Advertisement
Tips for blending powerful nutrients to aid treatment and recovery
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, your appetite may not be what it once was. Yet you need nourishment now more than ever to stay strong during treatment and throughout recovery.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
“Smoothies are a delicious way to build key nutrients into your diet,” says dietitian Mia DiGeronimo, RD, LD, an expert on nutrition for those who have cancer.
Here are tips for making smoothies with ingredients that boost strength and flavors that you’ll find appealing and easy on the stomach.
The following combinations make about 2 servings each.
Use 2 cups of one of the liquids below:
Add 1 cup of slightly sweet, fiber-rich fruit to promote digestive health and to balance multiple flavors:
Include 1 cup of dark-colored fruit to take advantage of their cancer-fighting phytochemicals. These options all have heart-healthy antioxidant plant compounds:
Add 1 cup of tightly packed leafy greens to provide your body with B vitamins and iron to help reproduce blood cells, as well as other nutrients:
Try adding in some protein to stabilize your blood sugar:
Did you know healthy fats help absorb nutrients as well as keep you feeling fuller, longer?
If you’re looking for more ways to get your calorie count up, you can always add any of these ingredients:
Advertisement
If you’re feeling nauseous or have an upset stomach from treatment, try adding in:
It’s important to keep in mind that nutrition is very individualized for everyone, especially for those with cancer.
Smoothie recipes should be modified based on your preferences, what you can tolerate, and cater to different side effects you’re experiencing from chemotherapy or radiation.
“It can be difficult to find the right smoothie ingredient combination, especially if you’re just getting started with treatment,” says DiGeronimo. If patients are struggling with what to eat, they should make an appointment with a registered dietitian.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
The essential nutrient can benefit your immune system, eyes and skin while lowering disease risk
Packed with fiber and other nutrients, zucchini can boost your immune system and help you cut calories
Sourdough can be healthier than some other bread choices — but that doesn’t give it ‘health food’ status
This spicy root helps fight cancer, bacteria and inflammation
The meatless, plant-based eating style has countless tasty and healthy options
Packed with fiber and nutrients, this flower — yep, flower! — is great for your blood sugar, heart and gut
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims