Diet & Lifestyle

EATING WELL DURING TREATMENT There is no single "cancer diet." The general aim during treatment is to maintain strength and support the body's ability to cope with therapy — which usually means getting enough protein and calories, staying hydrated, and eating what you can manage, even if that looks different from your usual diet. If eating enough becomes difficult for more than a few days, ask your treating team for a referral to an oncology dietitian. - Small, frequent meals are often easier to manage than three large ones, especially when appetite is low. - Protein-rich foods (dals, eggs, dairy, paneer, fish, poultry, nuts) support tissue repair and recovery. - Staying hydrated matters, particularly if you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea — water, buttermilk, coconut water, and clear soups all count. - It's normal for appetite and food preferences to change during treatment — be patient with yourself rather than aiming for a "perfect" diet. MANAGING COMMON SIDE EFFECTS Nausea Eating small amounts frequently rather than large meals, choosing bland or room-temperature foods, and avoiding strong smells during cooking can help. Ginger tea or ginger candy is a commonly used home remedy some patients find soothing. If nausea is severe or persistent, tell your oncology team — effective anti-nausea medication is available and you do not need to manage this alone. Mouth Sores and Taste Changes Soft, moist foods are usually easier to manage than dry, spicy, or acidic ones. Some patients find that food tastes metallic or different than usual during chemotherapy — this is common and typically improves after treatment ends. Rinsing the mouth with a saline or prescribed mouthwash, as advised by your care team, can help with comfort. Appetite Loss Nutrient-dense foods in small portions — nut butters, whole milk, ghee, khichdi with added protein — can help maintain intake without needing to eat large volumes. Gentle physical activity before meals sometimes helps stimulate appetite for some patients. Fatigue Cancer-related fatigue is different from ordinary tiredness and often doesn't fully resolve with rest alone. Pacing activity across the day, prioritising the tasks that matter most, and allowing for rest without guilt are commonly recommended approaches. Persistent or worsening fatigue is worth discussing with your treating team, as it can sometimes be related to treatable causes such as anaemia. Constipation or Diarrhoea Both are common side effects of certain treatments and medications. Fibre and fluid intake can help with constipation, while diarrhoea may call for temporarily reducing fibre and choosing easily digestible foods. Let your care team know if either persists, as they may need to adjust medications. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY For many patients, gentle activity such as walking, light yoga, or stretching is encouraged during treatment and can help with fatigue, mood, and sleep. The right level and type of activity depends on your specific treatment, blood counts, and overall health — always check with your treating team before starting or changing an exercise routine, particularly during active treatment. SLEEP Treatment, medications, and the emotional weight of a diagnosis can all disrupt sleep. A consistent sleep and wake time, limiting screens before bed, and gentle wind-down routines can help. If sleep problems persist, mention this to your care team — it's a common and treatable issue, not something to just push through. WHEN TO INVOLVE A DIETITIAN If you're losing weight unintentionally, unable to eat for more than a couple of days, or managing multiple side effects at once, ask your oncology team for a referral to a dietitian experienced in oncology nutrition. This is common practice, not a sign that anything has gone wrong.