The dietary requirements of a person undergoing treatment for cancer or recovering from it are different from those of people recovering from other illnesses. Their diet must be personalized considering the side effects of medication, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, age, and overall health.

Chemotherapy is an important part of the treatment process for cancer, and it is administered intravenously using a combination of medications that may be given on the same day, over consecutive days, or continuously. If one is an inpatient, the hospital takes care of their nutrition and dietary requirements, but they are an outpatient and choose to go home after a session, some things need to be kept in mind to manage the side effects of chemotherapy.

Nutrition and side effects
For the first few days after a chemo or radiation therapy session, one might experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. It is likely that they will not have any inclination to eat. They might also develop mouth sores, loss of appetite, and fatigue, so their diet should have higher portions of protein and vitamins to help them regain the lost nutrients. Additionally, the intake of fluids is necessary to prevent dehydration.

Diet on the day of a chemotherapy session
One should follow a very light diet on the day of a chemotherapy session. It is best to avoid large meals and opt for light snacks as they are beneficial for cancer patients. One can snack every few hours, but they should avoid fatty, fried, and greasy foods.

Snacks before and after a session
Light and non-spicy snacks are beneficial for cancer patients before a chemotherapy session:

• Plain or fruit yogurt
• Toast and poached eggs
• Fresh fruit with cottage cheese
• Toasted bagel
• Small quantities of cereal with low-fat milk
• Soup or broth
• Crackers

Fruits
Fruits that are low on acidic content are a good snack choice both before and immediately after a session as they are rich in nutrients and low on sugar. Also, they can help fight dehydration, so one can choose from the given list:

• Apples
• Grape
• Fruit nectars
• Bananas

Fluids during and after a chemotherapy session
Side effects of chemotherapy can start showing the same day or within a day or two of a session. If one develops mouth ulcers, chewing might be difficult, so fluids like protein shakes and mild sugarless juices can help prevent dehydration. Once the symptoms of nausea and diarrhea subside, one can have small portions of bland and cold food or snacks that are easy to digest.

Snacks for the first few days after chemotherapy
One should eat five or six times during the day. If one feels nauseous, it is best to avoid food with strong odors. The following are some beneficial snacks for cancer patients:

• Clear soups
• Broth with low salt
• Apple
• Grape juice
• Gelatin
• Popsicles
• Sherbet
• Herbal teas
• Light, non-dairy tea

One must never skip a meal or medication. Additionally, consulting the dieticians from the medical team is important in case the side effects are severe and one is unable to eat well. The dieticians can then recommend supplements or alternative nutrients.