What to drink?

Hello carpfishing

Thanks for getting in touch with us again. I’m Debbie, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists and hope that your chemotherapy and immunotherapy is going well.

Taste changes are common during cancer treatment and you can find general suggestions for coping with taste changes here. Everyone is different and you might need to experiment to find the drinks that suit you best.

Our information about keeping your mouth healthy during cancer treatment recommends:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• If fruit juices sting your mouth, try less acidic juices instead – for example, peach or pear nectar, or blackcurrant or rosehip syrup. You could try freezing them in an ice cube tray as sucking on the ice cubes can soothe your mouth.
• Avoid fizzy drinks because these may sting your mouth.
• Try milk or milk-based drinks, such as malted drinks, milkshakes and hot chocolate. These can be from cow’s milk, goat’s milk or a plant-based alternative such as soya, rice or oat milk.
• Cold drinks may be soothing – try adding crushed ice to drinks.
• Very hot or very cold drinks may irritate a sore mouth. Some people find drinks that are lukewarm or at room temperature more soothing.

The Mayo clinic in the USA recommends drinking diluted fruit juice, milky drinks, buttermilk, lemonade, ginger ale or sports drinks. Some people find that cooled herbal teas are refreshing and can help to quench thirst.

You can flavour water with fruit squashes or cordials (such as lemon barley or blackcurrant squash or elderflower cordial). Some people find that fizzy drinks quench thirst but other people find that they make their mouth feel more sore. It is helpful to try different things and see what suits you.

You can also ask your treatment team at the hospital what they recommend and they can give you specific advice as they are directly involved in your care.

I hope that this is helpful but please feel welcome to contact us again if you have further questions.

With best wishes

Debbie C

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You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.