Hydration Tips for Cancer Patients

Drinking enough fluids is very important for people going through cancer treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation, and some medicines can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dry mouth. All of these make it easy to get dehydrated. Staying hydrated helps your body feel better, keeps your energy up, supports kidney function, and maintains overall strength during treatment. Small, regular sips of fluids throughout the day work better than drinking a lot at once.

Which drinks to choose

• Water: The best choice for staying hydrated.
• Herbal teas: Ginger, peppermint, or chamomile can soothe your stomach.
• Broths and soups: Vegetable or chicken broth gives fluids and important minerals.
• Electrolyte drinks: Can replace lost salts and minerals, but check with your doctor before drinking sports drinks, as they often contain sugar.

Foods that help you stay hydrated

Some fruits and vegetables have a lot of water and can help keep your body hydrated:

• Fruits: Watermelon, oranges, berries, melons
• Vegetables: Cucumbers, lettuce, celery

Eating these foods is often easier on the stomach than heavy meals, especially when your appetite is low.

Temperature Tips

• Cold or room-temperature drinks are usually easier to drink.
• Hot drinks can sometimes trigger nausea, but slightly warm drinks may be okay.
• People with mouth sores may find very cold drinks, ice chips, or frozen fruit pops soothing.

Tips for staying hydrated

To stay properly hydrated, sip fluids slowly and frequently instead of drinking large amounts at once. Using a straw can make drinking more comfortable if swallowing is difficult. Keep water or other fluids nearby throughout the day so you can drink regularly without forgetting. Adding natural flavors, like slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries, can make water more enjoyable and easier to drink. Tracking your intake can also help, so try to drink a glass every hour to ensure you are getting enough fluids to stay hydrated.

Staying hydrated helps your body recover, reduces side effects, and gives you more energy. Eating water-rich foods and drinking fluids regularly can make the treatment journey easier and more comfortable.