What to Eat — When You Feel Sick

It varies by the medicines used and by the person. Some people feel worst in the first day or two after each cycle and improve from there. Others notice nausea building and peaking on day two or three. Over time you will begin to recognise your own pattern, which makes it easier to plan. If the pattern changes — nausea lasting longer than after the previous cycle, or feeling much worse — tell your team.

Yes. Staying well hydrated is particularly important because some chemotherapy medicines put extra load on the kidneys, and drinking enough helps the body clear them. Aim to keep your urine a pale yellow rather than dark. If plain water is difficult because of a metallic taste, try coconut water, plain lime water, or very dilute buttermilk. Sip small amounts throughout the day rather than large amounts at once.

Metallic taste is a common side effect during chemotherapy. Using a plastic spoon instead of metal cutlery, rinsing your mouth with plain water before eating, and choosing cold or room-temperature food over hot can all reduce it. Tart flavours — a squeeze of lime over plain rice — sometimes cut through the metallic sensation where bland foods feel flat. Tell your team if the taste change is making eating very difficult cycle after cycle.

On good days, mild spice is generally tolerated if your body is managing it. On nauseous days, spice is likely to make things worse. Avoid heavily spiced food on your most difficult days and reintroduce gradually when you are feeling better. If your mouth is sore — a side effect some medicines cause — spicy food will increase the pain and should be avoided until the soreness settles.

Some weight loss during chemotherapy is common and expected. Significant or continuing weight loss across several cycles is worth raising with your oncologist — not because it means the treatment is not working, but because your nutritional state affects how well you tolerate the next cycle. Your oncologist may refer you to a dietitian or recommend a supplement drink for days when eating is very difficult. Raise it rather than waiting to see if it corrects itself.

During the days when your white cell count is at its lowest, food hygiene matters more than usual. Restaurant and outside food carry a higher risk of contamination. Ask your team when counts are typically lowest in your cycle — those are the days to be most careful. On days when your immunity is less affected, freshly prepared food from a place you trust is usually fine. Avoid raw salads and cut fruit sold outside.