Madeleine Hull
Radiation therapy is a highly effective treatment for cancer that can be tough on the body. Eating a nutritious diet during radiation therapy is important to promote healing and protect your immune system. A healthy diet can also help to ease the side effects of treatment, such as fatigue, and improve your quality of life.
There is no one-size-fits-all radiation diet, but there are some general guidelines to follow. It's important to eat enough calories and protein to prevent weight loss and promote tissue health and regrowth. Staying hydrated is also crucial, as dehydration is common during radiation treatment and can lead to long-term organ damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To ease side effects, increase chances of successful treatment, and improve quality of life during and after treatment |
| Calories | 25 to 35 calories per kilogram of body weight, or 1,705 to 2,386 calories for a 150-pound male |
| Protein | Include in every meal or snack to help spare lean muscle mass and repair damage from radiation |
| Hydration | Drink enough liquids to allow for normal body functions, ideally 8 to 12 cups of water per day |
| Nausea | Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day |
| Head and neck cancer | Refrain from dry bread and acidic foods that can irritate the throat and/or mouth |
| Bowel issues | Limit gas-producing foods like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, beans, and some artificial sweeteners |
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What You'll Learn
Eat enough protein
Eating a well-balanced diet with enough protein is crucial for patients undergoing radiation therapy. Protein helps maintain muscle mass and supports tissue healing, which is essential for repairing damage caused by radiation. Aim to include a source of protein in each meal or snack to protect your lean muscle mass. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, poultry, dairy products (such as cheese, Greek yogurt, and milk), eggs, nuts, beans, lentils, and soy foods (like tofu, soy milk, and tempeh).
If you're experiencing side effects from radiation therapy, such as throat or mouth issues, it's important to be mindful of foods that may be irritating or difficult to swallow. Avoid dry foods like bread, as well as acidic foods like tomato-based products, which can be irritating to the throat and mouth. Instead, opt for moist, soft, and nourishing foods that are easier to swallow and provide the protein your body needs.
Additionally, if you're struggling to eat solid foods, consider meal replacement drinks to ensure adequate protein intake. Staying hydrated is also crucial, as it helps manage side effects and lowers the chances of missing or delaying cancer treatments. Drink enough water, and include other hydrating liquids like juices, broths, sports drinks, and popsicles.
Remember, the nutritional needs during radiation therapy can vary depending on the individual, the treatment area, and the specific type of cancer. Consult with a healthcare professional or a dietician to create a personalized nutrition plan that meets your unique needs and supports your recovery during and after radiation treatment.
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Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial for patients undergoing radiation treatment. Dehydration is a common issue for patients receiving radiation therapy, so drinking enough water and other fluids is essential. The average radiation therapy patient needs 8 to 12 cups of water per day. This can be in the form of plain water, but for those who don't enjoy the taste, flavoured waters or waters infused with fruits or vegetables are a good alternative.
Other ways to stay hydrated include consuming juices, broths, sports drinks, and even popsicles. Caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee should be limited to 1 to 2 glasses per day, as they can worsen dry mouth, a common side effect of radiation treatment. It is also important to monitor the colour of your urine; if it is not a pale yellow colour, it could be a sign of dehydration.
In addition to water, fluids can also be obtained from milk, soup, Jell-O, yogurt, sherbet, and pudding. Staying hydrated has several benefits, including boosting energy, supporting organ function, aiding the healing process, and combating fatigue, which is a common side effect of radiation therapy.
It is worth noting that alcohol does not count towards daily hydration, and patients should consult their doctor about alcohol consumption during treatment. Additionally, patients should be mindful of gas-producing foods, such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and beans, as these can contribute to bloating and discomfort during radiation therapy.
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Consume more calories
Consuming more calories is essential for patients undergoing radiation therapy. This is because a higher-calorie diet provides the body with the energy it needs to support tissue health and regrowth. It is important to note that calorie needs are typically higher during radiation therapy due to increased energy expenditure and reduced appetite.
During radiation therapy, the body's calorie requirements may increase to promote healthy tissue growth. Dietician Vanessa Lara recommends that patients "aim to consume 25 to 35 calories per kilogram of body weight." For example, a 150-pound male should try to consume between 1,705 to 2,386 calories. This higher calorie intake helps provide the body with the energy it needs to support tissue health and regrowth and maintain a healthy weight during treatment.
Additionally, consuming enough calories can help patients manage the side effects of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can be tiring and cause fatigue, and a well-balanced diet with adequate calories can help combat this. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help patients get the calories and nutrients they need without overwhelming their appetite.
It is also important to pay attention to the source of calories. Patients should aim for nutritious, whole foods that provide energy and support overall health. Lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are excellent sources of calories and nutrients. However, it is best to avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, and fast food, as they provide empty calories without the nutritional benefits.
Finally, staying hydrated is crucial for patients undergoing radiation therapy. Dehydration is common during treatment, so drinking enough water and other fluids is essential. Water, juices, broths, sports drinks, and even popsicles can help patients stay hydrated and support energy levels and organ function.
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Avoid certain foods
While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for radiation treatment, there are some foods that are recommended to be avoided. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli can cause bloating and increase gas production, which may be uncomfortable, especially if you are experiencing stomach issues or bowel changes as a result of radiation therapy.
- Carbonated beverages should be limited as they can contribute to bloating and gas.
- High-acid foods, such as tomato-based products, should be avoided if you are receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. This is because they can be irritating to the throat and mouth, which may already be affected by the treatment.
- Dry foods, such as dry bread, are also best avoided if you are undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer as they may be difficult to swallow.
- Processed foods, empty calories from sugar, or fast food are best replaced with whole foods that provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal and recover.
- Alcohol does not count towards your daily hydration goals, and it is important to stay adequately hydrated during radiation treatment.
- Antioxidant supplements should be used with caution and only under medical supervision. This is because they may protect cancer cells in the same way they protect healthy cells.
- Caffeine may worsen dry mouth, a common side effect of radiation treatment. Limit your intake to 1-2 cups per day if you usually consume caffeinated drinks.
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Take supplements
While taking supplements during radiation treatment can be beneficial, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before taking any new vitamins or supplements. This is because some supplements can interfere with cancer treatment. For example, studies have shown that high amounts of antioxidants may protect cancer cells, reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Antioxidant supplements such as fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids may also increase the risk of bleeding, especially in patients who are already at a higher risk of bleeding. Additionally, supplements like activated charcoal, Panax ginseng, soy isoflavones, dong quai, and gingko biloba should be used with caution or avoided in certain types of cancer, as they can interact with chemotherapy drugs and affect their solubility, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
If a patient has a specific nutrient deficiency, their care team may recommend supplements based on lab results and symptoms. For instance, curcumin is being studied in clinical trials for its potential benefits during radiation treatment, but it should not be taken without consulting a provider first. Multivitamins can also be a way to supplement any deficiencies, but they are typically unnecessary if the patient is already consuming a healthy and balanced diet.
It is important to be cautious about the sources of information regarding supplements. Reputable websites such as Consumer Lab and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provide information about the safety and potential contaminants of various supplements. Additionally, patients should always notify their healthcare providers about any supplements, vitamins, or over-the-counter medications they are taking to ensure safe and effective treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
There are no one-size-fits-all diets for radiation treatment, but some general guidelines include:
- Eating a well-balanced diet with enough protein and calories, which usually contain plenty of vitamins and minerals.
- Consuming enough water to prevent dehydration, which is common among patients receiving radiation treatment. Aim for 8 to 12 cups of water per day.
- Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day to manage side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
- Avoiding antioxidant supplements, as they may protect cancer cells.
- Limiting gas-producing foods, such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and beans, especially if you are receiving treatment in the pelvic region.
A proper diet during radiation treatment keeps the body and its immune system strong, providing the nutrients needed to promote the regrowth of healthy tissues. Eating well also helps maintain energy levels, lowers the risk of infection, and speeds up recovery.
Your diet during radiation treatment will depend on your individual needs, how your body responds to radiation, the treatment area, and the length of treatment. It is recommended to consult with a dietician or your healthcare provider to create a personalized nutrition plan. Some common foods to include in your diet are:
- Lean proteins: Help maintain muscle mass and support tissue healing.
- Healthy fats: Help lower inflammation and support immune function.
- Whole grains: Provide essential nutrients and fibre.
- Fruits and vegetables: Offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
