Answered by Michele Szafranksi, MS, RD, CSO, LDN, Clinical Nutrition Manager, Section of Oncology Nutrition, Department of Supportive Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute 

Question: I was diagnosed with lung cancer a few weeks ago and am about to start treatment. What role can nutrition play in helping me to feel my best while I’m being treated?  

Answer: When starting a new treatment, you may not know what to expect or how your body will react. Your care team will be able to offer relief for any symptoms and side effects you experience, but managing your nutrition and what you eat is something in your control. It can have a big impact on how you feel. There are a few important things to focus on that can help you feel your best no matter what treatment you receive.  

Calories

Calories are a measure of the energy potential in our food. While many things may make you feel tired during your treatment, one thing that is sure to make you feel worn out is not eating and drinking enough calories to maintain your weight. Anytime you are operating with too few calories, you may feel sluggish.  

Here are a few tips to help get the calories you need: 

  1. Don’t skip meals. If you are going to be out of the house at appointments or in the car at mealtimes, take some quick and easy snacks with you. Peanut butter crackers, trail mix, nuts, or even a bottled protein drink can help keep you nourished. 
  2. Take advantage of the times you are most hungry. If you have a good appetite for breakfast but feel less hungry at the end of the day, eat most of your calories in the morning or early afternoon. 
  3. Evaluate your plate. Try to eat foods with the most nutrients first.  

Protein 

Adequate amounts of protein in our diet are needed to build new and mend damaged tissue. Whether it is a surgical incision that needs to heal, or tissue damaged by chemotherapy or radiation that you need to rebuild, protein is the building block your body uses to help make these repairs. Protein comes from many foods, not just meats and dairy, so no matter what your taste, you should be able to find something you like. 

  1. Some dairy foods are higher in protein than others. Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are excellent sources, and low-fat versions can be heart-healthy, too. If you are lactose intolerant, high protein, lactose-free milk is also a great option.   
  2. Eggs are protein-packed and often well tolerated, even during chemotherapy. If your regular method of cooking eggs isn’t appealing, try some variety. You can also add a lot of different flavors into deviled or scrambled eggs. 
  3. Beans, peas, nuts, and soy foods like tofu are great vegetarian protein sources that can offer a nice change if your normal fare tastes off or doesn’t sound good. 

Hydration

As we age, our thirst mechanism isn’t as strong as it was, and we often must remind ourselves to drink. Don’t wait for those classic symptoms of dehydration like headache, fatigue, dizziness, and lightheadedness to kick in before you make sure you are getting enough to drink. Make a plan to drink water ahead of time and try to stick with it. 

  1. Carry a water bottle with you on trips and to appointments.  
  2. Remember that liquid-heavy foods count towards your hydration, too. Soups, gelatin, ice cream, popsicles, and broth are all examples of foods that are liquid at room temperature and count toward your fluid goals. 
  3. Non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks also count. If regular water tastes flat to you, try carbonated water or lemonade. Even a few pieces of fruit in your water can change the flavor to make it more palatable. You can also get some extra calories and protein with a protein drink! 

If your cancer center has a dietitian, reach out to see if you can talk with them about your specific needs and goals based on your treatment plan. If not, resources like cancer.org and cancer.gov have excellent information to help you stay on track and get ready for your next steps.

Please note that the information included in any published answer is for educational pursuit only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult their healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Nothing from GO2 for Lung Cancer should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion.