Chemotherapy Side Effects: What Foods to Enjoy and Avoid
Undergoing cancer treatment including chemotherapy can be challenging – physically and emotionally.
Unsure what to expect from chemotherapy or cancer treatment? Read more here.
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment available to some patients, used to cure cancer, reduce the chances of the cancer returning, shrink the cancer before other treatments are incorporated, improve symptoms, and extend lives in incurable cases.1
Chemotherapy works by killing rapidly multiplying and fast-growing cells, including cancer cells, but also some healthy cells too2, causing side effects like taste and appetite changes. But there’s good news too: your normal cells can repair and recover – unlike cancer cells.2
Nutrition plays a powerful role in managing side effects during treatment. Find practical dietary recommendations, useful supplements, and a quick and easy recipe you can whip up during treatment below.
Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects
Why Does Chemotherapy Cause Side Effects?
Chemotherapy targets rapidly multiplying cells – including cancer cells – but it can also kill or damage healthy cells undergoing the same replication process, including those making up your hair, skin and taste buds. This can cause a variety of side effects including nausea and vomiting, taste changes, fatigue, weakened immunity, digestive issues and mouth sores.3
Side effects vary from person to person, depending on the type and dose of treatment you receive, and can even differ between treatment cycles.3
Adjustments to your diet and nutrition can help you manage these symptoms and reduce discomfort during chemotherapy sessions.3
The Most Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy Treatment
Fatigue is the most common side effect of chemotherapy.4 This kind of tiredness, known as cancer-related fatigue or “chemo fog”, isn’t resolved by getting more (or better quality) sleep.5 It can make daily activities challenging and cause muscle pain, and may persist for months or years after treatment – but most people regain their energy within 6-12 months.5
To manage fatigue, allow yourself extra rest and accept help with tasks like grocery shopping or cooking. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet and ensure you’re getting enough energy (calories), protein and nutrients during this time to support your body’s recovery.5
One of the most common appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss.6 Some people lose all their hair during treatment, while others experience thinning or little to no hair loss at all – it largely depends on the type of chemotherapy drugs you’re prescribed.6 Hair loss can be sudden or gradual, and may leave your scalp feeling hot, itchy or sensitive.6 For some, hair loss can impact your confidence and emotional state, so show yourself some compassion until you start to feel good about yourself once more.6
It can take 4-12 months after you finish treatment for your hair to regrow completely, and it may take even longer to return to the same colour and texture it was previously.6,7 Until then, try to keep your scalp clean using a gentle (or baby) shampoo, and a soothing lotion if needed.7
When you begin chemotherapy, it can affect your taste buds and change how foods taste, as well as how you experience hot and cold sensations.8
Many people notice changes to their appetite, often feeling less hungry or noticing their taste and food preferences are changing.8 This is the result of cancer treatments or drugs impacting the taste receptors in the mouth or causing damage to the saliva glands and tastebuds on the tongue. Patients may find foods suddenly taste metallic, bland or unpleasant.9
These side effects are usually temporary.9
Tips to Manage Taste and Appetite Changes:
Nourish Your Body: Focus on eating nutritious foods and meeting your energy and nutrient needs. This can help manage changes in taste and appetite, as well as any nausea and vomiting.10
Regular Meals and Snacks: Avoid missing meals or going long periods without eating. Regular snacking can make it easier to meet your energy needs, rather than having three large meals.9 Prepare meals in advance and freeze them for days when you don’t feel like cooking. If you’re struggling to eat solid foods,10 make a smoothie using nutrient-dense ingredients (more on this below!) or ask your healthcare professional about adding an oral nutrition supplement (ONS) to your diet to help you meet your daily energy and nutrient needs.
Adapt to Taste Changes: If your tastes change, don’t force yourself to eat foods you no longer enjoy or that make you feel sick. Ensure you’re getting enough energy, nutrients, and hydration.10
Chemotherapy can cause nausea or vomiting for some people, often starting a few days after treatment and lasting from a couple of hours to several days.10 Anti-nausea medications can help, but your food choices can also help to reduce discomfort.10
Tips to Manage Nausea and Vomiting:
Stay Hydrated: Sip water or fluids throughout the day or suck on ice cubes to increase your fluid intake. If water tastes metallic or unpleasant, add flavouring, or try herbal teas or fizzy drinks like soda water or ginger beer which can help settle your stomach.11 Staying hydrated is crucial, so if you’re unable to keep fluids down, contact your doctor right away.
Light Meals: Eat a light, bland meal before treatment. If you feel unwell afterwards, eat small and regular meals instead of skipping meals entirely.11
Certain drugs and medications used in chemotherapy can cause constipation or diarrhea. If you’re struggling with changes to your normal bowel habits, changes to your diet may provide some relief.10
Tips for Constipation:
Eat High-Fibre Foods: Wholegrain bread or pasta, fruits, veggies, beans, and lentils are great options.
Hydrate and Exercise: Drink plenty of fluids and try some light exercise like walking or yoga if you’re up to it.12
Tips for Diarrhea:
Stick to Bland Foods: Clear soups, and plain toast or rice are good choices.12
Include Foods High in Soluble Fibre: Such as oats, bananas and white bread, rice or pasta, as these can help “bulk up” your stools.12
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but limit your intake of alcohol, fruit juices, soft drinks, tea, and coffee as these can worsen diarrhea.12
Chemotherapy may damage the healthy cells in your mouth, which can result in mouth ulcers or sensitivity, bleeding gums, or a sore throat.13 This makes it difficult to enjoy hot, cold, salty, spicy or acidic foods and may also cause temporary changes to your senses of taste, smell and touch.13 Luckily, your food choices can provide some relief.
Tips to Manage Mouth Sores:
Avoid Irritating Foods: Stay away from spicy or acidic foods and stick to room-temperature meals until you can tolerate different temperatures and tastes.13
Adapt to Preferences: If you’re finding certain foods are suddenly unappealing, give them a miss until your taste preferences return to normal.13
Chemotherapy can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infection and illness.14 This means you need to be extra conscious about making safe, nutritious food choices to support your immune function.14
Tips to Support Your Immune System:
Nutrient-Dense Diet: Eat a diet rich in nutrients to help restore your energy levels, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent muscle weakness and nutrient deficiencies.14 It can also help manage any chemotherapy side effects you experience, speed up your recovery between treatments, and improve your immune function and ability to fight off illnesses or infections.
Learn more about common side effects during cancer treatment here.
Foods to Avoid During Chemotherapy Treatment
During chemo treatment, your food choices can either support your body and your recovery or worsen side effects and increase your risk of illness. Here are some foods to avoid and prioritise during this time if you notice your symptoms worsening.
Raw and Undercooked Foods
Your immune system is weakened during chemotherapy, increasing your risk of infection or illness.14 It’s important to avoid raw or undercooked foods, including sushi or sashimi, rare meats, unpasteurised dairy products, raw eggs (including in mayonnaise) and unwashed fresh produce.15
Instead, enjoy well-cooked proteins and eggs, and wash your fruit and veggies thoroughly before preparing, cooking or eating.15,16
Processed and High-Sugar Foods
Eating too many processed or high-sugar foods such as fast foods, sugary sodas, fried foods, biscuits and cakes, can contribute to inflammation in your body and cause significant spikes in energy and blood sugar levels, followed by rapid crashes.17 This puts additional stress on your body during chemotherapy and can leave you feeling flat and tired.17
Instead, choose minimally processed, whole foods which are as close to their natural state as possible, including fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds.17,18 These will help balance and sustain your energy levels, reduce inflammation, and support your immune system and recovery during chemotherapy.17
Spicy, Acidic and Irritating Foods
If you’re experiencing nausea or mouth sores, avoid spicy, acidic foods including citrus fruits (especially grapefruit, which can impair the effectiveness of some cancer drugs),19 vinegars and chilli.15 These can be irritating and uncomfortable for sensitive mouths and may also worsen your nausea. Cold or frozen drinks and foods, such as smoothies or ice cream, can also cause discomfort if you’re experiencing cold sensitivity.15,19
Instead, opt for mild-tasting foods served at room temperature, including whole grain bread, pasta or rice. Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavour to your meals, without the need for spicy dressings or sauces.
Dairy and High-Fat Foods
Dairy or high-fat foods can be difficult to digest while undergoing chemotherapy and may cause nausea.15 Soft cheeses made with unpasteurised milk can also increase your risk of illness.16 Try to minimise your intake of heavy cream, fried foods or rich cheeses, and choose fresher, lighter foods that are easier on your stomach.
Foods to Enjoy for Better Health During Cancer Treatment
Some foods can support your body’s strength, immunity and recovery throughout treatment.20
Protein-Rich Foods for Strength and Recovery
Protein-rich foods are important for supporting your energy levels and maintaining muscle mass and strength.20 Lean animal proteins like chicken, eggs and fish11 can help you feel strong throughout treatment, increase red blood cell counts, manage unwanted side effects of chemo, and support your recovery.
Plant-based protein sources including tofu, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds are also rich sources of nutrients, making them an excellent choice to add to your diet during treatment.20
Easy-to-Digest Carbohydrates for Energy
Carbohydrates are a crucial source of energy and help to relieve fatigue.20 If you’re experiencing digestive problems, avoid high-fibre carbohydrates such as quinoa and wholegrain breads or pastas.
Instead, choose easily digestible options like oatmeal, white rice, sweet potato and bananas. These are easy on your stomach and digestion, and provide energy quickly when you need a pick-me-up.21
Soothing Liquids and Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for managing nausea and fatigue during chemotherapy. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, broths, electrolyte drinks, or bone broth (which, bonus, is a good source of protein too!) before, during and after treatment.21
Mild-Tasting Foods for Taste Changes
If chemotherapy has affected your taste and certain foods (or drinks) have become unpleasant, try eating more mild-tasting foods like mashed potato, white bread, and plain crackers or toast while this persists.9
You might also find using plastic cutlery instead of metal can help reduce the metallic taste.9
Fortisip® Compact Protein Sensations are designed specifically to address the taste and smell changes experienced by up to 70% of cancer patients,22 providing a good source of energy and protein in a compact serving size. Available in Cool Red Fruits, Hot Tropical Ginger and Neutral flavours which provide a cooling, warming or neutral sensation, tailored to the needs of cancer patients with changing preferences. These formulas can help you meet your daily nutritional needs when your usual diet is not enough.23
Supplements and Nutritional Support During Chemotherapy
Many patients struggle to meet their nutrient and energy needs during chemotherapy for a variety of reasons: taste and appetite changes can make it difficult to eat enough, mouth sores and changing dietary requirements can make it harder to identify what to eat, and fatigue or nausea can leave you feeling unwilling to eat.24
It’s important to implement strategies to prevent energy or nutrient deficiencies, which can compromise your immune system, slow your recovery, and lead to muscle weakness and low energy levels.24
Your healthcare professional may recommend an oral nutritional supplement (ONS) like Fortisip®, which can help you meet your daily nutritional needs when your usual diet is not enough.25
Adding Fortisip® to your diet can help to provide some of the protein, vitamins and minerals you may be lacking. It’s designed to be easily incorporated into your routine to prevent discomfort or nausea, with options tailored to patients experiencing taste changes, hot/cold sensitivities, digestive discomfort, or following a plant-based diet, as well as patients with increased protein or nutrient needs.
Why Supplements Matter During Chemotherapy
Many patients experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies or inadequate energy intake during their chemotherapy treatment schedule, which can cause significant health risks.24 Preventing these deficiencies is crucial to prevent muscle and weight loss, maintain energy levels, support your recovery and manage any side effects you experience.24 Supplements like Fortisip® may help you’re struggling to meet your daily nutritional needs through food alone.25
How Fortisip® Supports Patients
Fortisip® is a ready-to-drink oral nutrition supplement providing a good source of energy and protein, fortified with 28 different vitamins and minerals to help you meet your daily nutritional needs when your usual diet is not enough.25 It’s a good source of protein to support the maintenance of muscle mass,26 and high in calories to help maintain your body weight when you’re unwell or recovering from illness.25
Fortisip® comes in a ready-to-drink bottle and is best served chilled or added to smoothies and other recipes. It’s available in a variety of formats designed for specific patient needs, including:
- Fortisip® Compact range: Smaller 125ml serving sizes with the same high-calorie, high-protein content, for patients struggling with food intake
- Fortisip® Compact Protein range: Each bottle contains 18g protein to assist in maintaining muscle mass, with 3 flavours specifically formulated to address taste and smell changes during treatment
- Fortisip® Multi Fibre range: Enriched with fibre to support regular bowel function, and
- Fortisip® PlantBased: For patients following a plant-based diet.
Within the Fortisip® Compact range, several flavours have been formulated specifically to support patients experiencing taste alterations or temperature sensitivities. The Neutral, Cool Red Fruits and Hot Tropical Ginger flavours make it easier to meet your nutritional needs without discomfort, even when you may not feel like eating,22 providing a high-energy (308 kcal/125 ml bottle), high-protein (18 g/bottle) solution to taste, smell and appetite changes.
Compliance has been shown to increase when consuming the Fortisip® Compact Range, resulting in higher energy and protein intake, reduced malnutrition risk and reduced hospital admissions among patients.27-30
Fortisip® is a food for special medical purposes and must be used under medical supervision.
Easy and Nutritious Recipe for Chemotherapy Patients
There may be times you don’t feel like eating, or you struggle to find recipes or foods suited to your changing tastes and preferences during chemotherapy. Here’s a simple, quick and practical recipe which tastes delicious and provides important nutrients needed during treatment.
You can find plenty of other simple, nutritious recipes here.
Chemotherapy-Friendly High-Protein Smoothie
Adjust the ingredients below according to your tastes and preferences – remembering these may change as you undergo chemotherapy. Feel free to swap out ingredients for alternatives that are gentle on your stomach and nutrient-dense. For example, consider swapping almond butter for your preferred nut butter or some avocado, oat milk for almond or coconut milk, or mango and banana for your fruits of choice – berries are a great option!
During your treatment, recipes like this can help nourish your body, improve your energy levels, and help manage the side effects of your treatments,
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat milk or water
- 1/2 banana (for easy digestion)
- 1 serve Fortisip Compact Protein flavour of choice (for protein and nutrients)
- 1 tbsp almond butter (for healthy fats)
- ½ cup frozen mango (for taste & vitamin C)
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve chilled for a refreshing, easy-to-drink meal.
Managing Nutrition During Chemotherapy
Once chemotherapy treatment begins, it will destroy cancer cells along with some of your body’s healthy cells.30 This is the cause of most side effects like taste and appetite changes, nausea, and digestive problems, which vary from person to person. Fortunately, choosing nutritious, whole foods can help manage any side effects you experience, supporting the recovery of healthy cells, and also improving your quality of life, recovery and immune function.31
Speak to your healthcare professional to ensure you’re aware of which foods you should prioritise or avoid. Remember, it’s most important to ensure you’re getting enough energy (or calories) and nutrients, so speak to your doctor about incorporating an ONS like Fortisip® to help you meet your daily nutritional needs if you’re struggling with food intake.25
Be kind to yourself as you navigate chemotherapy and recognise the impact the treatment can have on you both physically and emotionally. Take it easy, get plenty of rest, ask for help and support when you need it, and try experimenting with different foods to find what works best for you during this time.
For personalised support and product information during this time, reach out to our Careline team made up of expert dietitians, nutritionists and healthcare professionals from 7.30am-5pm (AEST) Mon-Fri by calling 1800 438 500 or emailing nutriciacareline@danone.com
You can also access a range of dedicated community support services here, designed to help you or your loved one throughout every step of your journey.
Fortisip is a food for special medical purposes and must be used under medical supervision.
References
1 – Cancer Australia. Chemotherapy [Internet]. [cited 2025 April 21]. Available from: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/impacted-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy#how-does-chemotherapy-work
2 – Cancer Australia. Treatment side effects [Internet]. [cited 2025 April 21]. Available from: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/impacted-cancer/treatment/treatment-side-effects
3 – Cancer Council Australia. Fatigue [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 03]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/cancer-side-effects/fatigue
4 – Cancer Council NSW. Hair loss [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 02]. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/cancer-treatment/chemotherapy/side-effects/hair-loss/
5 – Cancer Council Australia. Hair loss [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 01]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/cancer-side-effects/hair-loss
6 – Cancer Council Victoria. Taste and smell changes [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 01]. Available from: https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/treatments/common-side-effects/taste-and-smell-changes
7 – Cancer Council NSW. Changes in taste or smell [Internet]. [cited 2025 April 30]. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/living-well/nutrition-and-cancer/treatment-side-effects-and-nutrition/changes-in-taste-or-smell/
8 – Cancer Council Victoria. Side effects of chemotherapy [Internet]. [cited 2025 April 30]. Available from: https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/treatments/treatments-types/chemotherapy/side_effects_of_chemotherapy.html
9 – Cancer Council NSW. Nausea and vomiting [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 02]. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/living-well/nutrition-and-cancer/treatment-side-effects-and-nutrition/nausea-and-vomiting/
10 – Cancer Council Victoria. Side effects of chemotherapy [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 01]. Available from: https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/treatments/treatments-types/chemotherapy/side_effects_of_chemotherapy.html
11 – Cancer Council NSW. Nausea and vomiting [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 02]. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/living-well/nutrition-and-cancer/treatment-side-effects-and-nutrition/nausea-and-vomiting/
12 – Cancer Council NSW. Constipation or diarrhoea [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 01]. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/cancer-treatment/chemotherapy/side-effects/constipation-or-diarrhoea/
13 – Cancer Council NSW. Mouth sores [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 03]. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/cancer-treatment/chemotherapy/side-effects/mouth-sores/
14 – Cancer Council NSW. Lowered immunity [Internet]. [cited 2025 April 28]. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/living-well/nutrition-and-cancer/treatment-side-effects-and-nutrition/lowered-immunity/
15 – MD Anderson Cancer Center. 10 things to avoid while receiving chemotherapy [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 01]. Available from: https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/10-things-to-avoid-while-receiving-chemotherapy.h00-159615489.html
16 – City of Hope. Foods to avoid while undergoing cancer treatment [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 02]. Available from: https://www.cityofhope.org/patients/life-during-treatment/dealing-with-cancer-side-effects/foods-avoid-while-undergoing-cancer-treatment
17 – Cancer Council Australia. Sugar and cancer risk [Internet]. [cited 2025 April 26]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/about-us/policy-and-advocacy/prevention/obesity/related-resources/sugar-and-cancer-risk
18 – MD Anderson Cancer Center. Sugar and cancer treatment: 4 things patients should know [Internet]. [cited 2025 April 20]. Available from: https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/sugar-and-cancer-treatment–4-things-patients-should-know-.h00-159144456.html
19 – Cancer Research UK. Foods and drinks to avoid [Internet]. [cited 2025 April 25]. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/cancer-drugs/how-you-have/foods-drinks-avoid
20 – Johns Hopkins Medicine. Cancer diet: foods to add and avoid during cancer treatment [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 01]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cancer/cancer-diet-foods-to-add-and-avoid-during-cancer-treatment
21 – Cancer Council Australia. Nutrition and cancer booklet [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 01]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/nutrition-and-cancer-booklet
22 – Spotten LE, et al. Subjective and objective taste and smell changes in cancer. Ann Oncol. 2017;28(5):969-84.
23 – Watterson T, et al. Evidence based practice guidelines for the nutritional management of malnutrition in adult patients across the continuum of care. Nutr Diet. 2009;66(3):S1-34.
24 – Cancer Council NSW. Why eat well? [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 03]. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/living-well/nutrition-and-cancer/why-eat-well/#benefits
25 – Hickman I, et al. Evidence based practice guidelines for the nutritional management of malnutrition in adult patients across the continuum of care. Nutr Diet. 2009;66:S1–34.
26 – Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Schedule 4.
27 – Smith TR, et al. Adherence to oral nutritional supplements in patients with cancer. Nutrients. 2020 Feb;12(2):517.
28 – Brown F, et al. Compliance with oral nutritional supplements in older adults. J Nutr Health Aging. 2020 Feb;24(3):305-11.
29 – Hubbard GP, et al. A systematic review of compliance to oral nutritional supplements. Clin Nutr. 2012;31:293-12.
30 – Ross PJ, et al. Do patients with weight loss have a worse outcome when undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancers? Br J Cancer. 2004;90:1905-11.
31 – Cancer Council NSW. Side effects of chemotherapy [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 01]. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/cancer-treatment/chemotherapy/side-effects/
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