6 Superfoods for Cancer Patients

2 Nausea Busters

Because cancer treatments affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells, it's important to give your body the tools it needs to rebuild and stay strong, and the best way to do this is through the food you eat. "They used to tell cancer patients to eat anything that sounded good -- whether it was milkshakes or pudding -- just to keep your weight on. But it really does matter what foods you're eating," says Jennifer Reilly, senior nutritionist for the Cancer Project. Give yourself every advantage you can during treatment by adding these superfoods to your diet.

To keep nausea at bay, snack on whole wheat toast. You'll not only keep your stomach from churning, you'll give yourself a good dose of fiber, which the body uses to keep your digestive tract healthy. It's also good as a remedy for diarrhea. Eat dry if possible, or with a small pat of butter.

Recommended serving size: 1 slice; 79 calories

Hailed by herbalists for its ability to ease stomach upset and used by the Chinese as a nausea remedy for at least 2,000 years, ginger is a great tool to have in your arsenal. Use fresh grated ginger in stir-fries, soups, and hot or cold tea, or sprinkle powdered ginger over melon or into rice. Also check your health food store for crystallized ginger, a sweet treat that you eat like candy.

Recommended serving size: As needed, not to exceed 4 grams per day