Nutrition & eating well
Good nutrition can help you feel stronger, manage side effects, and support your recovery. Here's practical guidance for eating well during and after treatment.
Eating during treatment
Treatment can affect your appetite, taste, and digestion. It's normal for eating to feel like a challenge. The goal isn't perfection – it's doing the best you can each day.
- •Eat small, frequent meals rather than three large ones
- •Keep nutritious snacks on hand for when you do feel like eating
- •Stay hydrated – aim for at least 8 glasses of fluid a day
- •Ask your treatment team about seeing a dietitian – this is often available at no cost
Managing side effects
Chemotherapy and surgery can cause side effects that make eating harder. Here are some common challenges and what can help:
Nausea
Try bland, dry foods like crackers or toast. Eat slowly, avoid strong smells, and sip ginger tea or flat lemonade. Cold foods may be easier to tolerate than hot meals.
Appetite loss
When you don't feel hungry, focus on nutrient-dense foods – smoothies, yoghurt, eggs, nut butter on toast. Eating at set times can help even when appetite is low.
Taste changes
If food tastes metallic or bland, try marinades, herbs, and citrus to add flavour. Use plastic cutlery if metal taste is an issue. Cold foods often taste better than hot.
High-protein tips
Protein is essential for healing and maintaining muscle during treatment. Aim to include a source of protein at every meal and snack.
- •Add milk powder to soups, porridge, and smoothies for an extra protein boost
- •Keep boiled eggs, cheese, yoghurt, and nuts available for snacking
- •Protein-enriched drinks (like Ensure or Complan) can help when solid food is a struggle
- •Legumes, tofu, and fish are gentle protein sources that are often well-tolerated
Low-fibre diet
After bowel surgery or during certain treatments, your doctor may recommend a low-fibre diet to give your bowel time to heal. This is usually temporary.
- •Choose white bread, pasta, and rice instead of wholegrain
- •Peel fruit and vegetables, and cook them well
- •Avoid seeds, nuts, dried fruit, and raw vegetables
- •Reintroduce fibre gradually as your body recovers – your dietitian can guide you
Recipes for people with bowel cancer
Browse our collection of recipes designed for people living with bowel cancer – easy to prepare, gentle on the gut, and full of the nutrients your body needs.
Talk to a nurse about nutrition
Our nurse support line can connect you with a dietitian or answer your questions about eating during treatment. Call 0800 226 968.