10 Foods to Avoid During Chemotherapy: A Must Watch Video

[@buds8423]

This is good advice for anyone in an immunocompromised state, including advanced age. Prepackaged fruits and veg and deli meats very common for food poisoning. If your elderly parents depend on this food stuff, consider re-education, washing and preparing fruit veggies plates for them if possible, etc…

[@yerbba]

You’re absolutely right-immunocompromised individuals, including older adults, are at higher risk for food-borne illnesses. Educating loved ones about safer options, like thoroughly washed produce and avoiding certain prepackaged items, can make a big difference. It’s wonderful that you’re looking out for others.

[@sylviaweaver769]

I have taken antioxidants for over two years since my start of treatment, chemo, plus injections, now on a the lowest dose Enhertu. I have had a rare cancer Her 2 positive aggressive, finally diagnosed after a year that it was in my blood vessels, and skin. I have just had a clear PET scan.🙏🏼 I have taken garlic in tablet as well as eating raw and cooked, I had pancreas growth, cyst on my ovary, tumour on my adrenals, benign, more than five nodules, and a lump on my thyroid. For me, it been fine, so from my point of view, don’t agree that I should not have taken antioxidants. I made the choice not to have surgery, which turned out to be I the right choice for me. I am so glad I did. All my cysts are smaller, I didn’t need my lymph nodes removed, which is where the cancer was first found., and lots more symptoms I have had due to the treatment. But changed my outcome with healthy eating very low carbs, cut all sugar, used natural sweetener, sorting gut health, lots of smoothies, veg, and fruit, plenty of exercise, mostly walking, I have done loads, too much to say here. It has been challenging, but the reward, fantastic news. Just wanted to share my experience, about antioxidants………

[@yerbba]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's important to note the difference between "risk" and some sense that everyone will have a given outcome. Risk factors refer to groups of people and not to an individual. In other words, something that increases risk of recurrence in a study of 1000 or more patients does not mean that everyone will have a recurrence. Thanks for the opportunity to clarify what we mean by risk.

[@LourdesDewestho]

😅😅😅ll

[@karalachelle6717]

I have just been diagnosed with BC. I really don't want to do mainstem medicine. I would love to know more of what uou did in ur journey

[@3..thisiswe]

Great video. Thanks a bunch!!

[@yerbba]

We're so glad it was helpful!

[@MoneyMadeMagic]

Very clear .. thankyou .. backs up what ive been told by my care team .. but they havent mentioned garlic? Im assumings its ok to have a little bit if its in a ready prepared meal?

[@yerbba]

Thanks for your question! In our video, we mentioned avoiding high doses of garlic such as garlic supplements during chemotherapy because they can affect blood clotting and interact with some treatments. However, having garlic in small amounts, like in a meal, is typically fine.

[@MoneyMadeMagic]

@yerbba thank you for your reply .. that makes sense 🙂

[@lroche2164]

What about frozen fruit such as blueberries. Hard to wash for smoothies.

[@yerbba]

Frozen fruit, like blueberries, can be a great option during chemo! The cold texture can help soothe taste changes, and most frozen fruits are prewashed, making them safe and easy to blend into smoothies. Just double-check the packaging to ensure they're ready to use-no need to avoid them!

[@justcomment8516]

Many thanks for this video!

[@yerbba]

You're very welcome! We're glad you found the video helpful.

[@sointu123]

For how long after chemo should one avoid the foods on the list that are related with the immune system (raw fish and meat etc.)?

[@naththomas9946]

Thank you, Dr. Griggs, for your nutritional advice e.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for being part of our community!

[@susiepam2716]

Very helpful. I never knew that before.

[@yerbba]

We're glad this video was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@hemalathajayachandran5623]

Thanks for the informative video which i happened to come across only today. I am on adjuvant chemotherapy for stage2 breast cancer. 4 cycles of doxorubicin and 3 cycles of paclitaxil is over and few more days for the 4th and final dose. After my 2nd round of taxane i developed pin and needle and numbness on my toes and feet so the dosage was reduced for the 3rd round of chemo and was put on methylcobalamin,alpha lipoic acid, inositol,folic and combination drug. Is it an antioxidant which will affect my chemo outcome?

[@hemalathajayachandran5623]

Also my iron levels dropped so much they had to supplement iron through IV once before my 6 th round of chemo. Will it increase the chance for recurrence ? And how careful I should be in the future

[@yerbba]

Your supplement combination includes antioxidants, which could theoretically interfere with chemo effectiveness. It’s a good idea to ask your oncologist about the timing and use of such supplements during and after treatment to ensure they align with your regimen.

[@TanweerAhmed-nv6hu]

Sound quality (volume) is low.

[@yerbba]

We do our best to maintain good audio quality, and appreciate your feedback. In the meantime, you can also use captions as an option to follow along more easily.

[@ljohns6849]

Yes, I have volume turned up at the max sitting in a quiet room. I enjoy the wealth of knowledge as I approach round 4 of chemotherapy.

[@trumanstanley7792]

What pills should you not take

[@yerbba]

We covered some supplements to avoid during chemotherapy in this video, but you’re right, we couldn’t cover everything. It’s important to run any pills or medications, even over-the-counter ones, by your oncology team to ensure they won’t interfere with your treatment.

[@ChooseForToday]

One thing many don't think about is avoiding unpasteurized honey, as well. If one usually uses this kind of honey, and no one has brought it up, then one will often not consider the need to replace it with pasteurized honey while going through treatment.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the comment. While unpasteurized (raw) honey may offer some potential health benefits due to its antioxidants and antibacterial properties, it's important to be aware of the risk of contamination with harmful bacteria, yeasts or other microorganisms during production and packaging. For most healthy adults, raw honey is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation.

[@jayalakshmib2420]

Thank you madam.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching!

[@eviepumkin509]

Good info. Im taking vit d,e,b and c. Fish oil and a multivitamin. Im doing chemo, do stop all of them?

[@yerbba]

The vitamin D and a multivitamin should be just fine. The fish oil will make your blood "thinner," so talk this over with your medical team. You won't need extra vitamin B or C over what you're getting in the multivitamin.

[@eviepumkin509]

Thankyou kindly for the response

[@BeateSchierle]

One question related to the one below: I have HER2 and HR positive cancer. Now getting Kadcyla. The oncologist said that Kadcyla is a monotherapy and nothing more required. But what about the HR positive cancer cells? Had Exemestan before and now a few shots of Fulvestrant which I hated. So painful! Thank you! Beate from Germany

[@mukundprasad4618]

My mother also have HER 2+ metastasis breast cancer and doctor advised for a combination of herceptine and oral chemo capacitabine tablet.

[@mukundprasad4618]

Do you live in Germany what kind of treatments available there?

[@BeateSchierle]

@@mukundprasad4618 Hi there, yes, I am living in Germany. Today, treatment depends from the histology of a cancer, HER2 or not, hormone positive or not, etc. They look for specific receptors in order to adapt therapy for each patient. So, it is very well possible that your mom gets a very special treatment for her. Best wishes for her! ♥

[@BeateSchierle]

@@mukundprasad4618 In Germany, most people have a health insurance. So, you don't have to pay very much for cancer treatment. Which is good as the meds are very expensive. For example, one infusion of Kadcyla is more than 3000 Euro. The standards are quite high - at least at university hospitals. Small hospitals are not recommended.

[@mukundprasad4618]

In delhi india there are government hospitals which provide treatment free of cost. We need to spend only on the diagnosed test from outside of the hospital.

[@3chawindy]

Thank you so much! should we avoid Tofu and miso soup as well?

[@yerbba]

You’re welcome! During chemo, it’s fine to enjoy tofu and miso soup in moderation. We only worry about high concentrations of soy, like in protein shakes. Dietary sources such as tofu are fine. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss our upcoming video where we talk about estrogen-containing foods and breast cancer.

[@Utubeuser-gc2dv]

Just avoid it all together when she said enjoy it in moderation. Just my 2 cents

[@Katia-p4v]

Thank you Dr.Griggs What about nuts? Electrolytes capsules or powder? IP-6 & INOSITOL?

[@yerbba]

Nuts are generally safe and a great source of healthy fats, but during chemotherapy, watch out for raw or unpasteurized products to avoid infection risks. Electrolyte powders or capsules can help maintain hydration but ensure they’re free of excessive sugars or additives. As for IP-6 & inositol, there’s no evidence of benefit, and it’s best to discuss with your oncologist to ensure no interactions with your treatment.

[@Katia-p4v]

@yerbba thank you!

[@amiraabdou673]

Thanks doctor for the video, does the list include Estrogen stimulating food(berries, soya and Tufo, lavender oils….)

[@yerbba]

You may find it helpful to watch the video again. Let us know if you still have questions.

[@roxana340bc]

Can they eat fresh meat?

[@MariaCosta-qf7ot]

One of the main studies cited for avoiding antioxidants during chemo and radiation is (Swog S0221). But this study seems flawed to me especially when looking at the characteristics of the group that didn't do as well (and who took vitamin C). I'd like to hear your opinion. There are many studies that show IV vitamin C either does no harm or May have a synergistic effect.

[@yerbba]

Despite the fact that this was not a randomized trial, the large sample size and the ability to control for clinical and lifestyle variables has led to this evidence being called "compelling" in terms of the guidance to avoid antioxidants during chemotherapy. Vitamin B12 and iron were particularly associated with risk of recurrence. In terms of iv vitamin C, there does appear to be some evidence that it can improve quality of life, the quality of the evidence is not strong enough to recommend its use in the primary treatment of cancer. Most studies have been done in people with advanced disease, in whom the goal is improving quality of life rather than improvement in survival. This is an active area of study, however, and we expect to see more conclusive evidence soon, particularly with respect to the role of iv vitamin C perhaps improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy. It is likely that these chemotherapy drugs would not, however, work through oxidation.

[@MariaCosta-qf7ot]

@ Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. I'm going to take a second look at that study and I will be consulting with an integrative oncologist at some point, and this will be one of my questions. Thanks for mentioning iron and B12 as well. My regular oncologist never once said to avoid any supplements. But it does look more and more like we should be careful with supplements during chemo. Thank you for this channel and your good work. 👍

[@susantaulli6580]

What if the oncologist wants me to take Vitamin D for my bones because I’m on anastrozole but at the same time I’m still having Kadcyla infusions every 3 weeks? Does the Vitamin D interfere with the efficacy of the Kadcyla?

[@HoaNguyen-d2z]

You should take vitamin D. They help a lot in chemo time.

[@yerbba]

Vitamin D will not interfere with the treatment.

[@explorewithmeg09]

We are on the same treatment

[@mineandmitch]

Should we avoid carnitine or creatine?

[@yerbba]

Carnitine and creatine are generally considered safe during chemotherapy, but it's crucial to approach supplements with caution. Research suggests that carnitine may help reduce fatigue in cancer patients, but more studies are needed to confirm its benefits. Creatine is often used for muscle health and has shown potential in preserving muscle mass during cancer treatment. However, supplements can interact with your specific treatment plan, so always consult your oncologist before adding them

[@SoeSoeWin-l3x]

My sis was diaganosed with metastatic breast cancer . Negative for Hormone receptors but borderline wtih Her2. Further Her2 Fish test was low assumed as negative. She is having Chemo plus bone injection. The problem is CT scan shows spot on bone T8 but bone scan shows abnormality on T9. Radiation is needed for bone matastatic. I think after chemo she needs further scan? My question is all cells n nodes near n around breast are clear of cancer according to biospy. Does cancer jump to distant part of body like this?

[@yerbba]

Cancer can spread to other parts of the body, yes. If there's some uncertainty about which thoracic vertebral bodies have cancer, that's understandable. In general, radiation therapy, if it is recommended, will be given to the vertebral bodies known to have cancer and a couple above and a couple below.

[@菊池テレシータ]

Good afternoon Mam..is garlic is not good for lo white cel during chemo.?

[@yerbba]

In our video, we mentioned that garlic supplements should be avoided during chemotherapy due to their blood-thinning properties, which could increase the risk of bleeding. There should not, however, be a connection between white blood cell counts and garlic however.

[@akyi1064]

1. How do you know if patient become resistant to hormonal drugs? 2. Can the postmenopausal patient take 8 years Tamoxifen and than 2 years of an AI? or AI’s need to be taken for longer time? 3. Is AI better than Tamoxifen for Lobular cancer? What means “slightly” better in human calculation? Thanks!

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the questions. When cancer progresses in someone on hormonal therapy, it is because cancer cells figure out how to become resistant. It's also possible that treatment has "selected out" the more resistant cells. This applies to lobular cancer in the same way as with ductal cancer. While a regimen of tamoxifen for 8 years followed by 2 years of an aromatase inhibitor hasn't been tested in clinical trials, there are people who might end up treated with this plan. When we refer to something being slightly better, we're usually referring to a couple of percentage points relative benefit. The absolute benefit depends on their risk of recurrence.

[@sointu123]

@@yerbba If the receptors are 90% (both estrogen and progesteron), does that mean that it can easily escape because it is not 100%?

[@marthajenkins46]

Do you know anything about mushrooms in prevention and during radiation & chemo therapy?

[@yerbba]

Chinese mushrooms have been shown to help relieve many of the side effects of chemotherapy and appear to be safe. They are not used in the treatment of breast cancer itself, however.

[@yoshakhan1]

What about carbonated drinks like pepsi coca cola sprite etc

[@yerbba]

Carbonated sodas are generally okay in moderation during chemotherapy, but there are a few things to consider. They may help with nausea for some people, especially if they're flat, but their acidity and sugar content might irritate your stomach or worsen side effects like mouth sores. Opting for clear sodas like ginger ale without caffeine can be gentler on your system.

[@sherriochsner7699]

Thank you for all of the breast cancer videos. I think a definition of processed food would be helpful in this video. Do you really mean ultra processed food? Then you seem to advocate processed packaged deli meat at the end after say no processed food. That’s a little confusing.

[@yerbba]

In this case, we were referring to non-processed deli meat that is simply packaged to avoid contamination. Thanks for watching.

[@memy336]

I am on chemo for stage 3 breast cancer. Should i avoid garlic all together on my food or is it only supplement that needs to be avoided. Thank you

[@yerbba]

Garlic supplements are more concentrated than the garlic you cook with, so they can have stronger effects, like thinning your blood. This is why supplements are usually avoided during chemotherapy. Using garlic in your food in moderate amounts is usually considered safe.

[@yeabsirasintayehu1584]

Not recommended garlic after chemotherapy

[@AbuBakr2196]

Hope you get better soon.

[@edenetorne6987]

What about after chemotherapy what are the foods to avoid for cancer patients

[@nazkhan3719]

I avoid Spicy ,heavily fried food Home made less oil and easy on digestion works for me

[@yerbba]

After chemotherapy, it’s important to eat a balanced diet that helps your recovery. Generally, try to avoid processed foods and reduce alcohol intake as these can affect your health and cancer risk.

[@edenetorne6987]

@@yerbba thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate all your videos esp re HER2 positive coz I am still on anti HER2 treatment Trastuzumab. 6 more cycles to complete 18. Again many thanks and hope to see more videos from you. God bless. Am from Philippines 🇵🇭

[@jizelpamisa5397]

May I know if hydrogen water is good for breast cancer patient?

[@yerbba]

There is limited scientific evidence on hydrogen water's effects on breast cancer. While it may be safe to drink, it’s essential to focus on evidence-based treatments and discuss any supplements or alternatives with your oncologist.

[@cantikaprasetyo6122]

What's going to happen to the lump after chemo? Will it slowly eroded or...? Would you mind to kindly elaborate it?

[@yerbba]

After chemotherapy, the response of a tumor can vary. Some tumors shrink significantly, potentially even resolving completely, while others may decrease more gradually. Your oncology team will monitor the tumor's response to treatment through follow-up scans and exams to determine the next steps. Your body is amazing and clears up the dead cells. Thank you for watching.

[@AnnieJenkins-e1e]

I start chemotherapy tomorrow. I have esophagus cancer. I'm very afraid! Please pray for me

[@antagaye-hw5wc]

Hey Google chemotherapy but me I eat everything Brooklyn only problem I have is my skin my skin is really rusty and peeling side effects I get you talked to say my treatment is work and I tell the doctor to me I eat everything and make sure I cook the meat properly because I'm not educated I just eat whatever hopefully the doctor say every time I have my blood test and the extremely my sister I'm okay the treatment is working and I eat a lot the appetite doctor

[@yerbba]

It’s great to hear that your treatment is working well and that you're staying mindful of your diet. The peeling and rusty skin you’re experiencing can be a side effect of chemotherapy, which can affect skin health. It may be that these are changes as a result of the successful treatment. Make sure to keep your skin moisturized, and talk to your doctor about creams or treatments that can help with the dryness.

[@OyindamolaPopoola]

Thanks

[@alisoncooper2718]

I would rather have the fruit veg etc than chemo

[@yerbba]

We understand how you feel. Chemotherapy can be tough, but for many people, it’s an essential part of treatment to kill cancer cells effectively. Thank you for watching.

[@simonaionescu2324]

raw honey

[@yerbba]

Raw honey should generally be avoided during chemo due to the potential risk of bacteria or contaminants that your immune system might not be able to handle as well. Opt for pasteurized honey instead.

[@injife6269]

Thank you. Just question: why need to avoid antioxidant supplements?

[@yerbba]

Antioxidant supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, which rely on oxidative stress to kill cancer cells. Check out our video on this topic to learn more! kzbin.info/www/bejne/an-7Y6eZhcd3jLc

[@bimalapradhan9119]

Antioxidant food means

[@hankroberts-mi3yd]

Cool. But I'll probably starve!!!😂

[@yerbba]

You have a great sense of humor!