If you’re undergoing radiation therapy, what you don’t eat is often just as important as what you do. Though each person should follow their doctor’s recommendations, we’ve found that avoiding certain foods in favor of more nutrient-rich meals helps your body to heal quickly and feel its best.
Maintaining a Healthy Diet Throughout Radiation Therapy
Foods to Avoid
- Salt. Salt traps excess fluid in the body, increasing your blood pressure and putting a strain on your heart.
- Added sugars. Sugar is all around bad for your body and can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and fatigue.
- Saturated fats. Saturated fats can lead to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries and raise your risk for heart disease.
- Alcohol. Alcohol is filled with empty calories that may damage existing healthy tissue.
- Processed foods. Processed foods tend to be high in most of the foods mentioned on this list, like salt, added sugars, and fat.
Foods to Enjoy
- Fruits and vegetables. Whether dried, canned, raw, steamed, or cooked, fruits and vegetables should be the main focus of most meals. Not only are fruits and vegetables filled with vitamins and minerals, but they also contain fiber that can help keep you regular.
- Fat-free dairy. Dairy products tend to be high in calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. So long as you choose fat-free or low-fat options, you don’t have to cut dairy out of your diet throughout treatment.
- Whole grains. From fiber and antioxidants to vitamins and minerals, brown rice and whole grain breads can strengthen your body and help it to repair itself.
- Lean protein. Not all protein-rich foods are created equal. When adding more protein to your diet, look for options that are also low in fat, like seafood, lean meat, and poultry.
Beverly Oncology & Imaging offers state-of-the-art medical technology with greater convenience than hospitals can offer. We are leaders in our field, using cutting-edge technology like Rotating Gamma Technology™, External Beam therapy, and brachytherapy. Contact us today to discuss treatment options or to make an appointment.