Living With Cancer: How To Eat Well During Radiation Therapy

Medically reviewed by Dr Johann Tang, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist

Radiation therapy is an often-recommended cancer treatment plan for eradicating cancer cells. However, the procedure can be tough on the body. In fact, it is common for many cancer patients to lose weight unexpectedly during treatment due to a loss in appetite as they struggle with its side effects.

Nevertheless, it is essential for you to maintain a nutritious diet during this period, as it helps keep your body and its immune system strong, providing it with the nutrients it needs to promote the regrowth of healthy tissues and speed up recovery. Let us share how you can eat well during radiation therapy to improve your quality of life during and after treatment.

Learn More: Why Radiation Therapy Is Becoming An Increasingly Common Cancer Treatment Procedure

How Radiation Therapy Affects The Human Body

Like other cancer treatments, radiation therapy carries several side effects. Some are identical, like fatigue, while others may be specific to the area of the body receiving treatment. As a result, the nutritional needs of each patient may vary. Therefore, we recommend speaking with your cancer doctor, who will be well-equipped to advise you on the appropriate cancer treatment diet.

While we understand you might find it challenging to eat or keep food long enough to digest it due to your treatment, please continue with the diet even if you have a loss of appetite, as a lack of supportive nutrients can cause you to feel weaker and more tired. Specific foods, including healthy fats and lean proteins, can promote tissue regrowth. Meanwhile, others can provide you with more energy.

Nutrition Tips During Radiation Therapy

Remember, food is a part of your medical treatment during cancer therapy, and making necessary adjustments to your diet can help alleviate any side effects. Here are the essential recommendations for eating well during radiation therapy.

Tip #1: Increase Protein And Healthy Fat Intake

Protein should be a staple of every meal or snack, as it can help maintain muscle mass and repair damage from radiation therapy. Some ingredients you can consider incorporating into your diet to increase your protein consumption include eggs, dairy products, fish, meat, nut butter, and poultry.

Be sure to include healthy fat to lower inflammation and support your immune function. However, it is vital to understand the distinction between healthy and unhealthy fat when choosing the ingredients. The former, termed unsaturated fat, is what you need to heal your body and repair injured tissue. Healthy fat options include avocados, flaxseed, nuts, and olive oil.

Tip #2: Eat Carbohydrates For Energy

During radiation therapy, you will constantly feel exhausted. To combat fatigue and give your body an energy boost, you will require carbohydrates from healthy sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. We recommend getting unprocessed carbs, as they contain fibre and additional vitamins and minerals naturally, whereas highly processed carbs generally feature fewer nutrients.

Tip #3: Increase Calorie And Fluid Intake

Besides protein, an increased calorie intake is also essential for your body during radiation therapy. After treatment, your body may be robbed of energy, lowering your appetite. You might even feel nauseous, which further dampens your desire to eat. As a result, your calorie needs must be higher than usual to keep your weight stable. A higher-calorie diet will also give your body the necessary energy to support tissue health and regrowth.

Another side effect you may encounter after radiation treatment is dehydration. Therefore, it is crucial for you to consume plenty of fluid. Doing so can help combat fatigue and boost energy levels and organ function. Besides plain water, broths and organic fruit juices are excellent alternatives to stay hydrated during this period.

Tip #4: Take Supplements

Your body requires adequate vitamins and minerals to support healing during treatment. However, diet alone may not provide you with sufficient nutrients. When this happens, your cancer doctor may recommend additional supplements to complement your diet. If you plan on taking any new health products, please consult your doctor first.

What Are The Foods To Avoid During Radiation Therapy?

Before starting treatment, your doctor will instruct you on the foods to avoid while undergoing radiation therapy. As radiation treatment often causes digestive upset, such as diarrhoea and nausea, you will usually be asked to avoid spicy foods, as they can exacerbate this side effect. If you are sensitive to other foods, like dairy products, it is best to steer clear of them.

Other foods to avoid during this period include:

• Excess alcohol
• Excess salt
• Refined sugar
• Unsaturated fat

If there is something you want to eat but remain unsure about, please consult your cancer doctor beforehand.

How To Stay Nourished When You Do Not Feel Like Eating

While we have espoused the importance of maintaining a nutritious diet for cancer patients, we also understand that radiation therapy can leave some with little appetite. If you are in a similar boat, here are some tips to help you manage your appetite during cancer treatment to ensure you stay nourished.

Tip #1: Schedule Small And Frequent Meals

If you do not feel like having a big meal, try incorporating small, frequent meals instead. Keep a healthy snack within arm’s reach so you can always have something to munch on when you start to feel hungry.

Tip #2: Add Protein Powder In Your Smoothies Or Drinks

Are you having trouble keeping solid foods down? In that case, you can consider adding protein powder to a smoothie or drink to ensure you still get the necessary calories and nutrients. Besides, many with minimal appetite often find it easier to drink something than having a big meal.

Tip #3: Consider Soft Foods

Radiation treatment on the mouth or throat can cause mouth sores and other side effects to develop, making it difficult to eat. That, combined with a loss of appetite, can make it tempting to skip your meals entirely. When this happens, you may find that eating soft foods, like broths or smoothies, can make it easier to continue receiving the nutrients you need.

While we understand it is challenging to maintain an appetite during radiation therapy, ensure you continue providing your body with the balanced nutrition it requires to combat cancer. Doing so will also help you sustain energy, rebuild strength, and improve your general quality of life during treatment, optimising the outcome of your cancer care.

With over 20 years in the medical field, Dr Johann Tang is experienced in treating cancer patients and is dedicated to providing personalised care to every patient. If you wish to get a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis or learn more about radiotherapy costs in Singapore, feel free to contact us today to set up an appointment at our clinic.