Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancer. It uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. While radiation helps kill cancer, it can also damage healthy cells. This damage may cause side effects. Many side effects of radiation go away shortly after treatment ends. But some side effects may continue after treatment. Knowing what to avoid during radiation can help reduce side effects and promote healing.
Why avoid certain foods during radiation?
Eating well is important during cancer treatment. But certain foods may irritate the digestive tract and make radiation side effects worse. Foods to avoid or limit during radiation depend on which area is being treated.
Head and neck radiation
If you’re getting radiation to the head, neck, nose, mouth, or throat, you may need to avoid:
- Spicy, salty, or acidic foods, which can irritate the throat
- Dry, coarse, or crunchy foods, which may be hard to swallow
- Dairy products, which can make mucus thicker
- Sugary foods, which can promote dental cavities
- Alcohol, which can dry out the mouth
Instead, choose moist, bland foods like:
- Cooked cereals
- Mashed potatoes or noodles
- Puddings
- Broths or cream soups
Chest or lung radiation
Radiation to the chest or lungs may cause difficulty swallowing or appetite changes. You may need to avoid:
- Crunchy, dry foods
- Spicy or acidic foods
- Large meals that make you feel too full
Opt for soft, bland foods like:
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Applesauce
- Cottage cheese
- Smoothies
Abdominal or pelvic radiation
Radiation to the belly, pelvis, colon, or rectum often causes diarrhea. During treatment, you’ll likely need to avoid:
- Fatty, fried, or greasy foods
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- High fiber foods like beans, bran, raw fruits and vegetables
- Gas-forming foods like broccoli and cauliflower
Instead, eat low fiber foods like:
- White rice or white pasta
- Skinless chicken or fish
- Eggs
- Low fiber cereal
- Bananas
Why limit sugar during radiation?
Too much sugar can suppress your immune system, increase inflammation, and feed cancer growth. It’s best to avoid:
- Added sugars like table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, etc.
- Baked goods and desserts with added sugars
- Sweetened drinks like soda, juice, sports drinks, specialty coffees
Focus on getting natural sugars from fruits and dairy. Limit overall sugar to no more than 6 teaspoons per day for women and 9 per day for men.
Why stay hydrated during radiation?
Drinking enough fluids helps your body get rid of waste and toxins. This may help minimize radiation side effects. Aim for 8-10 cups of fluids per day. Water is best. But broth, herbal tea, and diluted juices are options too. Avoid sugary drinks and limit caffeine, which acts as a diuretic. Signs of dehydration include:
- Dark yellow urine
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Confusion
If you have trouble drinking enough, carry a bottle of water with you. Set reminders on your phone or watch to drink. Sip fluids steadily instead of drinking large amounts at once. Sucking on ice chips or frozen fruit can also increase fluid intake. Let your cancer care team know right away if you think you are dehydrated. IV fluids may be needed.
Why limit alcohol during radiation?
Drinking alcohol during radiation can irritate your digestive tract, worsen fatigue and appetite issues, and interfere with treatment. Alcohol may also increase the risk of dehydration. It’s best to avoid alcohol completely during treatment. But moderation is key after treatment. Limit alcohol to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. One drink equals:
- 12 oz beer
- 5 oz wine
- 1.5 oz distilled spirits
If swallowing alcohol is painful, avoid it until side effects improve. Check with your cancer doctor before drinking alcohol, as it may interact with medications.
Why rest during radiation?
Fatigue is a common side effect of radiation. It happens because radiation kills healthy cells along with cancer cells. Resting allows your body to repair this damage. Increasing rest and sleep during treatment can help fight fatigue. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Take daytime naps or rest breaks when needed. Don’t overdo activities on your good days. Pace yourself and take it easy after radiation sessions. Listen to your body and rest when tired. Daily walks can boost energy if you feel up to it. But avoid intense exercise during treatment.
Why use sun protection during radiation?
Radiation makes your skin extra sensitive to UV rays. Too much sun exposure can damage skin cells and cause burns, blisters, or rashes. Protect your skin when outdoors:
- Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin
- Wear UV blocking clothes, a hat, and sunglasses
- Seek shade between 10am-4pm when UV rays are strongest
- Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps
Use gentle skincare products without dyes, perfumes, or acids. Avoid hot showers or baths, tight clothes, and harsh scrubbing, which can further irritate skin. Report any skin changes to your cancer care team right away.
Why avoid close contact during radiation?
Radiation therapy can weaken your immune system, raising infection risk. Limit contact with people who are sick or have contagious illnesses like colds or flu during treatment. Avoid crowds when possible. Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. Disinfect surfaces at home and work. Maintain 6 feet distance from others when appropriate. Notify your cancer doctor if you develop any signs of infection like fever, cough, sore throat, or flu symptoms. You may need treatment with antibiotics.
Why avoid pregnancy during radiation?
Radiation to the pelvis or abdomen can cause birth defects and developmental problems. Women should not become pregnant during radiation. Use barrier contraception like condoms to prevent pregnancy. Many doctors advise avoiding pregnancy for 6-12 months after radiation therapy too. Male fertility may also be reduced by radiation. However, it doesn’t make men sterile. Speak with your doctor about ways to prevent pregnancy during and after cancer treatment.
Why avoid hot tubs during radiation?
The hot water in hot tubs, spas, or saunas can irritate irradiated skin. Avoid these until treatment ends and any skin reactions settle. The heat can also cause you to sweat, raising the risk of dehydration. In addition, hot tubs can harbor bacteria that could cause infection if your immune system is compromised. It’s best to wait until your course of treatment is fully complete before using a hot tub again.
Why avoid some dental procedures?
Head and neck radiation can increase your risk of jawbone problems like osteoradionecrosis. This risk continues lifelong after treatment. Major dental work shortly before or after radiation may trigger bone problems in the jaw. Avoid:
- Tooth extractions
- Dental implants
- Root canals
- Bone grafting
See your dentist for a full exam before starting radiation. Get any major dental work completed at least 2 weeks before the first session. Then avoid such procedures until healing is complete, often about a year after finishing treatment. Always tell your dentist about past head/neck radiation before any oral surgery. Antibiotics may be needed to prevent bone infection. Proper dental hygiene can help reduce the need for invasive dental work later.
Why limit chlorinated water exposure?
Chlorine commonly added to pools or hot tubs can irritate skin affected by radiation. It’s best to avoid swimming in chlorinated pools during treatment. Also limit bathing time in chlorinated tap water. Quick showers are gentler than long soaks. Apply moisturizer after washing to help soothe skin and seal in moisture. Ocean or lake swimming may be better tolerated if your skin isn’t broken. But consult your cancer care team before exposing treated areas to any water.
When to call your cancer care team
Notify your radiation oncology team right away about any concerns, including:
- Skin changes like peeling, blistering, or discoloration
- Sore throat or trouble swallowing
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea that won’t subside
- Signs of dehydration like dizziness or dark urine
- Fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
- Unusual tiredness, mouth sores, or bleeding
Prompt reporting of side effects allows your team to adjust treatment if needed to promote healing. Don’t hesitate to call, even after hours.
Conclusion
Avoiding certain foods, activities, and environments during radiation helps minimize side effects. Work closely with your cancer care team on guidelines for your specific treatment plan and area of the body being radiated. Report any concerns promptly so they can provide medication, diet changes, or other therapies to help you heal. With proper precautions, most effects of radiation resolve quickly after treatment ends. Taking care during the treatment process promotes the best possible recovery.