Adjusting your diet to manage side effects of chemotherapy
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Chemotherapy can cause side effects that affect your appetite. Adjusting your diet may help you to cope.
Your doctor may be able to give you specific advice about your diet.
![](/client_media/en/medialibrary/2016/06/Adjusting_your_diet_fluids.png)
Drink plenty of fluids
If you have lost your appetite1 or have nausea or vomiting,2 dry mouth,3 or dry skin4
Drink at least 8 glasses of fluids daily if you have diarrhoea,5 constipation,6 urinary problems,7 or anaemia8
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Eat foods containing sodium and potassium
If you have diarrhoea or vomiting5,9
![](/client_media/en/medialibrary/2016/06/Adjusting_your_diet_fibre.png)
Eat foods high in fibre
If you are constipated6
![](/client_media/en/medialibrary/2016/06/Adjusting_your_diet_protein.png)
Eat foods high in protein
If you have anaemia8 or are very tired10
![](/client_media/en/medialibrary/2016/06/Adjusting_your_diet_spicy.png)
Avoid spicy foods
If you have a sore throat or mouth,3 are nauseous,2 have diarrhoea,5 or have urinary problems7
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Avoid salty foods
If you have a sore throat or mouth,3 or oedema11
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Eat 6 small meals daily
If you have lost your appetite,1 have diarrhoea,9 or are fatigued10
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Avoid alcohol
If you have a sore throat or mouth,3 are very tired,10,12 or have urinary problems7
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Do not drink or eat too much before bedtime
If you are having trouble sleeping13
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