Enhance Your Quality of Life During Treatment — Start with Smart Hydration
Author: Arlene-Frances Wu (Senior Nutritionist)
During treatment, the body is under greater stress, and proper hydration becomes essential for maintaining health.
Treatment side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation can increase the risk of dehydration.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also affect electrolyte balance. Inadequate hydration may cause muscle cramps, dizziness, or even irregular heartbeat.
Therefore, in addition to drinking enough water, choosing the right types of beverages and hydration methods is especially important for patients undergoing treatment.
Expert Picks for Smarter Hydration and Nutrition
Recommended by Nutrition Experts ｜ Four Nourishing Hydration Options
Nutritional Drink 1— Clear Soup: Nourishing and Hydrating
Clear soups are an excellent source of hydration, especially for those with reduced appetite or taste changes.
Options such as chicken broth, fish broth, or vegetable soup not only replenish fluids but also provide nutrients.
For added nutrition, include legumes such as red beans, mung beans, or soybeans to replace part of the meat — they are lower in fat and rich in plant protein and fiber.
Nutritional Drink 2 — Herbal Tea: Caffeine-Free Relaxation
Herbal teas such as calendula, lavender, or mint are refreshing choices that can help relax the body and ease dry mouth.
Avoid strong or caffeinated teas, as they may interfere with sleep or increase body stress.
Nutritional Drink 3 — Vegetable & Fruit Juice: Hydration with Added Nutrition
Fresh vegetable and fruit juices are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — an excellent choice for hydration.
For a more balanced blend, include these ingredients:
🔹Beetroot – Rich in antioxidants and vitamins; improves circulation and supports energy.
🔹Cucumber – High in water content; helps replenish fluids and electrolytes.
🔹Spinach – Contains iron, magnesium, and vitamin K; strengthens immunity and endurance.
Juice Combination Ideas:
🔹Beetroot + Spinach + Orange + Apple
🔹Cucumber + Spinach + Kiwi + Lemon
Nutritional Drink 4 — Coconut Water: Natural Electrolyte Drink
Coconut water is naturally rich in potassium, sodium, and magnesium — ideal for times of sweating, fatigue, or weakness.
Its mild sweetness makes hydration easier and more enjoyable, especially in warm weather or after physical strain.
Tips for Enriching Soup Nutrition & Beverage Choices
🔹Replace meat with legumes: Red beans, mung beans, soybeans, or black beans provide plant-based protein and fiber, helping to stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol.
🔹Add vegetables and herbs: Carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms enhance flavor and add essential vitamins and minerals.
🔹Avoid high-sugar or caffeinated drinks: Too much sugar can affect blood glucose levels, and caffeine may interfere with sleep.
🔹Choose natural, low-additive beverages: Homemade fruit or vegetable drinks without added sugar are best.
🔹Mind the temperature: Extremely hot or cold drinks can irritate the throat or stomach; room temperature or warm beverages are preferable
💧 Good Hydration Habits Make Treatment Easier
Recommended Nourishing Drinks
During treatment, hydration isn’t just about drinking more water — it’s about drinking smarter. Through a variety of nourishing soups, natural beverages, and coconut water, you can effectively prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, helping your body better cope with treatment challenges.
Since each person’s condition is unique, it’s best to discuss your optimal hydration strategy with
🍎 Apple & Snow Pear Water
Ingredients:
1 apple, 1 snow pear, 1–2 teaspoons apricot kernels, rock sugar to taste, 6 bowls of water
Method:
Peel and core the apple and pear, then rinse well. Bring the water to a boil, add all ingredients, simmer for 30 minutes,
cover and steep for another 15 minutes, then add rock sugar to taste.
🌰 Chestnut and Snow Fungus Soup
Ingredients:
8 dried shiitake mushrooms, 1 carrot, 2 corn cobs, 10 chestnuts, 2 snow fungus, 10 cashew nuts, 10 bowls of water
Method:
Bring all ingredients to a boil, then simmer on low to medium heat for 2 hours.
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