What to drink

Hello Sussex

Thank you for contacting Macmillan. My name is Helen, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Welcome to the online community. I see that you have joined the Breast Cancer Forum and hope you find it a warm and welcoming community.

You have asked if it is safe to drink Actimel while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Actimel is known as a probiotic. Probiotics contains live bacteria and yeasts which are promoted as having various health benefits. They are often said to contain ‘good bacteria’. Live yogurt are also called probiotics.

Some research suggests that certain probiotics are useful in treating side effects caused by some cancer treatments.

However, there is a small risk that probiotics could cause an infection from the yeast or bacteria in the product. This is because some cancer treatments can lower the number of white blood cells in the body, which fight infection.

It is likely that you will be absolutely fine having drunk an Actimel yesterday, please try not to worry – but because of the small risk, it is important to talk to your chemotherapy nurses before taking any further probiotics or live yogurt.

Ginger tea is a refreshing and healthy drink, with the added benefit that ginger has an anti-nausea effect. You can use ginger tea bags or make your own ginger drink by soaking in boiling water peeled pieces of root ginger. Perfect while you are on chemotherapy.

You might like to know about the nutrition café run by the charity Penny Brohn. It's an online meeting with a nutritionist to chat through all things food and drink when undergoing treatment. The next meeting is on the 4^th March.

I do hope that’s is all helpful and wishing you all the best for your treatment.

Helen

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

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

Ref:  HM/AC