A well balanced diet is necessary for the person receiving radiation. The Recommended Dietary Allowance of the National Research Council for the person receiving radiation suggests higher requirements for protein, minerals, and most vitamins. The consistency and the amount of calories served varies with individual needs.

• You should include all four of the basic food groups in your daily diet (fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, and grains).

• People receiving radiation treatments may tolerate fats and concentrated sweets less well than other people. Rich gravies, pastries, and fried foods may need to be limited.

• Foods should be prepared and served attractively to increase the appetite and make the meal more enjoyable.

• Four to six light meals and between meal snacks of allowed foods are encouraged.

• You may increase your protein and caloric intake with Instant Breakfast, Ensure, Ensure Plus, Sustacal, Meritene, dry milk powder, Isocal, Osmolite, and Sego..

• Remember to avoid seeds and skins. No spicy or hot foods, or raw fruits, salads, or vegetables.

• If nauseated, try eating cold foods with little aroma, such as cottage cheese with fruit, cheese and crackers, or hard-boiled eggs.

• The cooking process destroys the water soluble vitamins, therefore, it is suggested that you take a multiple vitamin or Vitamin B and Vitamin C supplement.

• Eat soft, creamy foods. Any food can be pureed or liquefied in an electric blender.

• Dip bread, crackers, or doughnuts in coffee, cocoa, or soup.
• Add extra gravy or broth to your foods.

• Cook food in cream sauces.

• Add non-fat, dry milk products to cereals, eggs, soups, and beverages.

• Drink liquids often, having a sip periodically to prevent your mouth from drying out.

• Do not breathe through your mouth.

• Chew sugar-free gum or sugar-free mints or candies.

• Ask your doctor about artificial saliva.

• Eat foods at room temperature or lukewarm. Foods that are very hot or very cold may be uncomfortable.

• Eat small amounts through the day. Don't force yourself to eat large meals if you don't feel like it.

Food Groups	Foods Recommended	Foods Not Recommended
Beverages	milk, coffee, tea, apple juice, milkshakes, imitation fruit drinks, nectars, eggnog, soups, cream of wheat, strained oatmeal	citrus juices, such as orange and grapefruit, or tomato juice, carbonated beverages, alcohol
Fruits	cooked or canned apples, peaches, pears, applesauce, bananas, pureed fruits	tomatoes, oranges, grapefruit, lemons
Vegetables	cooked vegetables, preferably pureed; mashed potatoes with sour cream	raw
Meat & Protein Substitutes	soft, flaky fish; ground meat; infant strained meat; eggs; cottage cheese with fruit; smooth peanut butter; meats in cream sauce; sauces and gravies	steak, fried or crunchy coatings, bacon, spicy meat/tomato sauce, sausage, chili, Mexican food-bean tacos, burritos, enchiladas, Spanish rice
Miscellaneous		pretzels, potato chips, nuts, Doritos, crackers, peppers, toast
Desserts	ice cream, custard, pudding, yogurt, Jell-O	nuts