Neutropenic Diet for Cancer Patients: A Critical Part of Infection Prevention By Dt. Nikita Das, Dietician – NECHRI, Guwahati
July 19, 2025
When undergoing cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant, many patients develop neutropenia, a condition marked by low levels of white blood cells (neutrophils). This weakens the immune system and increases vulnerability to infections. At North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (NECHRI), Guwahati, we emphasize the importance of a Neutropenic Diet, a specialized low-microbial diet designed to reduce the risk of infection during cancer treatment.
What is a Neutropenic Diet?
A neutropenic diet focuses on food safety and hygiene, minimizing exposure to bacteria commonly found in raw or undercooked foods. At NECHRI, we integrate this diet into personalized cancer care plans for patients receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.
Foods to Avoid in a Neutropenic Diet
• Raw/undercooked meats, poultry, seafood (e.g., sushi, rare steaks)
• Raw or soft-cooked eggs (e.g., homemade mayonnaise)
• Unpasteurized milk, cheese, and dairy
• Unwashed or raw fruits and vegetables (especially from buffets/salad bars)
• Raw nuts, seeds, and unpasteurized juices
• Mold-ripened or blue-veined cheeses
• Deli meats and buffet-prepared items
Foods to Include for Immune Support
• Well-cooked meats and poultry
• Pasteurized milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Boiled or hard-cooked eggs
• Thoroughly washed and peeled fruits/vegetables (e.g., bananas, oranges)
• Home-cooked meals using hygienic practices
• Boiled water or purified bottled water
General Food Safety Guidelines at NECHRI
• Wash hands and kitchen surfaces frequently
• Cook foods to safe internal temperatures
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold
• Avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked items
• Boil drinking water for at least 1 minute (if not purified)
Our dietary department at NECHRI, led by certified experts, they ensures every patient on a neutropenic diet receives safe, nutritious, and immune-supportive meals customized to their treatment plan.
NECHRI: Cancer Care Beyond Medicine
As Northeast India’s first and only private dedicated cancer hospital, NECHRI, Guwahati offers an all-in-one facility for:
• Cancer surgeries (head & neck, GI, breast, and more)
• Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
• Advanced Radiation Therapy (IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, SBRT)
• Brachytherapy
• PET-CT, Biopsies, Histopathology with IHC
• Cancer screening & Digital Mammography
• Tumour Board & Single Consultation Fee for All Specialists
Serving patients across Assam and all Seven Sister States, NECHRI is committed to early detection, expert care, and affordable cancer treatment.
What is a Neutropenic Diet?
A neutropenic diet focuses on food safety and hygiene, minimizing exposure to bacteria commonly found in raw or undercooked foods. At NECHRI, we integrate this diet into personalized cancer care plans for patients receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.
Foods to Avoid in a Neutropenic Diet
• Raw/undercooked meats, poultry, seafood (e.g., sushi, rare steaks)
• Raw or soft-cooked eggs (e.g., homemade mayonnaise)
• Unpasteurized milk, cheese, and dairy
• Unwashed or raw fruits and vegetables (especially from buffets/salad bars)
• Raw nuts, seeds, and unpasteurized juices
• Mold-ripened or blue-veined cheeses
• Deli meats and buffet-prepared items
Foods to Include for Immune Support
• Well-cooked meats and poultry
• Pasteurized milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Boiled or hard-cooked eggs
• Thoroughly washed and peeled fruits/vegetables (e.g., bananas, oranges)
• Home-cooked meals using hygienic practices
• Boiled water or purified bottled water
General Food Safety Guidelines at NECHRI
• Wash hands and kitchen surfaces frequently
• Cook foods to safe internal temperatures
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold
• Avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked items
• Boil drinking water for at least 1 minute (if not purified)
Our dietary department at NECHRI, led by certified experts, they ensures every patient on a neutropenic diet receives safe, nutritious, and immune-supportive meals customized to their treatment plan.
NECHRI: Cancer Care Beyond Medicine
As Northeast India’s first and only private dedicated cancer hospital, NECHRI, Guwahati offers an all-in-one facility for:
• Cancer surgeries (head & neck, GI, breast, and more)
• Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
• Advanced Radiation Therapy (IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, SBRT)
• Brachytherapy
• PET-CT, Biopsies, Histopathology with IHC
• Cancer screening & Digital Mammography
• Tumour Board & Single Consultation Fee for All Specialists
Serving patients across Assam and all Seven Sister States, NECHRI is committed to early detection, expert care, and affordable cancer treatment.