What foods help with nausea during cancer treatment?

To ease nausea during cancer treatment, the National Cancer Institute suggests foods that are easy on your stomach. Cold foods can help, such as popsicles, pudding, yogurt, and gelatin. So can bland, starchy foods like toast, rice, plain pasta, crackers, and pretzels. Foods and drinks with ginger may also ease nausea and vomiting. Ginger ale and ginger tea are two examples.

It also helps to know what to avoid. Skip greasy, fried, sweet, or spicy foods if they make you feel sick. Foods with strong smells can trigger nausea. Coffee, fish, onions, and garlic are common ones. Ask others to cook when you can, and eat in a room with good air flow.

A few habits help too. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Eat five to six small meals instead of three large ones. After eating, rest sitting upright, or lie down with your head raised, for about 30 minutes.

Keep a record of when you feel sick and what you ate before. That can help your doctor or nurse work out your triggers. Your care team and a registered dietitian can suggest more options for you.