Eating Through Cancer Treatment Side Effects: Gentle Nutrition Strategies That Help

In this episode of Food for Thought, host Stacy Fritz sits down with Jen Nolan from Remission Nutrition to talk about one of the most common—and most frustrating—parts of the cancer journey: eating through treatment side effects.

Jen explains that many treatments (including chemotherapy) aren’t perfectly targeted. They can affect not only cancer cells, but also healthy, rapidly dividing cells, which is why areas like the mouth, gut tissue, skin, and hair are often impacted. When those tissues are irritated or damaged, side effects such as mouth sores, taste changes, and digestive disruptions can show up—and eating can become much harder than it used to be.

Why food suddenly tastes different (and what to do about it)

Taste changes—sometimes even a metallic taste—can happen as treatment affects the tissues in the mouth and taste buds. Jen shares a few gentle strategies that may help:

• Swishing peppermint tea in the mouth to help “clear” the taste buds (spit or swallow based on comfort)

• Using a tongue scraper gently (and avoiding it if mouth sores are present)

• Being mindful of a film that can build on the tongue during certain treatments—and addressing it carefully rather than scrubbing with a toothbrush

Stacy also shares what helped her family during a difficult season: coconut oil as a soothing, coating support for oral discomfort. Jen adds that oil pulling can be beneficial, especially because coconut oil has properties that may support oral hygiene—while emphasizing the importance of spitting it out and avoiding the sink drain.

Neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, and the ripple effects of treatment

The conversation expands beyond the mouth and gut to other common side effects: neuropathy, nausea, low appetite, fatigue, and changes connected to bone marrow suppression (which can affect red and white blood cell counts). Stacy pauses to define neuropathy clearly for listeners who are new to the journey, and Jen describes it as tingling or numbness—often in the hands and feet—with a brutal sensitivity to cold.

One supportive approach they discuss is acupuncture, which both have seen help many people. Jen also mentions food-based options that may support circulation for some individuals, including ginger, turmeric, and small amounts of cayenne, while noting that spice must be approached carefully—especially with mouth sores.

When appetite disappears: where to begin

A major theme of the episode is this: every person is different, and side effects are never “one-size-fits-all.” Still, Jen shares a few starting places she returns to often.

One of her top tools is ginger—as tea, steeped ginger chunks in hot water, or paired with other ingredients like turmeric. Ginger can be supportive for both nausea and appetite, and the two often go hand-in-hand: when nausea rises, appetite tends to drop.

She also highlights fennel as an appetite-supporting option (bulb, fronds, or seeds), along with peppermint, and notes that combining gentle supports can be helpful—like ginger with peppermint—depending on individual tolerance.

Stacy also brings up a sensitive but real topic: medical cannabis for appetite support, acknowledging that many patients ask about it. Jen affirms it can be helpful for some, while urging people to choose high-quality products, avoid added sugars (like gummies when possible), and consider forms like tinctures if appropriate for the individual.

The food focus when eating feels impossible: protein + healthy fats

When Stacy asks the big question—what matters most when someone can barely eat?—Jen points to a helpful guideline: prioritize healthy fats and proteins, especially through cooked, warming foods that are often easier to digest and absorb.

She discusses the common “BRAT diet” (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), noting it can feel soothing but may not provide enough calories or building blocks for tissue support. Instead, Jen leans toward:

• Cooked foods (often more digestible than raw/cold)

• Brothy soups with enough protein and fat (not just noodles or rice taking up space)

• Thoughtful additions like olive oil, avocado, olives, or pickles when tolerated, to support calories and flavor

They also discuss how smells can become overwhelming and trigger nausea. Practical ideas include cooking outdoors when possible, or using an Instant Pot to reduce lingering cooking odors in the home.

A caregiver takeaway: rethink the “casserole default”

Toward the end, Stacy shares a heartfelt caregiver perspective: so many people want to help, but the default offerings—casseroles and desserts—often don’t match what the body needs during treatment side effects.

Jen suggests a practical solution: if friends want to organize support, start a meal train with clear guidelines—like real whole foods, cooked options, and meals that include protein and fat. She also mentions options that can be shipped, such as bone broth, and hints at a new resource she’s excited about that provides pre-made meals designed with Remission Nutrition’s standards in mind.

The episode closes with warmth and encouragement: you’re not alone, and there are ways to nourish yourself—even when eating is hard. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s finding what you can do, gently, one day at a time.

Resources:

• Remission Nutrition
  Email: jen.nolan@remissionnutrition.com
  Social: @remissionnutrition

  • Queen of the Thrones (Castor oil packs + education)

  • Tongue scraper (use gently; avoid if mouth sores)

  • Coconut oil (oil pulling support—spit into trash)

  • Castor oil (oil pulling support—spit into trash)

  • Acupuncture (support for neuropathy)

  • Instant Pot (helps reduce cooking smells indoors)

  • Meal train support (organize nourishing meals for families)

  • Sunbasket (meal kit option—requires assembly)

  • Bone broth (can be ordered/shipped as support)