What food is not allowed for cancer patients?

Ideally we would all follow a diet that’s best for cancer prevention. A plant-based diet is proven to reduce your risk for this and other diseases. But it’s rare to find anyone who can always stick to only vegetables, whole grains and fruits with lean proteins like chicken, fish and beans.

We talked to our MD Anderson Employee Wellness Dietitian Lindsey Wohlford to find out which foods you should be sure to avoid. Wohlford says choose the foods for your cheat days carefully, and stay away from these five worst foods for cancer risk.

5 worst food groups for cancer

Processed meats

Processed meats are meats that have been preserved by salting, smoking or curing. They include bacon, hot dogs, beef jerky and deli meats like ham and pepperoni. Deli turkey slices are also off-limits.

If you eat even small amounts of these meats, it increases your cancer risk. Research shows that if you eat two slices of ham daily, your risk for colorectal cancer increases by at least 16%.

Processed meats are risky because they contain preservatives like nitrates and nitrites. Both are linked to cancer. Nitrate-free meats are available, but they are not necessarily any better.

“The other issue with a lot of these processed meats is that they're heated to high temperatures, which can produce other cancer causing components,” says Wohlford. “A lot of them also contain quite a bit of sodium. And eating too much sodium is linked to stomach cancer.”

Alcohol

When your body processes alcohol, it releases a chemical called acetaldehyde. This chemical damages your DNA, which can cause your cells to start growing out of control. This is what creates tumors.

“Alcohol is linked to esophageal, liver, breast, colorectal and other cancers. So it's a lot of them,” says Wohlford.

For cancer prevention, it’s best to not drink any alcohol.

Charred meat

Meat that is cooked at high heat, burnt or charred has been linked to cancer. That's because the high temperature creates chemicals called HCAs and PAHs, which are carcinogens.

When you're cooking animal protein, use low-heat methods like baking. You also can try moist heat methods like braising or stewing.

“These cooking methods do not raise the temperature high enough to char the meat and create those cancer-causing compounds,” Wohlford says.

Sugar-sweetened beverages

Evidence suggests that drinking sugary drinks, like soda and fruit juice, leads to weight gain. And being overweight or obese increases your risk for several cancers.

“The issue here is that these drinks are so easily consumed and they are a lot of calories,” says Wohlford.

If your drinks are high in calories, it makes it much harder for you to achieve energy balance. That is when you take in the same amount of calories as you burn off in physical activity or exercise.

When you take in more calories than you burn off, it leads to weight gain.

Processed foods

Almost all diets will tell you to avoid processed foods and there is a good reason for that.

People who eat processed foods tend to eat as much as 500 more calories a day than people who eat freshly prepared meals.

This can be because these foods are high in calories. Or the foods are low in nutrients and not very satisfying, which means you eat more of them.

Any food that comes in a bag or box is generally processed. That includes chips and other snacks, frozen French fries or nuggets and fast food burgers. It also includes foods that can seem healthy like breakfast cereal and pasta sauce.

“Processed foods typically lead to weight gain, obesity and then there is that cancer link,” says Wohlford.

As well as the extra calories, processed foods often include more sugar and salt.

Maintain a healthy weight

Two out of every 10 cases of cancer are linked to excess body weight, alcohol use, poor diet or physical inactivity. That is almost as much as cigarette smoking.

If you want to reduce your risk for cancer, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week and eat a plant-based diet.

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN, has been writing health information for the past 20 years. She has extensive experience writing about health issues like sepsis, cancer, mental health issues, and women’s health. She is also author of the book Just the Right Dose: Your Smart Guide to Prescription Medications and How to Take Them Safely.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 2

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 3

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 4

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 5

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 6

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 7

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 8

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 9

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 10

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 11

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 12

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 13

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 14

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 15

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 16

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 17

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 18

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 19

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 20

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 21

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 22

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 23

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 24

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 25

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.

Was this helpful?

Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN

Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 10

Page 26

Was this helpful?

If you have cancer, you may not have much of an appetite, particularly during or after your treatment sessions. However, eating well is important to help your body cope with both the disease and treatment. And just as there are healthy foods to add to your diet, there are some foods to avoid with cancer. Some foods may put you at risk for foodborne illness, or food poisoning, while others may cause pain or make you feel more ill. Talk to your doctor about the right nutrition plan during your treatment, but generally it’s a good idea to keep these foods out of your diet if you’re living with cancer.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

While undergoing cancer treatment, your immune system can’t protect you as well as usual. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw yogurt, and soft cheeses like Brie, may contain bacteria that could make you sick. This includes products from cows, sheep and goats. Normally, your body may be able to cope with these bacteria, but if you have a compromised immune system, you could develop a severe infection.
Eggs are a handy, nutritious packet of food. You can eat them in many forms—boiled, scrambled, fried—and you can add them to several dishes. But avoid any dish that contains raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as pasta carbonara or Hollandaise sauce. Eggs that aren’t cooked properly can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection with the same symptoms as from contaminated dairy products. A popular way to consume raw eggs is in smoothies. Smoothies with fruits and vegetables can be healthy, but if you add in a raw egg, you risk making the smoothie unsafe.
Always wash the produce you bring home from the store or market, even if it’s labeled “pre-washed.” Be especially cautious with fruits and vegetables you grow yourself, especially leafy ones. Dirt may not always be visible, but it could contain bacteria that could make you seriously ill. This includes homegrown or store-bought fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme. If a fruit or vegetable has a rind you won’t or can’t eat, wash it anyway because if you cut through the rind with a knife, you could bring dirt from outside the produce in towards the flesh.
If you like your hamburger rare or enjoy an occasional steak tartare, stop. Undercooked meat and poultry, and raw seafood, like oysters, may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illness. The minimal internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground beef should be a minimum of 160 degrees. Poultry should be 165 degrees, minimum, while fish and shellfish should be 145 degrees minimum.
Raw vegetable sprouts are becoming popular in everyday cuisine. They add a visual pop and maybe a nice crunch to a salad, and they do have health benefits. However, these sprouts have also been subject to recalls over the years, due to contamination. Some types of contamination, such as E. coli, may not be easily cleaned off the produce, so it is safer to avoid consuming them while your immune system is not at its strongest.
Hot or Cold Foods That Have Been Left Out

Whether it’s in your own kitchen or you’re visiting a friend for a buffet-style dinner, avoid foods that should be hot or cold but have been left out at room temperature for two hours or more. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and cold foods should be 40 degrees or lower. If you do host a buffet, slow cookers (plugged in!) can keep food warm, as can warming trays and chafing dishes. Ice baths can help keep food cold.
If you’re suddenly hungry or you have a craving, junk food may be tempting. But chips and fast food meals don’t contain the nutrients your body needs while you are undergoing cancer treatment. They may fill you up temporarily, but you may be hungrier more quickly as the food passes through you. Also, many fast foods are high in salt, which can dehydrate you. If you really must satisfy a craving, however, do so in moderation. A small helping may be all you need, without disrupting your regular meals.
Foods With Sharp or Spicy Flavors

Potential side effects of some types of radiation and chemotherapy are sores in your mouth, a sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. Avoid any foods or drinks that are sour, tart, acidic or spicy, as these may make the sores more painful. Instead, choose bland options, such as cream-based soups, pudding, milkshakes, or cooked or canned fruits and vegetables. Strongly flavored foods can also trigger nausea or make it worse. It can take some trial and error to find the foods that work best for you.
Food and Drinks That Are Dehydrating

While you are receiving cancer treatment, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you eat or drink something that is dehydrating, this could make the side effects more pronounced. Stay away from meals that are very salty, and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, as they are also dehydrating. If you’re very thirsty, it may be tempting to reach for anything, including a cola. Instead, drink water regularly throughout the day to quench your thirst before it starts.