Sometimes patients undergoing cancer treatment experience side effects that affect how they eat. It's important to manage these side effects so that patients can maintain a satisfactory level of health and nutrition. Listed below are some common diet-related side effects of cancer treatment and some general tips from Siteman's dietitians for how to cope with those side effects.

• Drink lots of fluid
• Eat popsicles, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice or sugarless hard candy
• Use gravy to moisten foods
• Consume soft, moist foods

• Drink plenty of fluids to replace fluids lost
• Eat small, frequent meals
• Eat potassium-rich foods like bananas or oranges
• Consume low-fiber food and avoid foods high in fiber
• Limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol, sweets and fried foods
• Avoid milk and milk products

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially warm or hot fluids, to help loosen the bowels
• Consume foods high in fiber
• Increase your overall activity level
• Consider trying prune juice or prunes to help naturally stimulate the bowels
• Use a stool softener or laxative

• Eat foods cold or at room temperature
• Avoid acidic, spicy, salty and rough foods that may cause irritation
• Eat soft, smooth foods: ice cream, soft fruits, pudding, oatmeal, cottage cheese, yogurt, custard, jello, etc.

• Antiemetic/antinausea medications can be used to prevent or improve nausea and vomiting
• Drink liquids separate from meal times
• Eat and drink slowly
• Eat small frequent meals
• Eat cold and room temperature foods to reduce food smells
• Drink unsweetened fruit juices
• Suck on hard candies
• Avoid sweet, fried or fatty foods
• Prepare meals prior to chemotherapy and freeze them
• Stay up after meals to avoid reflux

• Make every bite count by adding butter, sauces, gravy and etc.
• Eat 5 to 6 small meals per day
• Eat whenever you are hungry
• Keep snacks handy for between meals
• Drink liquids that contain calories
• Nutritional supplement drinks may be helpful, but consult the registered dietitian prior to their use

• Eat slowly and chew food well
• Limit liquids with meals
• Avoid carbonated beverages like sodas
• Avoid dried peas, beans, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. These foods may produce gas.

• Use ready-to-eat, easy to prepare foods
• Ask for help from family and friends
• Rest before meals and snacks
• When you do feel good, cook batches of food and freeze them for when you don't feel like cooking

• Focus on drinking at least eight 8-ounce cups of fluid daily
• Avoid caffeinated beverages
• Drink fluids throughout the day. Drink liquids with meals and between meals
• Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go
• Eat foods that contain water, including fruit, soups, popsicles, juices and vegetables