Caring for my mother during her cancer treatment made me realise that healing goes beyond surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy. Nutrition, I realised, is the oft-overlooked ‘fifth pillar’ of cancer care — a powerful tool that supports both the body and spirit through one of life’s toughest battles.
During treatment, the body’s nutritional requirements increase even as appetite declines due to fatigue, nausea, and altered taste. To combat this, incorporating nutrient-dense foods becomes crucial. Protein-rich choices such as eggs, lean meat, fish, lentils, and tofu help in tissue repair, while healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil provide energy. Complex carbohydrates from whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats sustain energy levels.
It’s important to drink plenty of water, and supplement it with coconut water, herbal teas, and probiotic drinks like buttermilk, which also support gut health. I would recommend limiting or altogether avoiding sugary drinks and caffeine, as they can worsen dehydration and disrupt the sleep cycle.
Managing side-effects
Cancer treatments are notorious for their side effects; however, these can be managed through specific food choices. For example, if you’re suffering from nausea, a bit of ginger tea or plain crackers can provide relief. On days when you can’t have full meals because of a weakened appetite, have small, frequent meals — nutrient-rich smoothies made from berries, spinach, and yoghurt. While mouth sores can make eating painful, opt for soft, bland foods such as mashed potato, oatmeal, and soup while avoiding spicy or acidic dishes.
Gut health often suffers during treatment with medications and other therapies — inclusion of probiotic foods like yoghurt and fermented vegetables helps restore balance. Fibre from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains aid in digestion, though intake should be adjusted according to the body’s response.
Cancer treatments can drain the body, but a well-planned diet can help rebuild strength, boost immunity, and restore gut health. As a doctor aptly noted, “The cornerstone of a patient’s overall wellbeing… often rests on something basic but equally powerful — the food we eat.”
I’ve seen how food can serve as more than just sustenance — it becomes a source of comfort, strength, and hope. The connection between what we eat and how we heal feels even more critical when facing the challenges of cancer treatment.
(The writer is the founder and director of CARER, an integrative therapy and support service for cancer patients. She is also the author of ‘Thriving Through Treatment’, published by Bloomsbury)