What is the best drink for a cancer patient?

December 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Cancer Society, proper nutrition and hydration are critical for patients undergoing treatment. While there is no single best drink for a cancer patient, the optimal choice depends on their specific needs and treatment side effects.

Quick Summary

Hydration and nutrition are vital for cancer patients. Liquid intake can help manage treatment side effects like nausea and dry mouth, and provide essential nutrients and electrolytes. The best options include water, nutritional supplements, and specific herbal teas and juices, while certain drinks should be avoided.

Key Points

Hydration is Vital: Staying well-hydrated helps flush toxins and manage fatigue during treatment, with plain or flavored water being a key recommendation.
Combat Nausea with Certain Teas: Herbal teas like ginger and peppermint can help alleviate treatment-induced nausea and are often better tolerated when served cool.
Nutrient-Dense Drinks for Weight Loss: For patients with low appetite, nutritional supplements like Ensure or Boost, as well as homemade high-calorie smoothies, provide concentrated calories and protein.
Avoid Alcohol and Excessive Sugar: Alcohol can interfere with treatment and cause dehydration, while high sugar can suppress immunity, making both ill-advised during therapy.
Personalize Your Beverage Choices: The ideal drink depends on the patient's specific side effects, such as choosing diluted juices for mouth sores or electrolyte drinks for diarrhea.
Sip Frequently: Drinking fluids in small, frequent sips throughout the day is more effective and often better tolerated than drinking large amounts at once.
Focus on Bland and Clear Liquids: During periods of severe nausea or vomiting, stick to bland, clear liquids like broths, apple juice, or gelatin.

Best Drinks for Cancer Patients

Water and Electrolyte-Rich Drinks

Water is the most fundamental and crucial fluid for hydration, especially during treatments like chemotherapy. For those with altered taste, flavored water options can be more palatable, including water with a squeeze of lemon or other fruit. Electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water can replenish minerals lost from diarrhea or vomiting.

Nutritional Supplement Drinks

For patients with poor appetite, weight loss, or high nutritional needs, commercial nutritional supplements such as Ensure® or Boost® can be invaluable. These high-calorie, high-protein drinks come in various flavors and are available in low-sugar options for patients with diabetes.

Smoothies and Shakes

Smoothies are a versatile way to pack in calories, protein, and nutrients when solid food is difficult to eat. They can be customized to a patient's taste and tolerance. A base of milk, yogurt, or protein powder can be blended with fruits, vegetables, and boosters like nut butter or seeds to maximize nutritional content. For example, a nutrient-dense shake could include whole milk, Greek yogurt, and protein powder with bananas and nut butter.

Broths and Soups

Warm broths, such as bone broth, can be comforting and provide essential hydration, sodium, and electrolytes. They are often well-tolerated during nausea and can be a source of easy-to-digest protein. Low-sodium varieties can be important for patients with specific dietary restrictions.

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas can help alleviate common side effects. Ginger tea can be effective for managing nausea, while peppermint tea may also soothe an upset stomach. Warm teas can be comforting, and cooling them can make them more palatable for those with mouth sensitivity. Always ensure herbal teas are decaffeinated.

Drinks to Consider with Caution or Avoid

High-Sugar Drinks

Excessive sugar intake is generally discouraged, as it can suppress the immune system and has been linked to increased cancer risk. For patients managing diabetes during treatment, it is especially important to avoid sugary sodas, juices with added sugar, and high-fructose corn syrup.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol consumption should be avoided entirely during cancer treatment. It can interact with chemotherapy drugs, exacerbate mouth sores, and cause liver inflammation, which is already stressed during treatment. Alcohol also contributes to dehydration.

Acidic and Carbonated Drinks

For patients with mouth sores or a sensitive digestive system, highly acidic drinks like orange juice or lemonade can cause irritation. Similarly, fizzy, carbonated beverages may cause gas and bloating.

Drink Options for Specific Side Effects


Side Effect	Recommended Drinks	Cautious/Avoid Drinks
Nausea	Ginger tea, peppermint tea, clear broths, apple juice	Strong-smelling drinks, greasy shakes, and very sweet beverages
Dry Mouth	Water with lemon, coconut water, popsicles, ice chips, diluted fruit juices	Caffeinated beverages, alcohol, acidic juices
Diarrhea	Clear liquids, sports drinks with electrolytes, diluted fruit nectars, unsweetened teas	High-fiber juices, caffeine, and large amounts of sugary drinks
Weight Loss	High-calorie nutritional drinks (Ensure, Boost), milkshakes, smoothies with added protein and fat	Low-calorie or 'diet' drinks

Conclusion

In navigating the complexities of cancer treatment, the right beverage can provide much-needed comfort, hydration, and nutrition. There is no single answer to what is the best drink for a cancer patient, but rather a flexible approach based on managing specific side effects. By focusing on water, electrolyte-rich options like coconut water, and nutrient-dense smoothies or supplements, patients can support their body's needs. Conversely, avoiding alcohol, high-sugar, and overly acidic drinks can prevent additional discomfort. Collaborating with a healthcare team and a registered dietitian is crucial for creating a personalized and effective hydration plan that adapts throughout the course of treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary changes during cancer treatment.

Considerations for Optimal Hydration

Staying Hydrated: Chemo can cause dehydration. Aim for 8-10 glasses (2-2.5 liters) of fluid daily, sipping throughout the day. Taste Alterations: Metallic taste is common. Adding lemon or other fruit to water can improve its flavor. Cold beverages might also be more palatable than warm ones. Managing Nausea: For nausea, opt for clear, cool liquids like ginger ale (letting it go flat first) or herbal teas. Sip slowly with a straw. Boosting Calories: When appetite is low, focus on calorically dense drinks like milkshakes or commercial supplements to maintain weight and energy. Electrolyte Balance: For diarrhea or vomiting, replenish lost electrolytes with sports drinks or coconut water. Ensure they are consumed in moderation and are not overly concentrated in sugar. Avoiding Irritants: If mouth sores are present, stay away from acidic juices, carbonated drinks, and alcoholic beverages to prevent irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 100% fruit or vegetable juices can be beneficial as they provide hydration, antioxidants, and electrolytes. However, they should be consumed in moderation due to sugar content and avoided if they cause mouth irritation.

When appetite is low, focus on high-calorie, nutrient-dense liquids. Nutritional supplement drinks like Ensure or Boost, along with protein-rich smoothies, are effective ways to get essential calories and protein.

While some research suggests benefits from certain compounds in coffee, it contains caffeine, which can be dehydrating. Decaffeinated coffee may be a better option, but it's best to discuss caffeine intake with a healthcare provider.

For nausea, try sipping on clear, cool beverages like ginger tea, peppermint tea, flat ginger ale, or clear broths. Avoid very strong-smelling or greasy drinks that may exacerbate symptoms.

Alcohol is a known carcinogen and can interfere with chemotherapy drugs, stress the liver, and worsen side effects like mouth sores. It is highly recommended to abstain during treatment.

If plain water tastes unappealing due to treatment side effects, try adding lemon, cucumber, or other fruits to water. Alternatively, sip on herbal teas, broths, or flavored seltzer.

Smoothies are generally safe, but ingredients should be handled with care, especially if immunity is compromised. Use pasteurized milk, yogurt, and wash fresh fruits thoroughly. Use frozen fruits and cooked vegetables to be cautious.