What are the best foods to eat after an infusion?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the American Cancer Society, proper nutrition during and after treatment is crucial for recovery. Knowing what are the best foods to eat after an infusion can help replenish nutrients, combat fatigue, and ease potential side effects like nausea and a metallic taste.

Quick Summary

The ideal diet following an infusion focuses on rehydration, easy-to-digest protein, and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Bland foods can help with nausea, while nutrient-dense options support overall recovery. Hydration and smaller, frequent meals are key strategies for managing post-infusion side effects.

Key Points

Stay Hydrated: Sipping water, broth, or coconut water throughout the day is crucial to replenish fluids and aid nutrient absorption.
Start with Bland Foods: If you feel nauseated, begin with gentle, easy-to-digest options like crackers, toast, or rice to settle your stomach.
Prioritize Protein: Once your appetite returns, incorporate lean proteins from sources like eggs, chicken, and Greek yogurt to help with tissue repair and energy.
Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Berries, leafy greens, and healthy fats like avocado can help reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, opt for several smaller meals and snacks throughout the day to avoid overwhelming your digestive system.
Avoid Trigger Foods: Steer clear of alcohol, caffeine, and spicy or greasy foods, as they can worsen side effects and counteract the infusion's benefits.
Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to your body's signals regarding appetite, taste changes, and what foods you can tolerate.

Infusion therapy delivers fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into the bloodstream, but the after-effects can leave the body feeling depleted and sensitive. The right diet plays a vital role in helping you recover effectively. Focusing on hydration, gentle proteins, and anti-inflammatory foods can support your body's healing process and alleviate common side effects like nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

The Immediate Aftermath: Focusing on Hydration and Bland Foods

Right after an infusion, especially if you're feeling nauseated or fatigued, your primary focus should be on hydration and consuming bland, easy-to-digest foods. This helps settle your stomach and ensures you replenish fluids lost during treatment.

Hydrating Foods and Fluids

Water and Electrolyte Drinks: Continue to sip fluids throughout the day. Coconut water, broth, or sports drinks can help restore electrolyte balance.
Watermelon and Cucumbers: These fruits have a high water content and can be soothing.
Herbal Teas: Ginger or peppermint tea can be particularly helpful for soothing nausea.
Popsicles or Sherbet: A good way to stay hydrated if you have a sore mouth or find it difficult to drink.

Bland and Gentle Foods

Crackers and Toast: Dry, starchy carbs are excellent for managing nausea.
White Rice and Oatmeal: Easy to digest and a good source of energy.
Bananas: Part of the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), they are gentle on the stomach and provide potassium.
Applesauce: A smooth, easy-to-swallow source of calories and nutrients.

The Recovery Phase: Prioritizing Protein and Nutrient-Dense Foods

As you start to feel better, it’s important to shift towards a diet that builds strength and repairs tissues. Protein is crucial for repairing tissue damage, supporting the immune system, and maintaining muscle mass.

Protein-Rich Options

Lean Poultry and Fish: Cooked simply, chicken, turkey, and fish like salmon are easily digestible protein sources.
Eggs: A highly digestible, nutrient-dense option that can be scrambled, boiled, or poached.
Greek Yogurt and Cottage Cheese: Soft, creamy, and packed with protein. Opt for plain varieties to avoid excessive sugar.
Legumes and Tofu: Plant-based protein sources like lentils, beans, and tofu are excellent for tissue repair.
Nut Butters: A convenient way to add protein and healthy fats to toast, smoothies, or oatmeal.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Foods

Inflammation can occur during or after an infusion. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can help calm the body and support recovery.

Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins.
Avocado and Olive Oil: Healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and provide sustained energy.
Green Leafy Vegetables: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Ginger and Turmeric: Spices known for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Comparison of Gentle vs. Nutrient-Dense Post-Infusion Foods


Food Category	Benefit	Best for	Examples
Gentle & Bland	Easy to digest, minimizes nausea	Immediate post-infusion	Saltine crackers, plain toast, white rice, bananas
Protein-Rich	Repairs tissue, builds strength	Recovery phase (24+ hours)	Scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt, lean chicken, lentils
Anti-Inflammatory	Reduces inflammation, boosts immunity	Ongoing recovery support	Berries, avocados, leafy greens, turmeric
Hydrating	Replenishes fluids, maintains balance	Continuous hydration	Water, broth, herbal tea, watermelon

What to Avoid After an Infusion

Alcohol and Caffeine: Both are diuretics and can lead to dehydration, counteracting the benefits of the infusion.
Spicy, Greasy, or Fried Foods: Can upset a sensitive stomach and worsen nausea.
High-Sugar Foods and Drinks: Can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, affecting energy levels.
Strong-Smelling Foods: If you are sensitive to smells due to nausea, strong cooking odors or pungent foods should be avoided.

Conclusion

The right diet is a cornerstone of a smooth recovery after an infusion. By prioritizing hydration, consuming small, frequent meals of gentle foods initially, and transitioning to a nutrient-dense, protein-rich diet, you can support your body's healing and minimize discomfort. Always listen to your body's unique needs and consult with your healthcare provider or a dietitian to create a personalized plan. Focus on nutrient-rich whole foods, and give yourself grace and time to heal effectively.

For more detailed guidance on eating well during and after treatment, the Wellness Cancer Dietitian offers valuable resources on managing treatment side effects through nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

For nausea, focus on bland, low-fat foods like crackers, toast, applesauce, and white rice. Sipping on ginger or peppermint tea can also be very soothing.

Protein is essential for rebuilding and repairing body tissues damaged during treatment. It also helps support your immune system and combat fatigue, which are both critical during recovery.

Yes, electrolyte drinks like coconut water or a sports drink can be beneficial. They help restore the balance of essential minerals, especially if you have experienced dehydration or have a poor appetite.

It's best to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy, greasy, or overly sugary foods, as they can cause dehydration and irritate a sensitive stomach. Strong-smelling foods should also be avoided if you have nausea.

If you have a poor appetite, try eating small, frequent, and nutrient-dense meals. Smoothies or protein shakes can be an easy way to get calories and protein. Don't force yourself to eat large amounts.

To combat a metallic taste, use plastic utensils instead of metal ones. Season foods with tart flavors like lemon or vinegar (if tolerated) or try sucking on mints or lemon drops.

The duration depends on your specific treatment and how you feel. Generally, focus on gentle foods for the first 24-48 hours, then gradually reintroduce a broader nutrient-dense diet. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.