What You Should Eat and Avoid During Immunotherapy Cancer Treatment

Immunotherapy has become an important treatment option for many cancer patients, helping the body’s immune system identify and attack cancer cells. While the treatment works inside the body, the food you eat every day plays a major role in how well your body responds, how strong you feel, and how smoothly you recover. Nutrition is not just about eating enough; it is about eating the right foods that support immunity, reduce inflammation, maintain energy, and protect your organs while treatment is ongoing.

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1. What You Should Eat and Avoid During Immunotherapy Cancer Treatment Immunotherapy has become an important treatment option for many cancer patients, helping the body’s immune system identify and attack cancer cells. While the treatment works inside the body, the food you eat every day plays a major role in how well your body responds, how strong you feel, and how smoothly you recover. Nutrition is not just about eating enough; it is about eating the right foods that support immunity, reduce inflammation, maintain energy, and protect your organs while treatment is ongoing. Every patient’s needs may be different based on their condition, side effects, and overall health, and guidance from a specialist like Dr Vikesh Shah can help create a personalised plan. This blog shares simple, practical, and science-backed guidance on what to eat and what to avoid during immunotherapy treatment. Why Diet Matters During Immunotherapy Immunotherapy works by boosting or modifying your immune system’s response to cancer cells. The treatment can improve survival rates and in many cases cause fewer
2. side effects than traditional chemotherapy. However, patients may still experience fatigue, digestive issues, changes in appetite, inflammation, or weight loss. A balanced diet helps your immune function, protects your body from infections, and maintains muscle strength. Proper nutrition also helps in handling side effects better, keeping energy levels steady, and supporting recovery after sessions. What You Should Eat During Immunotherapy 1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, antioxidants, fibre, and phytonutrients that support immunity and help the body fight inflammation. Try adding foods like berries, apples, bananas, oranges, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and broccoli. If raw foods are hard to digest, steaming or lightly cooking them makes them easier on the stomach. 2. Protein Rich Foods Your body needs protein to repair tissues and maintain strength. Protein also plays a key role in immunity. Good options include eggs, lentils, beans, tofu, chicken, fish, paneer, Greek yogurt, and lean meats. Patients who struggle with appetite can add small amounts of protein throughout the day instead of having it all in one meal. 3. Whole Grains Whole grains provide slow and steady energy and support digestion. Brown rice, whole wheat chapati, oats, barley, quinoa, and millets can be included in daily meals. These foods help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which is important during treatment. 4. Healthy Fats Healthy fats reduce inflammation and support overall healing. Foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, flax seeds, and walnuts are beneficial. Omega 3 rich foods such as salmon and chia seeds also support heart and brain function. 5. Hydrating Fluids
3. Hydration is extremely important during immunotherapy. Drink plenty of water, coconut water, clear soups, herbal teas, and fresh homemade juices. These help reduce fatigue, support kidney function, and prevent dehydration caused by treatment. 6. Fermented Foods and Probiotics A healthy gut plays a major role in how your immune system works. Foods like curd, buttermilk, kombucha, kimchi, and fermented vegetables help maintain gut bacteria and improve digestion. However, always check with your doctor before adding probiotic supplements. 7. Small, Frequent Meals Patients undergoing immunotherapy may experience reduced appetite or early fullness. Eating 5 to 6 smaller meals throughout the day makes it easier to get enough nutrition without overload on the digestive system. Foods You Should Avoid During Immunotherapy 1. Highly Processed Foods Packaged snacks, instant meals, refined flour, sugary cereals, and fast foods can weaken immunity. They offer little nutrition and can increase inflammation in the body, making fatigue and side effects worse. 2. Excess Sugar Foods high in sugar can affect energy levels, disrupt blood sugar balance, and slow recovery. Avoid sweets, sugary drinks, bakery items, and added sugar in tea or coffee. 3. Alcohol Alcohol can interfere with the immune system, irritate the stomach, and cause dehydration. It also may interact with medications. Patients should avoid alcohol completely unless approved by their doctor. 4. Raw or Undercooked Foods
4. Patients undergoing immunotherapy may have reduced immunity, making them more vulnerable to infections. Avoid raw eggs, sushi, raw meat, unpasteurised dairy, or unwashed vegetables. Always cook food thoroughly. 5. Excessive Salt Too much salt can cause water retention, raise blood pressure, and strain the kidneys. Try to limit pickles, packaged soups, salty snacks, and processed meats. 6. Spicy or Oily Foods Some patients experience digestive issues like acidity, nausea, or diarrhoea during treatment. Spicy, fried, and greasy foods can worsen these symptoms. 7. Caffeine in Large Amounts Small amounts of tea or coffee are usually fine, but too much caffeine can cause dehydration, sleep disturbance, and irritate the stomach. Helpful Eating Tips During Immunotherapy • Prepare simple meals that are easy to digest​ • Eat slowly and chew well​ • Use mild seasonings like turmeric, ginger, and cumin​ • Keep snacks like nuts, fruits, and yogurt handy​ • Speak to a nutritionist for a personalised diet plan​ • Monitor your weight regularly​ • Inform your doctor if you experience major appetite changes How Your Doctor Can Help Immunotherapy is an advanced treatment, and every patient’s nutritional needs may vary depending on their diagnosis, stage, and side effects. Consulting an expert helps ensure you receive the right guidance. A specialised cancer doctor in ahmedabad can assess your health, monitor your progress, and suggest a diet that supports your treatment goals. Many patients under the care of Dr Vikesh Shah receive customised nutritional counselling to help them maintain strength and manage symptoms better. In
5. some cases, additional supplements may be recommended if the patient is unable to meet their nutritional needs through food alone. Final Thoughts Nutrition during immunotherapy is one of the strongest tools you have to support your recovery. Eating the right foods keeps your immunity strong, helps your body handle treatment, improves energy, and enhances overall well being. Avoiding foods that increase inflammation or infection risk is equally important. Patients often notice improved results when they follow a balanced diet along with medical treatment under the supervision of specialists like Dr Vikesh Shah, a trusted cancer doctor in ahmedabad known for personalised care. If you or a loved one is undergoing immunotherapy and need guidance, schedule your consultation with Dr Vikesh Shah today to get expert care and personalised support.