese, and that appeals to you, then by all means, eat some macaroni and cheese. Breakfast food for dinner? Go for it! Don’t try to force yourself to eat a meal that causes your stomach to turn at the thought of it. Some patients are turned off by salty foods, some by sweet foods. Some patients find that everything tastes very bland and enjoy extra herbs or spices. Adjust how your food is prepared so that is appeals to you. This is not a one size fits all approach to eating.
7. Drink liquids in-between meals/snacks.Filling your stomach up with liquids during mealtime there will be less room for food! You will feel full faster if you drink too much with your meals. Staying hydrated is important, so sip on liquids in between your meals. Small sips during meal times should be well tolerated.
8. Use ginger and peppermint.Ginger and peppermint are age old remedies used for treating nausea. Make a cup of ginger or peppermint tea, or purchase ginger or peppermint candies. Put a drop of peppermint essential oil on a tissue and bring it with you to inhale. If you know you like the scent of peppermint, you could put a drop underneath the collar of your shirt or pin a handkerchief with a drop underneath your shirt. Caution: make sure you find the smell of something pleasant before putting it on your clothing.

Read more about: Bladder cancer

What should I eat the night before chemo?

Fluids, fluids, fluids. Drink as much as you can the night before and the morning of your infusion. This will make it easier to find a vein for the IV, and it will help to flush the chemo out.

Read more about: Rectal Cancer Symptoms

Read more about: Breast cancer biopsy