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Helping to understand dietary advice

User
Posted 08 Feb 2026 at 16:38

Dietary information seems very inconsistent and often misleading. Can anyone recommend the best advice to follow pre and during radiotherapy 

User
Posted 09 Feb 2026 at 23:39

Hugo, I was given a booklet that told me what foods to avoid and foods that were okay. That was many years ago, but it may still be available in your area. 


Thanks Chris 

User
Posted 10 Feb 2026 at 10:40

Hugo, I'm currently on Day 13 of 20 fractions so experiencing what works and what doesn't. I've been advised to stick to a 'normal' diet but to avoid anything green - vegetables, apple skins and the usual - drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine & fizzy drinks. 


All pretty common sense then.  I get regular reviews with the therapists which are helpful as place to talk through any issues.


Good Luck.

User
Posted 10 Feb 2026 at 21:16
Hugo, from previous threads here it seems different hospitals have slightly different recommendations, there isn't a single "best advice". However my hospital was similar to Broomfield's in saying avoid green veg. Basically what you are trying to avoid is wind anywhere near the rectum.

I agree that the therapeutic radiographers (to use their official title) were brilliant with help - and empathy when you got things wrong (you will!)
User
Posted 10 Feb 2026 at 21:51

Hugo, you will need a gas free, empty rectum. The advice given to me was to forget all the good stuff. I. E. Green veg, wholemeal bread, high fibre cereals etc. But some of the other guys I met had just been told to follow a normal diet, but less of it. I guess it may be a choice of arriving in a ready state, or having to evacuate your bowel just prior to treatment. 

User
Posted 11 Feb 2026 at 08:50

Just some more thoughts, Hugo. Most of my appointments , you should be given all 20 when you first attend are around 12.00-12.30. I've had a couple early in the morning and one in the afternoon. The lunchtime ones are much better as, at least for me, it gives my system time to settle down and make sure I go in with empty bowels, gas free and full bladder. It does mean though that the whole;e day just about gets taken up with the visit.


My Trust, South Tees, has a good system. I live a relatively short distance away and I call the machine I'm due to receive treatment on about an hour before my appointment time. They can confirm whether things are running to plan and when I should drink water to fill my bladder. This works really well with much less hanging about.

 
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