13 Foods and Supplements to avoid During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treatment can substantially impact the body, making patients more vulnerable to complications from foodborne illnesses and potential interactions with medications. Here’s a guide to 13 foods and supplements best avoided during chemotherapy, based on expert recommendations.
1. Raw or Undercooked Meat, Poultry, and Seafood: A weakened immune system during chemotherapy increases the risk of infection. Consuming raw or undercooked proteins can harbor harmful bacteria. Ensure all meats, poultry, and seafood are thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature.
2. Raw Eggs: Similar to undercooked meats, raw eggs can carry Salmonella and pose a risk to those with compromised immune systems.
3. Unpasteurized Dairy Products: Avoid unpasteurized milk,cheese,and yogurt. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria,making dairy products safer for chemotherapy patients.
4. Unwashed fruits and Vegetables: Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables to remove potential contaminants like pesticides and bacteria.
5. Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice: Grapefruit can interfere with the metabolism of certain chemotherapy drugs, possibly altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects.
6. Alcohol: Alcohol can exacerbate the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.It can also interact negatively with certain medications.
7. Unpasteurized Juices: Similar to dairy, unpasteurized juices may contain harmful bacteria. Opt for pasteurized options.
8. Sprouts: Raw sprouts, like alfalfa, clover, and radish sprouts, can harbor bacteria even after washing. They are best avoided during chemotherapy.
9. Hot Sauce: Chemotherapy often causes mucositis - inflammation and painful sores inside the mouth. “For patients experiencing mucositis as a side effect of their treatment, avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, sharp, or crunchy to prevent further pain and discomfort,” says registered dietitian Sharon Lichtenstein.
10. Antioxidant Supplements: While antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, and carotenoids are generally beneficial, they may interfere with chemotherapy’s effectiveness. “antioxidant supplements may interfere with the oxidative stress mechanism that some chemotherapy agents rely on to destroy cancer cells,” Lichtenstein explains.
11. Ice Cream: The chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin, used to treat colorectal, pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancers, can cause extreme sensitivity to cold. Eating or drinking cold foods and beverages can be very uncomfortable. Registered dietitian Wendy Roop suggests, “Have gloves by the fridge, let foods get to room temperature, and choose warm beverages.”
12. Garlic Supplement: Garlic supplements can interact with enzymes that break down chemotherapy drugs in the body, potentially affecting their efficacy. However, Lichtenstein notes that using garlic seasoning in food is generally safe.
13. Deli Meat: Deli meats like ham, liverwurst, salami, and bologna are linked to Listeria outbreaks. Processed meats are also associated with a higher risk of cancer, making them best to avoid even after chemotherapy. Cheese sliced at the deli counter should also be avoided due to potential cross-contamination; prepackaged cheese is a safer option.
Key Takeaways:
chemotherapy weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Prioritize pasteurized and well-cooked foods.
Certain vitamin and nutrient supplements – including St.John’s wort, garlic, and vitamins A, C, and E – may interact with chemotherapy drugs and reduce their effectiveness.
* It’s crucial to receive personalized dietary advice from a healthcare professional. Discuss any current or planned supplement use with your oncologist, registered dietitian, or pharmacist.
