When you’re battling ovarian cancer, what you eat can make a big difference in how you feel and how your body copes with treatment. The right foods may help support your immune system, manage side effects, and give you the energy you need to feel productive throughout the day.
If you’re wondering what breakfast, lunch and dinner options might be most beneficial when in treatment for ovarian cancer, you’re not alone. Diet can feel overwhelming, but the good news is there are specific foods packed with nutrients that may help support your health during treatment and recovery.
Let’s look at 5 foods that are nourishing, easy to eat, and delicious.
Building a supportive diet for ovarian cancer
When navigating ovarian cancer, a supportive diet is key. A “supportive diet” is one that works with your body to improve energy levels, boost immunity, and aid recovery. It’s not about super strict rules or perfect meals but more about consistently choosing nutrient rich foods that help your body stay strong and resilient. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapies can take a toll on your body, causing a host of issues like fatigue, digestive issues, weakened immunity and more.
A supportive diet focuses on foods that fight inflammation, provide essential vitamins and minerals, and are gentle on your digestive system. By fueling your body with the right nutrients, you can better manage treatment side effects, maintain your strength, and give yourself the best chance for a smooth recovery.
1. Matcha green tea powder
Matcha green tea is a trending health focused drink that, due to its rise in popularity, you can now find at pretty much all coffee shops and cafes and, you can also easily whip up at home. It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants and healing properties. Matcha has high levels of EGCG, a type of catechin, known for its ability to neutralize free radicals that can damage healthy cells.
This makes matcha a valuable ally in reducing oxidative stress, which often increases during cancer treatment. Matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and improves focus, helping to combat the mental and emotional stress that may accompany treatment.
Matcha’s anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce chronic inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can play a big role in disease progression in a multitude of ways. When inflammation occurs, it kicks off a chain reaction in the body. It releases molecules called cytokines and chemokines, which act like distress signals, summoning immune cells to the affected area.
These immune cells then release growth factors that encourage cells to multiply and survive - including cancer cells. Over time, this creates a supportive environment for tumors, even helping them grow new blood vessels through a process called angiogenesis. These blood vessels deliver the nutrients and oxygen tumors need to thrive and expand. Fighting inflammation is such an important part in taking care of yourself while you’re kicking cancer to the curb.
For a yummy, ovarian cancer fighting breakfast, consider swapping out your regular coffee for a warm matcha latte or adding it to a smoothie for a nutrient rich start to your day.
2. Berries
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are nutritional powerhouses that offer a wide range of health benefits.
They are rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins (the reason for their bright colors!) and help protect cells from damage. Like the EGCG in matcha, anthocyanins are particularly effective at combating oxidative stress. Berries are also high in fiber, to support a healthy gut microbiome.
A balanced microbiome can improve digestion and help the body better absorb nutrients, both of which are essential during ovarian cancer treatment. Berries also contain vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and aids in tissue repair.
3. Dark leafy greens
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are nutrient rich foods that pack a big punch when it comes to health benefits and ovarian cancer fighting properties. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which help regulate cell growth, boost immunity, and promote wound healing.
Leafy greens are also high in folate, a B vitamin that plays a critical role in DNA synthesis and repair. During cancer treatment, maintaining healthy cell function is extremely important and folate helps ensure your body has the tools it needs to do so.
The chlorophyll in leafy greens also helps detoxify the body by supporting your liver. Your liver is responsible for breaking down and metabolizing chemotherapy drugs to make them easier for your body to get rid of. During chemotherapy treatments, the liver has an increased workload that can put stress on liver cells.
That stress sometimes leads to inflammation and damage. Supporting your liver cells and reducing inflammation throughout your body with foods like matcha, berries and leafy greens is extremely important when you’re undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.
4. Whole grains
Whole grains like quinoa, oats, and brown rice provide a steady source of energy by way of complex carbohydrates - carbs that are digested more slowly than refined carbs.
This slow release of energy is especially beneficial during cancer treatment, when you’re likely to feel fatigued. Whole grains are also high in dietary fiber that promotes healthy digestion and regularity which are important factors when dealing with treatment related side effects like constipation or diarrhea.
Whole grains also contain essential nutrients like magnesium, selenium, and B vitamins, which support the body’s energy production and immune function. These nutrients work together to keep your body strong and resilient.
5. Fatty fish
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are well known for their anti-inflammatory effects.
Omega-3s help reduce chronic inflammation in the body. They also support heart health, brain function, and immune system performance. Fatty fish is an excellent source of high quality protein that you’ll need for maintaining muscle mass and repairing tissues during and after ovarian cancer treatment.
Fatty fish also contain vitamin D, a nutrient that plays a role in immune system regulation and bone health. Bone health is often affected by chemo and other cancer treatments. Chemotherapy disrupts nutrient absorption (like Vitamin D and Calcium) that our bones need to stay strong. Chemo also interferes with the way our bodies form and break down our bones - favoring the latter. The more you can support your bone health during and after ovarian cancer treatment, the better!
The bottom line
Healthy foods to eat during ovarian cancer treatment don’t have to be complicated. Focus on whole, nutrient rich options like matcha green tea, berries, leafy greens, whole grains, and fatty fish.
These foods provide antioxidants, support digestion, and offer anti-inflammatory benefits, helping your body stay strong. Whether you’re wondering about the role of diet in ovarian cancer or simply looking for easy meal ideas, these five foods can be a great starting point.
Remember, small, thoughtful choices can make a big difference and every meal is an opportunity to take care of yourself.
Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.
Resources:
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Develaraja, S., Reddy, A., Yadav, M., Jain, S., & Yadav, H. (2016). Whole Grains in Amelioration of Metabolic Derangements. Journal of nutritional health & food science, 4(4), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.15226/jnhfs.2016.00173
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