Some people with cancer may have a sore mouth, mouth sores, or a sore throat. These problems are usually caused by certain chemo drugs and radiation to the head and neck area.
If you have these problems, eating soft, bland foods and lukewarm or cool foods can be soothing. On the other hand, foods that are coarse, dry, or scratchy may make you feel worse. You may also find that tart, salty, or acidic fruits and juices; alcohol; and spicy foods are irritating.
Rinse your mouth regularly with a salt and baking soda solution (1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt mixed in 1 quart water). This helps prevent infections and helps your sore mouth feel better. Gargle with the mixture to relieve a sore throat.
What to do for a sore throat
What to eat or not eat when your throat is sore*
Eat |
Foods that may cause problems | |
High protein |
Soft, bland meats and casseroles like chicken and rice, macaroni and cheese, and tuna noodle casserole Ground meats Creamed soups Eggnog, milk, milk shakes |
Spicy foods like spaghetti, tacos, chili Whole meats if not well tolerated |
Breads, cereals, rice, and pasta |
Bread, if tolerated Cooked cereals, cold cereals with milk |
Crackers, hard-crust breads, salted rolls |
Fruits and vegetables |
Soft, non-acidic fruit and vegetables, if tolerated |
Citrus fruit and raw vegetables |
Drinks, desserts, and other foods |
Non-acidic juices like apple juice and pear nectar Decaffeinated coffee, tea, and soft drinks Non-chocolate pudding, cake, cookies (as tolerated), pie Gelatin Ice cream, sherbet |
Citrus juices (grapefruit, orange, lemon, and lime), tomato juice Caffeinated beverages, alcohol Chocolate desserts Pickles, vinegar, spices Potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, snack chips |
*Adapted from Eldridge B, and Hamilton KK, Editors, Management of Nutrition Impact Symptoms in Cancer and Educational Handouts. Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association; 2004.
What to do for mouth sores
What to eat or not eat when you have mouth sores*
Eat |
Foods that may cause problems | |
High protein |
Ground, chopped, or blenderized meats, poultry, or fish Casseroles Egg, cheese, and bean dishes Milk shakes, yogurt, and commercial liquid nutritional supplements |
Whole meats, poultry, fish, dry meats |
Breads, cereals, rice, and pasta |
Moistened breads Cooked cereals, cold cereal soaked in milk Pasta and rice in sauce |
Dry toast, hard rolls, dry crackers, English muffins, bagels |
Fruits and vegetables |
Cooked or blenderized fruits; fruits and vegetables |
Fresh fruits and vegetables (unless very ripe, soft, and juicy, like applesauce, bananas, and watermelon); citrus fruit, pineapple, and other acidic fruits Pickled fruit; raw and pickled vegetables Tomatoes |
Drinks, desserts, and other foods |
Fruit nectars Flavored gelatin Ice cream, sherbet, pudding Butter, margarine, and vegetable oils |
Carbonated drinks Cookies and cakes unless soaked in milk Crunchy snacks like pretzels and chips Vinegar Condiments like pepper, pepper sauces, chili powder, cloves, nutmeg, salsa |
*Adapted from Eldridge B, and Hamilton KK, Editors, Management of Nutrition Impact Symptoms in Cancer and Educational Handouts. Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association; 2004.
Feedback
