Cancer treatment is vital to killing cancer cells, but it can challenge your nutritional well-being. If you're undergoing cancer treatment, a nutritious diet can help you keep up your strength and energy, tolerate treatment-related side effects better, decrease the chance of infection, recover and heal more quickly and rebuild healthy tissue. Learning what kinds of foods to eat and how to manage eating problems can help you adjust your diet so you receive the necessary nutrients. 
Build Variety into Your Diet 

  The best way to get all of the nutrients you need is to eat a variety of foods every day. A good diet includes the following food groups:

• Fruits and vegetables, raw or cooked, and fruit juices provide necessary vitamins, such as vitamins A and C, and minerals.
• Protein is needed to repair body tissue and to maintain a healthy immune system. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, nuts and dried beans.
• Grains, such as bread, pasta and rice, provide carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy. 
• Dairy, including milk, yogurt and cheese provides calcium, protein and a variety of vitamins.

  Many cancer patients experience problems with eating because of the physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatments. Here are some ways to cope with eating problems:

• Loss of appetite. Eating small meals throughout the day instead of three big ones may help you tolerate food better. Keep snacks within easy reach so you can eat between meals. Make sure your favorite foods are available, they may help increase your appetite.
• Changed sense of taste or smell. Foods, especially red meats, can develop a bitter or metallic taste. If this occurs, try chicken, turkey, eggs or fish. Food also may taste bland. Add seasonings, such as rosemary, basil, oregano, lemon, or sweet-and-sour sauce. 
• Nausea. If you feel nauseated, eat bland foods, such as crackers, toast, oatmeal, clear liquids and baked chicken. Avoid fatty, greasy, fried and spicy foods because they are difficult to digest.
• Vomiting. Don't eat until vomiting is under control. When vomiting passes, consume clear liquids and gradually work your way back to your regular diet.
• Sore mouth and throat. If your mouth is sore, avoid foods with spices, acid, citrus or salt. Also, cook foods until they are soft so you can chew and swallow without further irritating your mouth or throat.

  Eating well during cancer treatment can help you fight your illness. A well-balanced diet provides nutrients that are essential to keeping your body strong and energized. If you have questions about your dietary needs, consult your doctor.