7 Vitamin-Enriched Juicing Recipes for Cancer Patients
For many people undergoing cancer treatment, maintaining energy and proper nutrition can feel challenging—especially when side effects like fatigue, nausea, or loss of appetite make eating difficult. Juices and smoothies made from fruits, vegetables, and nourishing add-ins can be a gentle, accessible way to support your body and help you meet your nutritional needs.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which play an important role in overall health. Research continues to show that diets rich in plant foods are associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers and can support the body during treatment and recovery. For those who struggle with chewing or appetite changes, drinking nutrients instead of eating them can sometimes feel more manageable.
Juices and smoothies can be made at home, purchased fresh, or ordered from delivery services—whatever best fits your energy level and lifestyle. Juicing extracts liquid and nutrients from produce, while smoothies retain fiber by blending whole ingredients. Both can be helpful depending on your needs. As always, be sure to thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before preparing them.
Juicing extracts nutrients directly from the item and makes it easier to digest. In addition to providing healing nourishment, fresh juices also remove waste and toxins from the body. And last but not least, remember to always clean and wash your fruits and vegetables beforehand!
If you’re looking for nourishing, easy-to-digest options, here are seven vitamin-rich juice and smoothie recipes thoughtfully selected to support common side effects experienced during cancer treatment.
Ginger Cinnamon Carrot Butternut Squash Juice
A warming, nutrient-rich option
Why it's great:
Butternut squash and carrots are rich in beta-carotene and vitamins A and C, which support immune health and overall wellness. Ginger and cinnamon add warmth and flavor and may help with digestion and inflammation.
Recipe:
- 3 medium carrots, scrubbed
- 1 cup raw butternut squash, peeled & cubed
- 1/2 medium cucumber
- 1/2 lemon, peeled
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger root
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of Celtic Sea Salt (optional)
Process all of the ingredients in a juicer and whisk together!
High-Fiber Carrot Juice
For constipation support
Why it's great:
Constipation is a common side effect of chemotherapy, pain medications and reduced activity. Carrots and citrus provide hydration and gentle fiber, which may help support regular digestion.
Recipe:
- 4 medium carrots
- 2 medium oranges, peeled
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional)
Cut and press carrots, peel and press oranges. A squeeze of lemon is always a great touch!
Apple & Ginger Juice
For nausea support
There are two incredible ingredients that can help with nausea: apples and ginger. Pectin (a water-soluble fiber) found in apples both aids digestion and is rich in water while ginger soothes the intestinal tract and has anti-nausea properties.
Why it’s great:
Apples contain pectin, a soluble fiber that supports digestion, while ginger is widely known for its anti-nausea properties. This combination can be soothing for an unsettled stomach.
Recipe:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 medium apple, cored
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, juiced or finely grated
- 1/2-3/4 cup cold water
Blend and enjoy!
Green Machine
An energy-supporting green juice
Why it’s great:
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment. Leafy greens like kale and spinach are rich in chlorophyll, iron, and magnesium, which support oxygen transport and energy metabolism.
Recipe:
- 1/2 medium cucumber
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 cup kale leaves, stems removed
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger
- 1/2 lemon, peeled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Soothing Stomach Juice
For diarrhea and digestive upset
Sometimes when cancer patients start treatment, they can experience digestive upsets or changes, including diarrhea. Help combat this side effect with the Soothing Stomach Juice.
Why it’s great:
Digestive changes, including diarrhea, can occur during treatment. This juice includes gentle, nutrient-dense ingredients that can help replenish fluids and essential vitamins.
Recipe:
- 3 medium carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/2-1 inch fresh ginger root
- 1 small apple, cored
Clean, juice, and drink!
Power Protein Juice
For weight loss or low appetite
Cancer patients may experience weight loss and loss of appetite for a variety of reasons. Loss of appetite is one of the side effects of treatment. In addition, the body produces cytokines which can lead to muscle and weight loss during the fight against cancer. Help combat this by drinking this Power Protein Juice.
Why it’s great:
Weight loss and muscle loss can occur due to treatment side effects or reduced appetite. This smoothie includes healthy fats, protein, and calories to help support nourishment when eating full meals feels difficult.
Recipe:
- 1 cup unsweetened oat milk
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Blend and enjoy!
Tart Green Juice
For dry mouth relief
Saliva glands can be damaged by chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Certain medicines and immunotherapies can also lead to dry mouth, as well.
Why it’s great:
Dry mouth can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or certain medications. Tart flavors can help stimulate saliva production, making this juice both refreshing and functional.
Recipe:
- 1 small banana
- 1 granny smith apple, cored
- 1 Asian pear, cored
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 teaspoons honey (optional)
- 3/4-1 cup water
Remove all the seeds, slice and cut your fruit, then dump all your ingredients into a blender and blend!
Is Juicing Good for Chemo Patients?
Drinking juice is great for chemo patients, however, we would not recommend strict juicing or juicing only. You should speak to a dietician so you know exactly what you should be consuming and putting into your body while you are undergoing chemotherapy.
We recommend Rachel Beller, of Beller Nutrition, Masterclass to eat and power-up for your cancer and post-cancer dietary needs.
Continue to work towards consuming at least five servings of vegetables per week, and remember that juicing only is not a sustainable way to bring nutrients into your body. Be sure to couple these amazing juicing recipes with other healthy foods and meals so that you can receive as many health benefits as possible.
