The side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment may cause a number of eating challenges that can prevent patients from getting the nutrition they need including lack of appetite, sores or pain in the mouth and throat, dry mouth and changes in the taste buds that make certain foods unappealing.

Below are some practical tips for dealing with the most common problems associated with eating and cancer treatment. However, it's important to check with your healthcare team first to see if there are specific concerns that need to be addressed.

Lack of Appetite

• Eat small meals throughout the day, rather than trying to consume three large ones.
• Listen to your internal clock. For example, if you notice your appetite is strongest in the morning, make the most of it with a large breakfast.

Dry Mouth

• Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush at least four times a day, and always after you eat. Floss gently daily.
• Rinse your mouth, avoiding products with alcohol. Consider trying a mouth-moisturizing rinse or gel.
• Keep your lips moisturized with lip balm or other safe, non-irritating moisturizer.
• Choose foods that are moist, or add extra sauce, dressing or gravy.
• Keep hard candy and ice chips handy, and carry water with you throughout the day.
• Drink liquids through a straw.

Mouth and/or Throat Pain

• As with dry mouth, brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth throughout the day may help. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.
• Keep water with you and sip often.
• Eat soft, tender foods that have been cooked well (e.g., soft fruits, cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs, soup, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, pudding) which require less chewing and are easy to swallow.
• Avoid foods that are dry or coarse, such as crackers, cold cereal, raw vegetables and hard fruits.
• Steer clear of foods that are spicy, salty or acidic, including citrus fruits, all of which may irritate your mouth or throat.

Changes in Taste

• Rinse out your mouth with water before each meal.
• If you’re experiencing a metallic taste in your mouth, try using plastic utensils.
• Citrus fruits can be refreshing — unless you have mouth sores that make them prohibitive.
• Mints or gum can help keep your mouth feeling fresh.
• Increasing the amount of sugar in certain foods can make them more palatable. (Note: If you are suffering from thrush, sugar can aggravate this condition.)
• It may seem obvious, but indulge in your favorite foods.

Nausea

• Food odors can trigger nausea, so let others cook for you or get takeout.
• Notice which foods cause the most nausea and avoid them.
• Sip fluids and eat small meals throughout the day, especially bland, dry items like toast.
• Don’t lie down within an hour after eating, to help minimize reflux.

Updated 2024