Cancer treatment can cause tooth decay and other problems for your teeth and gums. Changes in eating habits may add to the problem. If you eat often or eat a lot of sweets, you may need to brush your teeth more often.

Here are some ideas for preventing dental problems:

• See your dentist before starting treatment, especially if you have a history of tooth or gum problems. This may help prevent infection or other problems later on.
• Use a soft toothbrush. If your gums are very sensitive, clean your teeth with cotton swabs or mouth swabs made especially for teeth cleaning.
• Rinse your mouth with warm water when your mouth and gums are sore. Also rinse your mouth if you have been vomiting to get rid of any acid remaining on your teeth.
• If you are not having trouble with poor appetite or weight loss, limit the amount of sugar in your diet. Also, cut down on foods that stick to the teeth such as caramels, dried fruits, seeds and chewy candy bars.
• Try to brush or rinse your mouth after each meal or snack.
• See your dentist regularly. Patients who are receiving treatment that affects the mouth (e.g., radiation to the head and neck) may need to see the dentist more often than usual.

Nausea, with or without vomiting, may occur as a side effect of cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, and of some medications used for pain. The cancer itself, or other conditions unrelated to your cancer or treatment, may also cause nausea. Nausea can keep you from getting enough food and needed nutrients.

Try foods such as:

• Toast and crackers
• Yogurt
• Sherbet
• Popsicles
• Pretzels
• Angel food cake
• Canned peaches, pears, fruit cocktail, melons
• Skinned chicken (baked, boiled)
• Hot cereal, such as oatmeal
• Clear liquids, broth
• Ice chips

Helpful suggestions:

• Avoid foods that are fatty, greasy, fried or spicy.
• Avoid foods that are too sweet, like candy or cake.
• Avoid foods that have strong odors.
• Eat small amounts often and slowly.
• Avoid eating in a room that's stuffy or too warm, or has cooking odors or smells that might disagree with you.
• Drink fewer liquids with meals; drinking liquids can cause you to feel full and bloated.
• Sip liquids throughout the day, except at mealtimes. Using a straw may help.
• Drink beverages cool or chilled. Try freezing favorite beverages in ice cube trays.
• Eat foods at room temperature or cooler; hot foods may add to nausea.
• Don't force yourself to eat favorite foods when you are nauseated; it may cause you to develop a permanent dislike of those foods.
• Always sit upright when eating.
• Rest after meals since activity may slow digestion. Rest sitting up, for about an hour after meals.
• If you feel nauseated in the morning, try dry toast or crackers before getting up.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
• Avoid eating for one or two hours before radiation therapy or chemotherapy, if nausea occurs during treatment.
• Many people undergoing cancer treatment feel best in the mornings. There is nothing wrong with having your major meal at that time.
• Ask your doctor about anti-nausea medications.

Vomiting may follow nausea and may be brought on by treatment, food odors, gas in the stomach or bowel or motion. In some people, certain surroundings (such as the hospital) may initiate vomiting.

Here are some helpful ideas:

• Do not drink or eat until you have the vomiting under control.
• Sit upright for a period of time after vomiting.
• Once you have controlled the vomiting, try small amounts of clear liquids, such as cranberry juice, flat ginger ale or cool broth. Begin with one teaspoon every 10 minutes, gradually increase to one tablespoon every 20 minutes, then try 2 tablespoons every 30 minutes.
• When you are able to keep down clear liquids, try a 'full-liquid' diet that may include cream of wheat, pudding, ice cream or frozen yogurt, broth, gelatin and milk. Continue to take small amounts as often as you can keep them down. If you feel okay on a full-liquid diet, gradually work your way up to your regular diet. Carbonated beverages are fine for some people, but others find the beverages make them feel full or bloated, or cause burping, which can stimulate vomiting.

If you experience nausea and/or vomiting from your treatment, avoid eating your favorite foods prior to the time you are likely to feel sick. It is not uncommon for individuals to associate a particular food with the onset of unpleasant symptoms. This is called an 'acquired food aversion.’ Save your favorites for a time when you feel well.

Diarrhea may be caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy to the abdomen, infection, food sensitivity and emotional upset. Long-term or severe diarrhea may cause dehydration and other health problems, since needed water and nutrients are lost. Contact your doctor if the diarrhea is persistent.

Low-residue, low-fiber foods can sometimes offer relief. These might include:

• Rice or noodles
• Farina or cream of wheat
• Eggs (cooked until the whites are solid, not fried)
• Bananas
• Puréed vegetables, or cooked soft
• Canned or cooked fruit without skins, such as applesauce
• White bread
• Skinned turkey or chicken
• Tender or ground beef
• Fish
• Mashed potatoes

Helpful tips are:

• Avoid foods that make it worse. These might include: beans, onions or strong spices; greasy, fatty or fried foods; raw vegetables, raw fruits or nuts; high fiber vegetables such as broccoli, corn, beans, cabbage, cauliflower or peas.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages
• Avoid dairy products if they increase indigestion and diarrhea. (Many liquid nutritional supplements are milk free and are available in a variety of flavors.)
• Eat small amounts of food and liquids throughout the day.
• Drink liquids that are at room temperature. Avoid very hot or very cold foods.
• Eat plenty of foods and liquids that contain sodium and potassium. These minerals are often lost during diarrhea. Foods high in potassium that don't cause diarrhea include bananas, peach and apricot nectar and boiled or mashed potatoes. Good liquid choices include bouillon or fat-free broth.
• Try a clear liquid diet during the first 12 to 24 hours of onset.

Some anticancer drugs and other drugs, such as pain medications, may cause constipation. This problem may also occur if your diet lacks enough fluid or bulk, or if you are not physically active. Here are some suggestions to prevent and treat constipation:

• Drink plenty of liquids (at least eight glasses per day) to help keep your stools soft. A daily four-ounce serving of prune juice may also be helpful.
• Take a hot drink about one half hour before your usual time for a bowel movement.
• Try high-fiber foods, including whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits. For example, choose whole wheat bread, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes with skin, bananas, prunes, oranges and berries.
• Add unprocessed wheat bran to foods such as casseroles and hot cereals.
• Get some exercise, such as walking, every day. Speak with to your doctor or physical therapist about the amount and type of exercise that is right for you.
• If none of these suggestions works, ask your doctor about fiber supplements, like Metamucil, or medicine to ease constipation. Drink plenty of fluids, as indicated in the directions for use. Be sure to check with your doctor before adding fiber or taking any laxatives or stool softeners.

Damage to the mouth, gums and throat may result from cancer treatment. If you have a sore mouth, see your doctor to be sure the soreness is not due to a correctable dental or medical problem. Certain foods will irritate an already sore mouth. To make eating easier, carefully choose the foods you eat and take good care of your mouth.

Try soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as:

• Bananas, applesauce, watermelon, canned fruits
• Peach, pear and apricot nectars
• Cottage cheese, yogurt, milkshakes
• Mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese
• Custards, puddings, gelatin
• Scrambled eggs
• Oatmeal and other cooked cereals
• Puréed or mashed vegetables
• Puréed meats

Here are some suggestions:

• Avoid citrus fruit or juice.
• Avoid spicy or salty foods.
• Avoid rough, coarse or dry foods.
• Avoid hot spices, such as chili powder, nutmeg and cloves.
• Cook foods until they are soft and tender.
• Cut foods into small pieces, grind or purée. Try stews and casseroles.
• Mix food with butter, thin gravies and sauces to make it easier to swallow.
• Use a straw to drink liquids.
• Try food cold or at room temperature, since hot and warm foods can irritate a tender mouth and throat.
• If your teeth and gums are sore, your dentist may suggest a special product for cleaning your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water often to remove food and bacteria and promote healing.
• Ask your doctor about anesthetic lozenges and sprays (such as Tisol and Mouthkote) that can numb the mouth and throat long enough for you to eat meals.
• Keep dentures clean and remove them, except when eating, until your mouth heals.
• Do not smoke, and keep alcohol to a minimum.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy in the head or neck area - which can reduce the flow of saliva - often cause dry mouth. When this happens, it is hard to chew and swallow. Dry mouth can also change the way foods taste. To reduce problems caused by dry mouth, try the suggestions below, as well as the ideas given for a sore mouth or throat.

• Avoid salty foods.
• Try tart foods and beverages, such as lemonade. These foods may help your mouth produce more saliva. Melon may also help.
• Suck on hard candy such as lemon drops, eat popsicles, or chew sugar-free gum.
• Keep your lips moist with lip salves.
• Use sauces, gravies and salad dressings to make food moist and easier to swallow.
• Try thick drinks, such as fruit nectars, at room temperature or cold.
• Have a sip of water every few minutes, to help you swallow and talk more easily.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• If your dry mouth problem is severe, ask your doctor or dentist about products that coat and protect your mouth. Synthetic saliva products, such as Glandosane, Optimoist, Moistin or Mouthkote, may help.

Problems with swallowing can be the result of cancer or its treatment. The use of feeding tubes, at least right after surgery, will allow healing to take place. If a tube is not required, there are several things you can do to make eating easier:

• Take deep breaths before attempting to swallow, and exhale or cough after swallowing.
• Thick liquids may be easier to swallow than thin liquids. Gelatin may be easier to swallow than thick or thin liquids.
• Mashed foods should not be too thick.
• Drink your fluids between, rather than during, meals since they may reduce your appetite. Liquids at room temperature may be easier to swallow.

If part or all of the tongue or jawbone has been removed, then chewing and tongue movement may be limited. Food will move down your digestive tract once it gets to the throat. Speech therapists, dietitians or nurses can teach effective swallowing techniques. Also, try these suggestions:

• Use a straw. It makes swallowing beverages easier.
• Use a spoon. It is easier to control and less hazardous than a fork.
• Ask your therapist to demonstrate the best way for you to place food in your mouth.
• Avoid very hot or very cold foods.
• Choose the right liquid diet for your needs, to help avoid constipation or diarrhea.
• Try puréed foods. They may be easier to tolerate than foods of regular consistency.
• Exercise your tongue and jaw. Try to move them through the usual range of motion - stick your tongue out and back, yawn and move your jawbone from side to side.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or the cancer itself may cause your sense of taste to change. Some patients complain of a bitter, metallic taste, especially when eating foods high in protein. Each person's sense of taste may be affected differently. You will need to learn which foods, if any, taste differently to you.

Depending on how your taste has been affected, some of the following ideas for improving flavor may work better than others. In addition, visit your dentist to check for dental problems that may affect your food's taste.

• Choose and prepare foods that look and smell good to you.
• If red meat tastes different, use chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy products, tofu or fish that doesn't have a strong smell.
• Make meat, chicken or fish more flavorful by marinating it in sweet fruit juices, sweet wine or Italian dressing.
• Try using small amounts of flavorful seasonings such as basil, rosemary or oregano.
• Try tart foods that may have more taste, such as oranges or lemonade. A tart lemon custard might be tasty and will also provide needed protein and calories.
• Serve foods at room temperature.
• Try using onion, garlic and other seasonings to add flavor to vegetables.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Drink liquids throughout the day.

Weight loss can occur during cancer treatment due to the effects of cancer on the body and its interference with eating, digestion or the absorption of food. Weight loss can also be caused by loss of appetite from cancer therapy or feelings of depression or anxiety.

The following suggestions may help make mealtimes more relaxed and eating more appealing.

• Involve yourself in as many normal activities as possible.
• Stay calm, especially at mealtimes. Don't hurry your meals.
• Try changing the time, place and surroundings of meals. A candlelight dinner can make mealtime more appealing. Eat with others, or listen to your favorite music.
• If you are losing weight, eat food often during the day, even at bedtime. Have nutritious snacks available, but store them out of sight.
• Add variety to your menu by using new recipes, spices and food products. Eat out in restaurants occasionally.
• Ask your dietitian to help you with meal planning for adequate nutrient intake.
• Include your favorite foods in your daily menus.

Weight gain may be an unexpected occurrence during cancer treatment. Sometimes this is due to hormonal changes. Excessive portion sizes or eating too many foods high in calories and fat can also increase weight. Sometimes patients feel less nauseated or anxious when they have food in their mouths. Discuss your weight gain with your physician or registered dietitian to determine the best way to achieve a healthy weight. This is important because excess weight gain may worsen prognosis for certain cancers, such as breast cancer.

Sometimes patients gain excess weight during treatment without eating extra calories. For example, certain drugs (such as prednisone) can cause the body to retain fluid. The extra weight is from water and does not mean you are eating too much. DO NOT go on a diet if you notice weight gain. Instead, tell your doctor so you can find out what may be causing this change. If anticancer drugs are causing the weight gain, your doctor may recommend limiting the salt you eat, since salt causes your body to hold onto water. To get rid of the extra fluid, drugs called diuretics may be prescribed.

To alleviate water retention:

• Eat less salt.
• Drink when you are thirsty, and be sure to have three to four glasses of water each day.
• Stay as physically active as possible. For example, take walks.
• Elevate your legs when resting.

If you were able to digest milk and milk products easily before you began your radiation or chemotherapy treatment, but now develop cramps and diarrhea after you drink milk or eat certain dairy foods, then you may be suffering from lactose intolerance. The cancer therapy may have temporarily inactivated the enzymes in your intestinal tract that digest the milk sugar called lactose.

For most people, the condition will reverse itself in time. Meanwhile, the following measures may be helpful:

• Avoid milk or dairy products that give you problems. Yogurt and small amounts of aged cheeses may be easier to tolerate.
• If you are concerned about not getting enough calcium in your diet, try calcium-fortified orange or apple juice, and calcium-fortified cereals and breads. Ask your doctor or dietitian about taking calcium supplements.
• Try one of the enzyme products, such as LactAid or Lactinex, which helps break down the lactose. Some products can be taken in pill form, while others are added directly to milk. Or try reduced-lactose milk, such as LactAid milk.

Sugarless gum, especially those that are citrus flavored, can increase saliva formation. Keep a water bottle nearby and take sips often throughout the day. Mouth sprays and saliva substitutes can also help. Choose foods high in moisture, or add sauces, gravies, or oils. High-calorie shakes and blenderized drinks can also help. Canned nutritional supplement drinks and other high calorie shakes can be useful. Any food can be pureed, mashed, blended, or mixed to be softer and easier to swallow. Drink liquids together with small bites of solid foods. Moist and soft foods such as eggs, custards, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruits, soft-cooked vegetables, and soft meats, are usually easier to swallow.

Loss of appetite and nausea are common symptoms during and after cancer treatment. Your sense of taste can change during treatment. Using more spices and condiments might help to increase food appeal. Try spices and flavorings often, as your tastes may have changed. Sometimes medicines can be very helpful to reduce nausea. There are also medicines that can help to increase appetite. Ask your doctor or nurse if those might be good for you.

Nutrition and physical activity can help reduce fatigue. Patients and survivors have fatigue for a number of different reasons. Some fatigue may occur because they do not eat enough or do not exercise enough. Starting slowly with an exercise program, even if only for a few minutes each day, can help to restore energy. You can then increase how often and how long you exercise. Some fatigue is due to specific medical problems like anemia, which also can be treated. Talk to your doctor about the reason for your fatigue.

Anemia can occur during cancer treatment and sometimes after treatment as well. It can result from blood loss, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy, or from the cancer itself. A balanced diet can help support the body's repair system that will produce new blood cells, but diet alone may not correct the anemia caused by cancer treatment. Iron supplements should be taken only after talking with your doctor. Extra iron is useful if the anemia is caused by too little iron, but there are other causes of anemia. Iron is not helpful for other conditions, and it can cause digestive system side effects, such as constipation and nausea. Good food sources of iron include meats, leafy greens, and fortified grain products. Consuming sources of vitamin C (such as oranges, strawberries, and peppers) with fortified grain products will help you better absorb the iron in those foods. There are several causes of anemia in cancer survivors, and some of these are best treated with medicines or blood transfusions. Talk to your doctor about the cause of your anemia.

Weight loss often occurs in the early stages of cancer treatment and recovery, but this is not a good time to lose weight. To keep from losing too much weight, focus on eating more and using less energy. Try between-meal snacks of foods and beverages that are good sources of calories, fat, and protein. While physical activity may be useful in helping to reduce stress and increase strength, high levels of activity make weight gain more difficult.

In the short term, during some cancer treatment, weight gain can't be avoided. After treatment, a program of regular physical activity and healthy food choices can usually stop the pattern of weight gain and lead to slow and controlled weight loss. Maintaining a healthy body weight should be a long-term goal to help reduce the risk of new or recurrent cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.

After the treatment phase, survivors who are overweight can benefit from modest, slow weight loss of up to 2 pounds per week. There are real benefits from stopping weight gain and beginning weight loss, even if that process is slow. If you are overweight, it is likely that any amount of weight loss will be helpful, even if you do not reach your ideal weight. The best way to lose weight is through a healthy, well-balanced diet and moderate physical activity.

A woman's bones often lose some of their calcium and become weaker (osteoporosis) after menopause, whether it is a natural menopause or one that has been caused by cancer treatment. Estrogens can increase bone strength, but they are not recommended for women who are at high risk for breast cancer, and their safety in women who have had estrogen-responsive breast or endometrial cancers is uncertain. Soy-based foods and supplements and other sources of phytoestrogens have been suggested as a substitute for estrogen, but it is also unknown whether these products are safe for women who are at risk for or survivors of breast or endometrial cancer.

A man's bones may become less dense as he ages. Thinning of bones is also a side effect of hormonal treatment for prostate cancer.

Increasing calcium and vitamin D (from foods and supplements), prescription medicines (such as bisphosphonates), and exercise can be effective for women and men with osteoporosis. Bone density can be easily measured to determine the need for treatment.

Estrogens can reduce menopausal symptoms, but estrogen therapy may not be a good choice for women who have had estrogen-responsive breast cancer or endometrial cancer, are at high risk for breast cancer, or have had complications that can be worsened by estrogens, such as blood clots. If hormone replacement therapy is a consideration, most doctors now recommend that it should be used only for a short time to relieve symptoms. They discourage most women from long-term hormone replacement. Other methods of controlling menopausal symptoms include regular exercise, healthy eating, avoiding caffeine, reducing alcohol use, stress reduction, and non-hormone prescription medicines. Many dietary supplements taken to manage symptoms of menopause contain estrogens, so you should talk to your doctor before using them.

Lymphedema is swelling in the arm or leg following cancer surgery or radiation. It is caused by a blockage of flow of the lymph fluid. Although a high protein, low sodium diet has been suggested by some, there is no evidence that this approach helps. Exercise, specifically range-of-motion exercises, may be helpful. Ask your doctor or nurse about specific physical or massage therapy programs designed to treat lymphedema.

Moderate exercise reduces fatigue, promotes a sense of well-being, and can speed recovery from cancer. It is not known whether exercise will reduce the chances of cancer recurrence or will slow cancer growth. The benefits of regular exercise for weight control and cardiovascular health also make regular, moderate physical activity a good choice for cancer patients and survivors.

There may be special precautions you should consider, depending on your treatment or side effects of treatment. For example, if you have severe anemia, you should delay exercise until the anemia has improved. If you are having radiation treatment, you should avoid swimming pools, because chlorine in pool water can be irritating to irradiated skin. If your immune system has been affected by your cancer treatment, you should avoid public gyms (and other public places) until your white blood cell counts return to normal. You should always consult your doctor or nurse before beginning an exercise program.

The right exercise program is one that starts slowly and gradually increases in time and intensity, as you are able. Your muscles will tell you when you need to slow down and rest. Strength, flexibility and aerobic fitness are all important features of an effective exercise program.

The best source of vitamins and minerals is foods. During and just after cancer treatment, you may not eat everything your body needs, so a vitamin and mineral supplement may be needed. The best choice is a balanced multivitamin/mineral supplement containing as much as 100% of the 'Daily Value' of most nutrients (formerly known as the 'RDA'). Some people believe that if a little bit of a nutrient is good for you, then a lot must be better. This is not true. In fact, high doses of some nutrients can be harmful. Doctors may prescribe a vitamin and/or mineral supplement for people with certain health problems such as osteoporosis, anemia, or during pregnancy. Be sure to discuss vitamin and mineral supplement use with your doctor.

No. More than 100 healthful compounds are found in fruits and vegetables. The small amount of dried powder contained in the pills that are sold provide only a small fraction of the substances found in whole foods. Many of the benefits of vegetables and fruits are from the combined effect of several of the nutrients they contain and therefore cannot be duplicated in supplements. And, some of the helpful small nutrients (called micronutrients) in plant-based foods are not available as supplements because they have yet to be discovered.

It is not a good idea to take large doses – or 'mega-doses' – of any vitamin or mineral, including the antioxidant nutrients, at any time. High doses of antioxidants may interfere with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. So be sure to discuss your use of supplements with your doctor. Fruits and vegetables are the best source for antioxidants.

Supplements containing 5 mg or less of beta-carotene are not likely to be harmful because this is similar to the levels found in foods. Higher dose supplements should not be taken because higher doses may actually increase risk for certain cancers such as lung cancer, especially if you smoke.

Although soy foods such as tofu are a good source of protein, taking large amounts of soy protein, as found in most soy pills or powders, could have effects on cancer risk that are not yet certain. Phytoestrogens and other plant chemicals (phytochemicals) that are present in soy may affect the way cancer cells grow. These effects might be helpful, especially for men with prostate cancer. But there is also a chance that high doses of soy might act in the same way as estrogen, which can increase the growth of some cancers. Certain cancers, such as breast and endometrial cancer, are sensitive to estrogen and can grow when it is present. Women with breast and endometrial cancer should not take high doses of soy without first talking with their doctor. They should limit food sources of soy - such as soybeans, tofu, and soy milk - to no more than 3 servings per day.

Use only reliable sources of information, such as well-known and respected national organizations, prominent cancer treatment centers, or national government agencies. Beware of testimonials or information that comes only from those who are selling a product. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse about any methods you wish to use, including vitamins, supplements, herbals, etc. so they may advise you about any benefit or interference with your cancer treatment. It is also best to remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is not true.

Start with the American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention to find a diet that is right for you. These guidelines form the basis for a healthy diet. They emphasize:

• vegetables and fruits 
• legumes and whole grains 
• low fat or nonfat dairy products 
• limited amounts of red meat (lean meats are preferred over processed meats and those high in fat)

If you have special dietary needs, as with diabetes, you will want to discuss your needs with a registered dietitian or your doctor.

Everyone should eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits each day. During cancer treatment it may be difficult to eat five servings per day, but with balanced meals, nutritious snacks, and juices, it is quite possible. Serving sizes are quite small, smaller than you might think:
1 medium piece of fruit 
1/2 cup chopped, cooked or canned fruit 
1/4 cup of dried fruit 
6 oz 100% fruit or vegetable juice 
1 cup raw leafy vegetables 
1/2 cup cooked or raw vegetables.

Yes. In fact, frozen foods are often more nutritious than fresh foods because they were usually picked ripe and quickly frozen. Canning can reduce some of the nutrients, but the nutritional value of canned fruits and vegetables is often the same as those that are fresh.

Juicing is not necessary, but juicing can add variety to the diet, and can be a good way to get your fruits and vegetables if you have trouble chewing or swallowing. Juicing also improves the absorption of some of the nutrients in fruits and vegetables in your body. If you buy juiced products, make sure that they have been pasteurized.

There is no evidence that the low levels of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables affect cancer growth. Pesticides can be toxic, but only in very high doses. To reduce exposure to pesticides, thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables.

Wash all foods thoroughly. Do not allow meats and dairy products to stay at room temperature. Cook all meats, poultry and seafood well. Do not drink un-pasteurized beverages.

Unless your doctor suggests otherwise, you should try to drink at least 8 cups of liquid each day. This can include water, juice, or other liquids, such as broth, gelatin, etc. Many symptoms of fatigue, light-headedness, and nausea can be due to too little liquid in your body (called dehydration).

No more than 2 drinks per day for men, and 1 drink per day for women can help prevent heart disease. But these same levels increase the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver and breast. Although there is little information on alcohol and cancer recurrence, most experts recommend that survivors of these cancers avoid frequent use of alcohol.

Limiting caffeine will not affect your cancer, but it can help control many heart problems and help you sleep better.

Yes. Fiber from whole grains and from high fiber cereals can improve bowel function and help to decrease the risk of heart disease. But so far, studies have not shown that fiber supplements reduce cancer risk. Fruits and vegetables are good choices, both for their fiber content and because they contain many other nutrients that reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, including some cancers. Beans are also high in protein and are good meat substitutes.

It appears that the type of fat eaten, rather than the total amount eaten, may have more impact on chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. During cancer treatment, adding moderate amounts of fat-containing foods can help to improve calorie intake. This is important if you were already underweight before you started treatment, or if you have side effects from treatment that make eating difficult.

 

After treatment, you should eat a diet low in saturated fats (found in red meats and dairy products) and trans fatty acids (found in cookies and cakes). Instead, foods that contain monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish, olive oil, walnuts and other nuts, seeds, and beans) are recommended as healthier sources of fats.

Refined grains and foods high in sugar (cakes, cookies, candies, etc.) can cause fatigue due to changes in blood sugar levels. It is wise to limit intake of refined sugars in favor of more nutritious foods. The main sources of carbohydrates in the diet should be whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits. When choosing grain products, look for those that list 'whole grain' as the first ingredient on the label's ingredient list.

You don't need to stop eating meat after cancer, but eating less red meat (and less of other sources of saturated fats) can reduce your risk of heart disease, and may also reduce the risk for colon and prostate cancers. A vegetarian diet can be quite healthy if it is carefully planned. Diets including lean meats in small to moderate amounts can be healthy as well. If you choose a vegetarian diet, check with your doctor or a registered dietitian about whether you should take a multivitamin/mineral supplement.