The Importance of Diet During Cancer Treatment By Dt. Nikita Das – Dietician, NECHRI, Guwahati
July 18, 2025
At North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (NECHRI) Northeast India’s first and only private dedicated cancer hospital, we believe that cancer care goes far beyond medication and therapy. One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, pillars of cancer recovery is nutrition.
Why Is Diet Important During Cancer Treatment?
During chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy, patients may experience changes in appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and digestive issues. Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet during cancer treatment can:
• Help manage treatment side effects
• Increase energy and muscle tone
• Preserve immune function
• Reduce inflammation
• Support faster recovery
What Should You Eat During Cancer Treatment?
High-Protein Foods
Proteins support healing and strengthen the immune system. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and plant-based protein sources like tofu, nuts, and seeds.
Healthy Fats
Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids from avocados, walnuts, olive oil, and grapeseed oil to reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
Whole Grains & Healthy Carbs
Choose complex carbohydrates like oats, bran, and whole wheat. These offer soluble fiber which improves digestion and gut health, vital for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals play key roles in immune function and cellular repair. Look for foods fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, orange juice, yogurt, and cereals.
NECHRI’s Comprehensive Cancer Nutrition Support
At NECHRI, Guwahati, our in-house dietitians work closely with oncologists to create personalized diet plans that align with each patient’s treatment phase and condition. Whether you’re undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy (IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, SBRT), immunotherapy, or surgery, nutrition is a core component of your healing journey.
We understand the unique dietary needs of patients in Assam and the Northeast region, and we are committed to making affordable, expert led nutrition therapy available for all.
Early Detection • Expert Care • Affordable Treatment
In addition to nutritional counselling, NECHRI offers:
• PET-CT Scanning
• Cancer Screening & Digital Mammography
• CT/USG-Guided Biopsies
• Histopathology with IHC
• All Major Cancer Surgeries
• Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, and Immunotherapy
• Radiation & Brachytherapy
• Multidisciplinary Tumour Board & Single Consultation Fees Across Specialists
Serving patients from Guwahati and across Northeast India including Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim.
For appointments and consultations: +91-9435707661 | Visit: www.nechri.co.in
Address: North East Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Guwahati, Assam
Why Is Diet Important During Cancer Treatment?
During chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy, patients may experience changes in appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and digestive issues. Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet during cancer treatment can:
• Help manage treatment side effects
• Increase energy and muscle tone
• Preserve immune function
• Reduce inflammation
• Support faster recovery
What Should You Eat During Cancer Treatment?
High-Protein Foods
Proteins support healing and strengthen the immune system. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and plant-based protein sources like tofu, nuts, and seeds.
Healthy Fats
Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids from avocados, walnuts, olive oil, and grapeseed oil to reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
Whole Grains & Healthy Carbs
Choose complex carbohydrates like oats, bran, and whole wheat. These offer soluble fiber which improves digestion and gut health, vital for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals play key roles in immune function and cellular repair. Look for foods fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, orange juice, yogurt, and cereals.
NECHRI’s Comprehensive Cancer Nutrition Support
At NECHRI, Guwahati, our in-house dietitians work closely with oncologists to create personalized diet plans that align with each patient’s treatment phase and condition. Whether you’re undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy (IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, SBRT), immunotherapy, or surgery, nutrition is a core component of your healing journey.
We understand the unique dietary needs of patients in Assam and the Northeast region, and we are committed to making affordable, expert led nutrition therapy available for all.
Early Detection • Expert Care • Affordable Treatment
In addition to nutritional counselling, NECHRI offers:
• PET-CT Scanning
• Cancer Screening & Digital Mammography
• CT/USG-Guided Biopsies
• Histopathology with IHC
• All Major Cancer Surgeries
• Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, and Immunotherapy
• Radiation & Brachytherapy
• Multidisciplinary Tumour Board & Single Consultation Fees Across Specialists
Serving patients from Guwahati and across Northeast India including Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim.
For appointments and consultations: +91-9435707661 | Visit: www.nechri.co.in
Address: North East Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Guwahati, Assam