Why Diet is Important?

During cancer treatment, your body goes through a lot. A balanced, nutritious diet helps to:

• Maintain strength and energy
• Boost immunity
• Repair healthy tissues
• Reduce side effects like fatigue, nausea, or weight loss

What to Eat?

1. High-Protein Foods:

Helps in healing and rebuilding tissues.

• Eggs, fish, chicken, dairy, dals, soy, paneer, nuts

2. Fruits and Vegetables:

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

• Banana, apple, papaya, boiled vegetables, coconut water

3. Whole Grains:

Provides energy and fiber.

• Rice, roti, oats, suji, daliya

4. Plenty of Fluids:

Keeps you hydrated and flushes toxins.

• Water, lemon water, ORS, soup, fruit juice (homemade)

Foods to Avoid

• Fried and spicy food
• Street food or uncooked food
• Very cold or very hot food (if mouth sores are present)
• Alcohol and smoking

Myth: Sugar feeds cancer — So cancer patients must stop eating sugar completely.

Reality:

This is a common misconception. It is true that all cells, including cancer cells, use glucose (a form of sugar) for energy. But completely eliminating sugar from your diet doesn’t stop cancer growth.

In fact, your normal cells also need glucose to function. Cutting out all sugar can lead to malnutrition, weakness, and unintended weight loss, especially during chemotherapy.

Instead of avoiding sugar entirely, focus on:

• Balanced nutrition
• Limiting refined sugars (e.g., sweets, sugary drinks)
• Including natural sugars from fruits and healthy carbs

Bottom line: Sugar in moderation is not harmful. The real danger is poor nutrition. Always consult your doctor or dietitian.