Table of Contents
Cancer treatment places immense stress on the body, often triggering systemic inflammation that can worsen fatigue, digestive issues, and recovery time. In fact, several studies report that chronic inflammation may impair treatment response and healing. Managing this inflammatory response through diet is more than supportive; it’s essential. Certain foods can help lower inflammatory markers, improve tissue repair, and protect healthy cells during therapy.
This article breaks down the most helpful anti-inflammatory foods to eat during treatment and why they matter.
Key Takeaways
- Chronic inflammation during treatment can delay healing and worsen side effects.
- Anti-inflammatory foods support recovery and protect healthy cells.
- Nutrients like omega-3s and antioxidants help reduce inflammation.
- Avoid processed foods, trans fats, and added sugars.
- Small, soft meals and hydration ease common treatment-related issues.
Why Inflammation Matters During Cancer Treatment
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense against harm. Acute inflammation happens quickly, like when you get a cut or an infection. It helps the body heal. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, lasts longer. However, the inflammatory response may not go away, and it can damage healthy tissues over time.
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often increase inflammation. According to the National Cancer Institute, these treatments can trigger the immune system and release inflammatory cytokines. This inflammatory response may be helpful in killing cancer cells, but it can also harm healthy ones.
Too much inflammation during treatment is linked to more fatigue, muscle loss, poor digestion, and tissue damage. It can also delay wound healing and make recovery longer and harder. Some patients may experience side effects like mouth sores, nausea, or brain fog, conditions often worsened by chronic inflammation.
Controlling inflammation through the right foods can help ease symptoms and support healing.
The Role of Nutrition in Managing Inflammation
What you eat can either calm or fuel inflammation. Certain foods support the body’s healing process by blocking inflammatory signals in the immune system. Others may do the opposite, making symptoms worse.
Key nutrients like antioxidants, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber (we’ll get to clear details about this in a few) play a major role in reducing inflammation. These nutrients help protect healthy cells, support immune balance, and keep inflammation in check during treatment.
On the other hand, some foods can raise inflammatory markers and may even interfere with how the body responds to treatment. This can lead to more side effects, slower recovery, and added stress on organs already under pressure.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Include
1. Colorful Fruits and Vegetables
Bright fruits and vegetables are packed with healing nutrients. Berries, leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are top choices. They are rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, which help repair tissue and protect healthy cells. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, eating a variety of colorful produce daily can reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
2. Whole Grains
Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and buckwheat provide long-lasting energy. They are high in fiber and B vitamins, which help regulate digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut. Fiber also supports a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a role in how the body responds to treatment.
3. Healthy Fats
Healthy fats help the body absorb nutrients and reduce inflammation. Extra virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds are rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. These nutrients protect cells from damage and may help with dryness or skin sensitivity during treatment.
4. Omega-3 Rich Foods
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to fight inflammation. Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are some of the best sources. Plant-based options include ground flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. Research shows omega-3s may reduce treatment-related fatigue and help protect the heart and brain.
5. Herbs and Spices
Certain herbs and spices have natural anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon have been studied for their ability to lower inflammation and support immunity. Adding them to meals can bring both flavor and healing benefits.
6. Fermented Foods and Probiotics
Foods like yogurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso help protect gut health. They provide probiotics, which support digestion and can reduce the risk of infection, especially helpful when antibiotics are used during treatment. A balanced gut is linked to better nutrient absorption and less inflammation.
7. Hydrating, Soothing Beverages
Staying hydrated is key during treatment. Green tea, herbal teas, and bone broth offer gentle hydration and are easy on the stomach. Green tea contains catechins, natural anti-inflammatory compounds that protect cells from stress. Herbal teas like chamomile and ginger can calm nausea and ease digestion.
For patients wondering what to eat during lung radiotherapy, hydrating options are just as important as solid foods. Warm broths, herbal teas, and gentle fluids can ease dryness in the mouth and throat while supporting overall comfort.
Foods to Avoid or Limit
Some foods can make inflammation worse and may interfere with how well cancer treatment works. Limiting or avoiding these foods can help the body respond better and reduce unwanted inflammatory side effects.
- Ultra-processed foods: Packaged snacks, processed meats, and sugary breakfast cereals often contain preservatives, additives, and unhealthy fats. These ingredients can raise inflammation levels and weaken the immune system. Regular intake of ultra-processed foods has been linked to poor health outcomes, including a higher risk of certain cancers.
- Refined sugars and sweetened drinks: This can cause spikes in blood sugar and fuel inflammatory responses in the body. Soft drinks, candy, sweetened teas, and flavored yogurts often contain more sugar than expected. Over time, this can worsen fatigue and digestive problems during treatment.
- Trans fats: Those found in products like margarine, shortening, and fried fast foods are known to increase inflammation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called them unsafe due to their effects on heart health and inflammation pathways.
- Alcohol: Should be used with caution or avoided altogether. It can irritate the digestive tract, weaken the liver, and interfere with medications. Alcohol also raises inflammation and may increase side effects like fatigue, dehydration, or nausea during treatment.
Eating Tips During Treatment
- Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to help with nausea or low appetite.
- Choose soft, cooked foods like soups, mashed vegetables, or stewed fruits if you have mouth sores or trouble swallowing.
- Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, or broths, even if you’re not feeling hungry.
- Eat in a calm, relaxed setting to support digestion and reduce stress.
- Keep bland, gentle foods ready for days when your stomach feels sensitive.
- Try cold or room-temperature foods if strong smells make you feel sick.
- Use a food journal to track which foods help or worsen your symptoms.
Conclusion
Managing inflammation through food is a powerful way to support your body during cancer treatment. Choosing the right foods can ease side effects, boost strength, and help with healing. If you’re unsure what to eat during radiotherapy or other treatments, speak with a registered dietitian. A personalized plan can make a meaningful difference in how you feel.
This article was written for WHN by Joel Okello, a statistician with a strong background in biostatistics. Joel spends most of the time working with health data, but is also passionate about writing and sharing helpful, science-backed information that people can use in their daily lives. Joel believes good health starts with understanding how the body works and making smart lifestyle choices. When not crunching numbers or writing, you’ll probably find Joel reading about new health studies or enjoying a quiet walk outdoors. Additionally, Joel is always happy to connect over topics that combine data, wellness, and real-world impact.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything else. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6704802
https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2022/reducing-inflammation-to-treat-cancer
https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/after-breast-cancer-omega-3s-fight-fatigue
