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Germany: Local food for patients

During treatment, appetite, taste and digestion can change. German cooking has many soft, simple dishes that may suit this period.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, warm pudding.
Figure 1.Semolina pudding — Germany: Local food for patients

01Short answer

With nausea, mouth sores or poor appetite, many people find simple, warm and soft food easier. The German table offers such dishes: Grießbrei (semolina pudding) or Haferbrei made with pasteurised milk, broth, Zwieback rusks, mashed potato, soft cooked carrots, apple purée (Apfelmus) and pasteurised yoghurt. This is not a personal diet; your dietitian and doctor give the specific eating plan.

02Simple explanation

Soft: for mouth sores.

Simple: for nausea.

Little and often.

03Scientific explanation

Side effects: the NCI notes that eating problems are common during chemotherapy and a dietitian can help.

Safety: the WHO five keys apply to home cooking too.

04What happens in the body?

Warm pudding

Grießbrei is soft; the milk should be pasteurised.

A light choice

Broth and Zwieback are a light choice with nausea.

On a dark navy background, broth and Zwieback.
Figure 2.Broth and rusks — Germany: Local food for patients

A simple lunch

Mashed potato, soft carrots and poached chicken are easy on the stomach.

On a dark navy background, mash and carrots.
Figure 3.A simple lunch — Germany: Local food for patients

05On hard days

Four steps.

Nausea — Simple food.1NauseaSimple food.
Mouth sores — Soft food.2Mouth soresSoft food.
Little and often — Frequent.3Little and oftenFrequent.
Dietitian — A plan.4DietitianA plan.
EnergyEating continues.
ComfortThe stomach is not overloaded.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Warm puddingGrießbrei is soft; the milk should be pasteurised.
A light choiceBroth and Zwieback are a light choice with nausea.
A simple lunchMashed potato, soft carrots and poached chicken are easy on the stomach.

07Key terms

Grießbrei
Semolina pudding.
Zwieback
Rusks.
Apfelmus
Apple purée.
Brühe
Broth.

08Key points

  • Eat little and often.
  • Choose soft food.
  • Pick pasteurised dairy.
  • Talk to a dietitian.
  • Report weight loss.

09Frequently asked questions

Is ready-made pudding allowed?

Usually yes, in a sealed pasteurised pack and within its date.

Has your taste changed?

This is common; a dietitian can suggest ideas.

Nutrition drinks?

Only if a dietitian or doctor recommends them.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is ready-made pudding allowed?

  2. Has your taste changed?

  3. Nutrition drinks?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Five keys to safer food
  2. FoodSafety.gov (U.S.). Food Safety for People with Cancer
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  5. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE). Official website (in German)
  6. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Bone marrow aspiration
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Diagnosis
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  9. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Blood Transfusion and Donation
  10. World Health Organization (WHO). Hand hygiene
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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