If you are going through cancer treatment, chemotherapy can take a toll on your body. Getting enough nutrients is important, because it allows your normal cells to recover, and will give you more energy to help you get through this trying time. Below are four nutrients you should try to get into your diet.

Proteins

Cancer treatment kills your healthy cells, and it can temporarily weaken your immune system, which can leave you susceptible to infections, colds, etc. To help boost your immune system, add more protein to your diet. Good sources of protein are poultry, lean red meat, fish, nuts, soy foods, peas, and dried beans.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also known as an ascorbic acid, and is a nutrient that can be found in foods. When your body has enough vitamin C, it acts like an antioxidant and helps protect your cells from damage caused by radiation. To get more vitamin C in your diet, drink orange juice or eat oranges, red and green bell peppers, broccoli, kale, papaya, and strawberries.

If you are having problems getting enough vitamin C in your diet due to eating problems, talk with your doctor about high dose vitamin C given by IV (intravenous infusion). With this treatment, your body gets a much higher dose of vitamin C in your blood than if you take a vitamin C supplement.

Fats

Cancer treatment can rob you of your energy. To help with this problem, add more fats to your diet. When you have enough fat, your body will break it down and use it to store energy. Stay away from trans fats or saturated fats, as they are bad for your heart. Instead, choose polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. You can find monounsaturated fats in vegetable oils, such as peanut, canola, and olive oil. You will find polyunsaturated fats in seafood, as well as seeds, such as flaxseed, corn, sunflower, and safflower.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates can also provide your body with energy. You can get carbohydrates in many ways, including:

• Whole grain: Whole grains can be found in breads, crackers, flours, and cereals.
• Fiber: Add foods like cabbage, broccoli, bran, beans, potatoes, breads, peas, leafy green vegetables, oranges, and celery to your diet to get more fiber.
• Fish: Eat more salmon, trout, and haddock to get what you need.

Talk with your doctor or IV therapist like one from Metabolix Wellness about your diet needs. He or she may suggest you see a dietician to help you come up with a meal plan that includes these nutrients in it.