Why Proper Hydration is Crucial During Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause significant fluid loss through vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Dehydration can exacerbate common side effects, leading to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and constipation. For some treatments, a high fluid intake is necessary to help flush out toxic compounds and protect the kidneys. Beyond just water, a variety of liquids can help meet your daily fluid needs, which typically range from 8 to 10 glasses (64-80 ounces) for many patients, though individual needs vary.
When plain water is unappealing due to altered taste perception, common in cancer patients, adding flavor can make drinking easier. Options include infusing water with slices of citrus fruits like lemon or orange, adding berries, or using cucumber and mint. Sparkling or flavored seltzer water can also offer a more palatable alternative to flat water without added sugars.
Drinks to Manage Common Side Effects
Treating side effects with specific beverages can provide much-needed relief and comfort.
For Nausea
Nausea is a very common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation. Certain beverages can soothe an upset stomach.
- Ginger Tea: Studies show that ginger can significantly reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea. Fresh ginger tea, made by steeping peeled ginger slices in hot water, is highly effective.
- Peppermint Tea: Peppermint has properties that can relax stomach muscles, helping to alleviate nausea.
- Clear, Cold Liquids: Sipping on cold liquids like diluted fruit juice (apple, grape, or cranberry), flat ginger ale, or clear broths can be easier to tolerate than hot, heavy drinks. Popsicles and fruit ices also count towards fluid intake and are very soothing.
For Constipation
Certain treatments and lack of mobility can cause constipation. Increasing fluid intake is essential to help fiber work effectively.
- Prune Juice: Known for its mild laxative effect, prune juice can help with regularity.
- Warm Beverages: A hot, non-caffeinated beverage like warm lemon water in the morning can help stimulate the digestive system.
- Hydrating Fluids: Ensure you are consuming plenty of liquids like water, diluted juices, and broths throughout the day.
For Mouth Sores or Dry Mouth
Chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck can lead to painful mouth sores and dry mouth.
- Soft, Smooth Drinks: Milkshakes, smoothies, and yogurt drinks are easy to swallow and can provide needed calories and protein.
- Non-Acidic Juices: Opt for low-acid options like apple, grape, or apricot nectars, which won't irritate sore tissues.
- Ice Chips: Sucking on ice chips can provide hydration while numbing the mouth, offering temporary pain relief.
Nutrient-Dense and Calorie-Rich Options
For patients experiencing weight loss or a decreased appetite, calorie- and protein-dense drinks can be vital for maintaining strength and healing.
Smoothies and Shakes
Nutrient-rich smoothies are excellent for boosting intake. You can easily fortify them to increase calories and protein.
- Ingredients: Use a base of dairy or plant-based milk, and add fruits like bananas or berries. Boosters like protein powder, Greek yogurt, nut butters, chia seeds, and avocado can significantly increase nutritional value.
- High-Calorie Boosts: Incorporate ingredients like ice cream, coconut milk, or honey to increase calories when weight gain is a goal.
Bone Broth
This provides amino acids, collagen, trace minerals, and electrolytes, making it both hydrating and nourishing. It is also very gentle on the stomach.
Commercial Nutrition Supplements
Drinks like Ensure or Boost can provide a quick, balanced source of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals when appetite is low. Ensure Clear and Boost Breeze offer a fruit-flavored, non-creamy alternative for those sensitive to dairy.
Drinks to Limit or Avoid
Just as important as knowing what to drink is understanding what to limit, as some beverages can worsen side effects or cause other complications.
- Alcohol: Alcohol intake is actively discouraged during cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy, because it can place additional strain on the liver, which is already processing medications. It also causes dehydration.
- High-Sugar Drinks: Sugary sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and concentrated fruit juices without fiber can contribute to weight gain and may cause diarrhea, especially in patients with digestive issues. Diluting 100% fruit juice is a good compromise.
- Caffeine: High intake of caffeinated beverages can contribute to fluid loss, exacerbating dehydration. It is often recommended to stick to decaf coffee or herbal teas.
- Acidic Juices: Citrus juices like orange or grapefruit can irritate sensitive mouth tissues and sores. Grapefruit, specifically, can interact with certain medications.
Beverage Comparison for Managing Side Effects
| Symptom | Recommended Drinks | Cautions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydration | Water (flavored with fruit/herbs), oral rehydration solutions, diluted juices, broth, smoothies | Avoid alcohol and high caffeine intake |
| Nausea | Ginger tea, peppermint tea, cold clear liquids, diluted fruit juices, popsicles | Avoid strong-smelling, hot, or greasy drinks |
| Weight Loss/Low Appetite | High-calorie smoothies (with protein powder, nut butter, etc.), nutritional supplement drinks (Boost, Ensure), milkshakes | Choose full-fat options when possible to increase calories |
| Constipation | Warm prune juice, warm lemon water, high-fiber smoothies, plenty of water | Limit caffeine, which can cause fluid loss |
| Mouth Sores/Dry Mouth | Milkshakes, smoothies, yogurt drinks, apple/grape juice, ice chips | Avoid acidic drinks like citrus juices and sodas |
| Diarrhea | Oral rehydration solutions (Gatorade, Pedialyte), diluted juices (apple, apricot), coconut water | Limit high-sugar and caffeinated beverages |
The Power of Nutritious Fluids
Choosing the right beverages goes beyond simply staying hydrated; it's about using fluids to support your body's recovery. For example, some drinks are packed with beneficial compounds that support overall health. Green and white teas contain antioxidants called catechins and polyphenols, which have been studied for their potential anti-cancer effects. Vegetable juices made with dark leafy greens or carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids. Bone broth offers easily digestible proteins and minerals. Incorporating a variety of these options, based on what your body can tolerate, helps provide essential nutrients when solid food is difficult to manage.
Conclusion
When you have cancer, the best thing to drink depends on your specific treatment plan, side effects, and nutritional needs. While adequate hydration is universally critical, adjusting your beverage choices can be a powerful tool for symptom management. Prioritize water and diluted juices for hydration, herbal teas for nausea, and nutrient-dense smoothies or supplements when appetite is low. Always consult your oncology team or a registered dietitian to create a personalized plan. By making informed beverage choices, you can better support your body's healing process and improve your quality of life during treatment. For more detailed nutritional guidance during cancer care, consider the resources available from the National Cancer Institute.
