Healing Nutrition

According to the Institute of Medicine, water is the main component of the human body. It constitutes about 60% of body weight in adults, ranging from approximately 45 to 75%. Therefore, adequate hydration is essential for physical and cognitive performance, especially during chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

 

Staying hydrated during treatment is essential to help minimize treatment side effects since it removes waste and toxins from the body, based on NIH research.

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You may need IV hydration (through a vein) during cancer treatment, as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause dehydration due to side effects of vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and loss of appetite, which can make you not take enough fluids. If you don’t get enough water, you may feel tired and can get dehydrated. 

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Additionally, kidney protection through hydration is also crucial during chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy treatments using cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, cisplatin, and carboplatin, among others, can cause kidney damage, as stated by a 2020 PubMed article. Electrolyte supplementation and rehydration are essential for patients receiving these types of chemotherapy.

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You can choose from a variety of beverages to help you stay hydrated:​

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• Water  

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• Coconut water 

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• Sparkling water, seltzer, and club soda 

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• Infused water with fruits and vegetables 

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• Fruit juices such as cold-pressed juices and fruit juice 100% 

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• Electrolyte drinks and electrolyte tablets, such as Pedialyte® and LMNT.  

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• Sports drinks such as Gatorade®, Propel®, and Powerade®

 

• Milk and unsweetened plant-based milk 

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How much to drink during cancer treatment?

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• Adult men need about 3.7 L (125.1 oz.) of fluids daily, and most women need about 2.7 L (91.2 oz.) daily.

  • Especially for 2 days after your chemotherapy infusions with cisplatin. 

 

• On the day of your chemotherapy, drink at least 4 (8-ounce) glasses of liquids throughout the day. 

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•  Water  is best when it comes to hydrating. If the water does not taste good, try coconut water or flavored water.

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• Infused water is another great option when using fruits or vegetables to make your water taste better, like oranges, lemons, cucumbers, and mint.  

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• Some fruits and vegetables are very high in water, which can boost hydration. Choose fruits like grapes, watermelon, pineapple, oranges, peaches, and vegetables like celery, cucumber, iceberg lettuce, tomato, and zucchini.  

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• Other foods like soups and broths, gelatin, and popsicles made with cold-pressed juices or fruit juices 100% are also hydrating. 

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• Limit caffeine in coffee or tea to 1 cup (8 oz.) daily.  

  • ​Black, green, oolong tea, and white teas contain caffeine. ​

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• Avoid alcohol.

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If you have been instructed to limit fluids, discuss with your provider to determine how much fluid you can drink. At the same time, inform your provider when you cannot drink enough fluids. Generally, you know you’re drinking enough water if you are usually not thirsty and your urine is clear or light yellow.

 

Sugar, lactose, potassium, and phosphorus are nutrients you might need to avoid with specific beverages based on your current health conditions and needs. Your dietitian can help you find the best hydrating drinks for you.  

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