What Foods to Avoid During Chemotherapy

When appetite is poor and symptoms such as nausea and changes in taste are present, it can be difficult to feel interested in food at all. For this reason, I keep the list of “foods to avoid” as short as possible—because eating something is almost always better than eating nothing.

It’s also important to note that different treatments, cancer types, and individual circumstances create unique nutrition challenges. For personalized guidance, I encourage you to seek the advice of a registered dietitian. In the meantime, below are general food safety and tolerance considerations for people receiving chemotherapy.

Foods to Avoid (or Use Caution With) During Chemotherapy

Uncooked or Partially Cooked Meats, Fish, and Eggs

During chemotherapy, your immune system may be weakened, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. To reduce this risk:

• Cook meat and poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F
• Cook fish to 145°F
• Cook eggs until both the white and yolk are firm
• Avoid foods left at room temperature for more than two hours
• Reheat leftovers to 165°F and consume within 3–5 days, even if refrigerated
• Avoid unpasteurized milk or juices, which may contain harmful bacteria

Grapefruit

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice contain compounds that interfere with the metabolism of several chemotherapy and cancer-related medications. For this reason, grapefruit should be avoided during chemotherapy unless your care team confirms it is safe.

Fried Foods

Fried and greasy foods (such as hamburgers, French fries, and chicken fingers) are not harmful, but they can be difficult to digest during chemotherapy. These foods may worsen symptoms such as bloating, gas, indigestion, or diarrhea. If you’re craving fried foods, consider starting with a half portion. This can help satisfy the craving while minimizing digestive discomfort.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods are also not harmful, but they may irritate a sensitive mouth or throat and can contribute to indigestion or mouth pain. If spicy flavors are appealing—especially if they are among the few flavors you can taste—start with a small amount to see how well you tolerate them before eating a full serving.

Unwashed Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables are nutritious but can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly.

• Rinse all produce under running water for at least one minute
• Wash fruits with skins (such as bananas, melons, avocados, oranges, and lemons), since germs on the peel can transfer to your hands and use a clean produce brush when appropriate
• For extra caution, vegetables can be blanched (boiled for 3–4 minutes), which kills bacteria while preserving fiber

If you have questions about which foods are best for you during your cancer journey, please ask your physician for a referral to schedule an appointment with Melanie Mitchell, CPN Registered Dietitian.