Eating During Chemotherapy: What Helps and What to Avoid

Chemotherapy is a powerful treatment that affects not only cancer cells but also healthy cells, leading to various side effects—including those related to eating and digestion. While some people may feel hungry, others may struggle with nausea, loss of appetite, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing. Every person's experience with chemotherapy is unique, and symptoms can change from one treatment session to another.

However, eating well is crucial. Proper nutrition helps prevent weight loss, maintain energy and muscle tissue, and support the body's ability to heal damaged cells. Even if food feels unappealing, the goal is to nourish your body in the best way possible.

Common Eating Challenges During Chemotherapy & How to Manage Them

1. Nausea and Vomiting

Chemotherapy can irritate the digestive system, making it difficult to keep food down.

What helps:

• Small, frequent meals instead of large portions
• Plain, dry foods like crackers, toast, or rice
• Ginger tea, ginger candies, or peppermint tea to calm the stomach
• Cold or room-temperature foods to reduce strong smells
• Sipping fluids slowly throughout the day

What to avoid:

• Greasy, fried, or spicy foods that can upset the stomach
• Strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, or heavy sauces
• Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes

2. Loss of Appetite

Many people undergoing chemotherapy feel full quickly or have no desire to eat.

What helps:

• Eating small meals every 2–3 hours, even if you don’t feel hungry
• High-calorie, high-protein foods to get the most nutrients in small amounts (avocados, nut butters, eggs, yogurt)
• Drinking smoothies or meal replacement drinks if solid food is unappealing
• Keeping snacks handy (nuts, cheese, dried fruit)

What to avoid:

• Forcing yourself to eat large meals—small, frequent snacks are better

3. Changes in Taste & Metallic Taste

Some people experience a metallic or bitter taste in their mouth, while others find that food tastes bland or different than before.

What helps:

• Using plastic or wooden utensils instead of metal ones
• Adding citrus (if tolerated), herbs, or mild seasonings to enhance flavors
• Trying sweeter foods if savory ones taste bad
  

What to avoid:

• Red meats, which may taste more metallic (try chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins instead)
• Processed foods with strong artificial flavors

4. Difficulty Swallowing & Sore Mouth

Chemo can cause mouth sores or make swallowing painful.

What helps:

• Soft, moist foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and scrambled eggs
• Smoothies, shakes, or pureed meals
• Drinking with a straw if swallowing is painful
• Cold foods like yogurt or ice cream that may soothe the mouth

What to avoid:

• Spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods (chips, toast, citrus fruits)
• Hot foods and drinks that may worsen discomfort

5. Constipation 

Chemotherapy and some anti-nausea medications can slow digestion, leading to constipation.

What helps:

• Drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm water and herbal teas
• Eating fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts
• Prune juice or dried fruits to help move things along
• Light exercise (if possible), like short walks, to stimulate digestion

What to avoid:

• Low-fiber, processed foods like white bread, white rice, and pastries
• Too much dairy, which can worsen constipation in some people

6. Diarrhea

On the other hand, some chemo drugs cause diarrhea, leading to dehydration and nutrient loss.

What helps:

• Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (water, electrolyte drinks, broths)
• Eating easy-to-digest foods like bananas, white rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet)
• Yogurt with probiotics to support gut health

What to avoid:

• Dairy products (except yogurt)
• Caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners, which can worsen diarrhea
• High-fiber foods like beans, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), and whole grains

7. Fatigue & Low Energy

Fatigue is common during chemo, making meal preparation and eating feel exhausting.

What helps:

• Eating energy-dense foods like nut butters, avocados, eggs, and cheese
• Meal prepping on good days so you have food ready for difficult days
• Keeping easy snacks nearby (trail mix, protein bars, cheese sticks)
• Accepting help from family or friends for meal preparation

What to avoid:

• Skipping meals—even small portions help maintain energy levels

General Guidelines for Eating Well During Chemotherapy

• Eat small, frequent meals to avoid overwhelming your stomach.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.
• Prioritize protein and calories to maintain muscle and strength.
• Adjust textures and flavors to accommodate taste changes or swallowing difficulties.
• Listen to your body and be flexible—some days will be better than others.

If eating becomes too difficult or you experience severe weight loss, consult a doctor or dietitian for additional support.

Above all, be kind to yourself—your body is working hard, and every small step toward nourishment is a victory.