Highlights
Going through chemotherapy is tough, especially for older adults who may already be managing other health concerns. Having a balanced diet during chemotherapy is so important because good nutrition isn’t just about maintaining strength; it can help manage chemotherapy side effects and the other side effects of cancer treatment. Since cancer treatment can make eating difficult, knowing how to choose which healthy foods, soft foods, and high-calorie foods when needed can support people with cancer, especially when having cancer can affect appetite, taste, and digestion. This guide looks at practical food choices, foods to avoid, and simple nutrition plan strategies that can help elderly patients eat foods that provide energy and comfort, essential during chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy works hard to kill cancer cells, but it often leaves patients feeling exhausted and unwell. For older adults, eating well becomes even more important during cancer treatment. A balanced diet supports your immune system, helps fight fatigue, and improves your overall quality of life. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can help your body recover between treatments and prevent excessive weight loss, which is something many cancer patients struggle with.
Older patients undergoing cancer treatment face several hurdles when it comes to eating well. Treatment side effects like nausea, poor appetite, and changes in how food tastes can turn mealtime from a pleasure into a chore. These issues often lead to inadequate nutrient intake, which can slow recovery and make the treatment harder to tolerate. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward finding practical solutions that provide nourishment while minimizing discomfort.
Nausea ranks among the most common and distressing side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer and other types. Certain foods can help settle your stomach when you’re feeling queasy:
Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day often works better than three large meals. Try to avoid foods with strong smells, greasy textures, or spicy flavors, as these foods may make nausea worse.
When you just don’t feel like eating, these strategies might help awaken your interest in food:
If you’re struggling with persistent low appetite, consider exploring appetite stimulants for seniors that might help during this challenging time.
When every bite counts, focus on foods that deliver maximum nutrition:
Don’t forget about hydration. Drinking enough fluids is crucial during chemotherapy. Water, herbal teas, and clear broths all contribute to keeping you hydrated, especially if you’re experiencing nausea or diarrhea. For specific strategies, review these hydration tips for elderly individuals.
Many chemo patients notice that food suddenly tastes different. Some describe foods as tasting bland, while others experience a metallic flavor that makes eating unpleasant. Sweet foods might taste too sweet or not sweet enough, and bitter flavors can become overwhelming. Understanding that these changes are temporary, usually resolving within weeks or months after treatment ends, can help patients cope better psychologically.
When food doesn’t taste right, try these approaches:
If red meat tastes strange (a common complaint), try marinating it before cooking or switching to chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins. Using plastic utensils instead of metal ones can also help reduce metallic tastes. According to research on taste changes during cancer treatment, these strategies can significantly improve food enjoyment.
Proper hydration is essential during chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Being even slightly dehydrated can intensify fatigue, make constipation worse, and amplify other cancer treatment side effects. Older adults are already at higher risk for dehydration, so paying attention to fluid intake becomes even more important during cancer treatment.
Making hydration easier and more appealing:
Keep a water bottle nearby throughout the day as a visual reminder to sip regularly. If drinking large amounts at once is difficult, aim for small, frequent sips instead. Some patients eat ginger chews between sips to help with nausea while staying hydrated.
Here’s what a day of nourishing, gentle foods might look like during chemotherapy:
Remember that this is just a template; adjust portions and timing based on when you feel most able to eat. A varied diet with nutritious foods is ideal, but maintaining a healthy diet during chemotherapy or radiation means eating what you can when you can.
When energy is limited, simple recipes are best:
Quick Nutritional Smoothie: Blend 1 cup of spinach, 1 ripe banana, ½ cup of plain yogurt, and enough almond milk to reach your preferred consistency. Add a tablespoon of nut butter for extra protein and calories if needed.
Simple Chicken Soup: In a pot, combine diced chicken breast, chopped carrots, celery, and a bay leaf in low-sodium chicken broth. Simmer until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through. Season lightly with herbs like thyme or parsley.
No one should face cancer treatment alone. Family members and friends can help with meal preparation, grocery shopping, or simply provide company during meals (which often improves intake). Support groups connect you with others going through similar experiences, offering both emotional support and practical tips on foods to eat during chemotherapy.
Services like meal delivery programs can be invaluable when cooking feels overwhelming. Many communities offer specialized meal services for cancer patients or seniors that take treatment side effects into account.
A registered dietitian who specializes in oncology nutrition can create personalized eating plans based on your specific needs, preferences, and treatment regimen. They can adjust recommendations as side effects change throughout your journey. Ask your oncology team for a referral; many cancer centers have dietitians on staff specifically to help patients with nutrition concerns. The MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent resources on foods to add and avoid during cancer treatment.
What foods should I eat during chemotherapy? Focus on foods that are easy to digest while being nutrient-rich. Lean proteins (chicken, fish, eggs, tofu), fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats form the foundation of a good cancer diet. Listen to your body; what works one day might not work the next. On days when you feel better, try to include more nutrient-dense foods to make up for days when eating is difficult. Higher fiber foods may help with constipation caused by cancer treatment.
How can I manage taste changes during treatment? Be flexible and willing to experiment. If foods taste metallic, try using plastic utensils instead of metal ones. If red meat tastes off, switch to chicken, fish, or plant proteins. Marinating meats can help mask strange flavors. Cold foods often have less pronounced tastes and smells, which might be preferable if food odors trigger nausea. Don’t hesitate to try new foods you normally don’t eat; your preferences might surprise you during treatment.
What are the best ways to stay hydrated? Make fluid intake a priority by keeping drinks within reach throughout the day. Beyond plain water, consider broths, herbal teas, diluted fruit juices, and milk. If swallowing is difficult, try freezing liquids into popsicles or ice chips. For those tracking intake, aim for urine that’s light yellow or clear as a sign of good hydration. If you’re experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, drinks with electrolytes may be helpful (but check with your healthcare provider first).
Should I take supplements during cancer treatment? Before adding supplements to your diet, always consult with your healthcare team. Some supplements can interfere with chemotherapy or radiation therapy effectiveness. Your oncologist and dietitian can recommend whether specific vitamins or minerals are needed based on your individual situation and help you choose foods that provide those nutrients naturally when possible.
What foods should I avoid during cancer treatment? It’s best to stay away from processed foods, fried foods, and foods or drinks with sodium nitrates. People getting chemotherapy should also be cautious with raw or undercooked foods that might carry bacteria, as cancer often weakens the immune system. If you have specific side effects, certain foods may need to be temporarily avoided, for example, avoiding spicy foods if you have mouth sores or diarrhea.
Good nutrition serves as one of your strongest allies during chemotherapy. Since people with cancer often experience changes in appetite and taste, a thoughtful diet during cancer treatment is so important for managing symptoms and maintaining strength. By focusing on the best foods to eat—foods high in essential nutrients that foods provide, elderly patients can use diet to fight cancer and support recovery, especially important during chemotherapy. Choosing foods or drinks that are easy to tolerate, including favorite foods or options that help you eat when you can’t taste, can make daily meals more manageable.
Each person’s experience with chemotherapy is unique, and cancer treatment may affect your diet in unexpected ways, so don’t be discouraged if you need to explore different options for cancer nutrition before finding what works for you. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and remember that chemotherapy can help, even when cancer can affect every part of daily life.
If you or someone you care about is undergoing cancer treatment, consider speaking with a healthcare professional or a cancer institute nutrition specialist for tips on foods to add and personalized guidance. With the right support, foods and drinks can become powerful tools to help manage side effects and maintain strength throughout your treatment journey.
Written By Safia Sabry