Foods for Pancreatic Cancer That People Can Actually Tolerate (and Which Ones to Avoid)

Your pancreas plays an important role in digestion by making enzymes that help break down food. If you have pancreatic cancer, the organ may make fewer of these enzymes, which means your body can’t absorb nutrients as well as it should. Treatment can add to the challenge, often causing lower appetite, nausea, and other digestive symptoms. But certain foods may help you feel better and support your body during this time. 

Protein helps your body repair damaged cells and supports your immune system. During cancer treatment, you need more protein to help maintain muscle, which can help with unwanted weight loss. Try to choose lean proteins, like white meat, fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy, since they’re easiest to digest.

Processed meats — the ones that are breaded, smoked, cured, salted, or contain chemical preservatives — are often high in saturated fat and salt, offering very little nutritional value. They can also be harder on your stomach, which can lead to cramps and make eating more uncomfortable. 

Vegetables are packed with nutrients, including insoluble fiber, which helps keep your bowel movements regular but is harder for your body to digest. Cooking vegetables helps break down some of that fiber, making them less likely to cause cramps or pain. At the same time, cooking veggies can lower certain vitamins, like vitamin C and B, but many of the other nutrients aren’t affected. In fact, cooked carrots even have higher levels of antioxidants than raw ones. 

While unhealthy (saturated) fats can cause digestive problems, healthy fats — like those found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds — have the opposite effect. They provide a good source of energy, support cell growth, and help protect your organs. Because they’re also higher in calories, they can also be an easy way to boost your intake and help maintain your weight. 

It’s best to avoid alcohol during cancer treatment, since it can make treatment side effects like nausea, mouth sores, and dehydration worse. Alcohol can also interact with some cancer drugs, which may affect how well they work. Regular drinking may also increase the chances of your cancer coming back after treatment. 

One side effect of cancer treatment is that food may not taste as good or may be harder to digest. On days when eating feels like a struggle, soft foods and liquids can be easier to tolerate. Try to choose options that are higher in calories and rich in nutrients, like protein shakes, Greek yogurt, smoothies, eggs, pudding, or applesauce. Applesauce — especially when it includes the skin — is high in fiber, which can also help if you have diarrhea. 

About 8 in 10 people with pancreatic cancer have trouble processing sugar, and about half get diabetes. The pancreas makes insulin, the hormone that helps control the amount of sugar in your blood. When cancer affects the pancreas, it may also change how insulin is made or used. If your blood sugar is high, it’s best to limit foods like sweets, cakes, soda, and other desserts since they can cause spikes. Sugar can also be harder to digest and doesn’t offer much nutritional value. If you’re craving something sweet, try fruit instead. 

Staying hydrated is especially important during cancer treatment. Getting enough fluids and electrolytes helps your body function properly, including supporting circulation and removing waste. The Nation Academy of Medicine (NAM) recommends intake of about 15 cups of fluid per day for men and about 11 cups each day for women. This can include water, vegetable juice, or nutrient-rich broths and soups, which can also double as a light meal. Coffee and tea are OK, but try to have them in moderation.   

A common side effect of cancer treatment is reflux. This happens when stomach contents flow back into your esophagus, causing an uncomfortable burning feeling in your chest or throat. Onions, garlic, and spicy food can make that sensation worse. Raw onions can also be especially hard to digest because they contain fructans. These aren’t absorbed well in the small intestine, so they ferment instead, which can lead to gas and bloating. 

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) can help your body break down fat, protein, and carbohydrates if your pancreas isn’t making enough digestive enzymes on its own. It’s best to take this medication with meals or snacks. You may need a larger dose if you’re eating a larger or high-fat meal. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, you can open them and mix the granules into applesauce or mashed banana. Just make sure to drink water afterward since granules that stay in your mouth can cause irritation.

If you’re dealing with side effects like nausea or loss of appetite during treatment, then smaller, more frequent meals may feel easier to stomach than larger ones. Try setting reminders on your phone to help you remember to eat throughout the day. A good goal is to have five or six small meals or snacks every three to four hours. Try to include protein, fiber, and fat with each meal to avoid blood sugar spikes and give your body more nutrients. This might mean eating an apple with peanut butter or a few slices of cheese.

Your poop can tell you a lot about how well your body is absorbing nutrients from food. If your stools are loose, pale, orange, yellow, or oily, or if they float, it may be a sign that you need to adjust what you eat or take more pancreatic enzymes. Always talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your bowel habits.