13 of the Best Foods for Chronic GVHD

Easy to digest and packed with nutrients to aid recovery and manage symptoms, these 13 foods are some of the best for managing GVHD.

When chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) causes inflammation in your digestive system, symptoms like mouth sores, stomach pain, diarrhea, and food sensitivity can make it difficult to eat.

These symptoms of GVHD can also interfere with your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and maintain a healthy weight.

While nutrition won’t cure GVHD, certain food choices can help support your recovery alongside the treatments prescribed by your healthcare team.

Eating certain foods can reduce inflammation, protect the gut, and support the immune system, says Alison Tierney, MS, RD, a board-certified oncology dietitian at Wholesome and a cancer thriver. Proper nutrition can also help prevent muscle loss and malnutrition (not getting enough nutrients to stay healthy), she says.

Though everyone’s needs vary, it’s helpful to focus on easy-to-digest and nutrient-rich foods when managing chronic GVHD.

Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help you get the necessary nutrients without overwhelming your digestive system. As your symptoms improve, you can gradually add more variety and fiber, says Tierney. Since your immune system may be weakened, safe food handling practices, like avoiding raw or undercooked foods, are also important, she says. It’s always best to talk to your healthcare team before making changes to your diet.

Consider these foods to help you manage GVHD.

Ripe Bananas

One reason to include bananas in your diet: They are gentle on the stomach and easy to eat even when your appetite is low, says Taylor Janulewicz, RDN, founder and dietitian at My Cancer Dietitian.

Plus, bananas are nutrient-dense and provide potassium, which your body may lose if you have diarrhea.

Bananas also provide soluble fiber, vitamin B6, and vitamin C to support immune function and healing, says Tierney.

Aim for one small to medium banana per serving. Choose fully ripe bananas that are yellow with brown spots, as these are easier to digest than firmer fruit, says Tierney.

You can mash the banana if needed for oral comfort. Avoid green or unripe bananas, which can lead to constipation or irritate sensitive digestive systems.

Smooth Nut Butters

A creamy, nutrient-rich spread can be an easy way to add healthy fats and plant-based protein to your diet, says Tierney.

Smooth nut butters, like almond or cashew, provide vitamin E and magnesium.

The healthy fats in these nut butters are helpful for skin healing, which is important during GVHD recovery, she says.

Opt for smooth textures, as they’re gentler on sore mouths and easier to swallow. For the best nutritional benefits, choose brands without added sugars, and avoid those containing added ingredients such as palm oil.

Cooked Squash or Carrots

Orange vegetables like carrots and squash are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, says Tierney.

This nutrient is helpful for people with GVHD because it can help with gut healing, keep the skin healthy, and strengthen the immune system, she says.

Low vitamin A levels have been linked to more severe GVHD symptoms, including eye issues, so getting enough through a balanced diet may be helpful.

Plus, carrots provide potassium and fiber, which can help with digestion.

Steam or roast squash or carrots until they’re soft and aim for about 1/2 cup per serving, says Tierney. If chewing is difficult due to mouth sores or discomfort, you can puree them for easier consumption. Avoid raw or undercooked vegetables, as these can pose food safety risks.

Unsweetened Yogurt

Yogurt can be a helpful addition to your diet when managing GVHD, especially varieties that contain live probiotics, says Tierney. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeasts that can help keep your gut healthy, which is important since people with GVHD often have fewer beneficial gut bacteria.

But get approval from your healthcare team before introducing probiotics into your diet, she says.

If you have a sensitive stomach, plant-based yogurt options can be a gentler choice since they don’t contain lactose.

But if you can tolerate dairy, Greek yogurt offers protein in addition to live probiotics that can support gut recovery, says Janulewicz.

Aim for about 4 ounces (oz) per serving and choose brands with live cultures and no added sugar, such as Forager Project Unsweetened Plain Cashewmilk Yogurt or Nancy’s Oatmilk Yogurt, suggests Tierney. It’s best to avoid dairy-based yogurt if you’re experiencing active digestive symptoms or are lactose-intolerant.

Cooked Oats

As you manage chronic GVHD and start adding fiber to your diet, oats can be an easy-to-make option. They’re a good source of soluble fiber, says Janulewicz. Soluble fiber helps absorb excess water in the gut, which is helpful if you’re experiencing diarrhea.

Oats also provide nutrients like beta-glucan, magnesium, and B vitamins, says Tierney. Beta-glucan can help support gut health and boost the immune system.

Aim for 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked oats per serving, and choose plain oats (rolled or quick) with no added sugar, preservatives, or flavors, says Tierney. It’s best to avoid granola or raw oats if you’re experiencing digestive issues, as they can trigger gut discomfort.

Bone Broth

“Bone broth is a soothing, hydrating option that delivers easily digestible protein and key amino acids, like glutamine,” says Janulewicz. Glutamine can be helpful when other protein sources, like lean meat, feel too heavy or unappealing during symptom flares, she says.

The collagen and gelatin in bone broth can help support the gut’s protective lining, says Jeanna Rich, RDN, a certified specialist in oncology nutrition at OSF Cancer Services. Bone broth is also packed with anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing essential amino acids, she says, all of which are helpful for recovery.

Beyond nutrition, bone broth can provide hydration and electrolytes in a convenient and easy-to-sip format.

Choose high-quality broth from reputable brands like Kettle & Fire, Bonafide Provisions, Bare Bones, and Epic Bone Broth, says Rich. These brands typically use grass-fed bones with no additives and offer convenient shelf-stable options, she says. If you’re making bone broth at home, make sure it’s well-cooked to reduce any safety risks.

Lean Meats Like Chicken

People living with GVHD require high protein intake to support healing. This can be challenging to achieve when eating feels difficult, says Rich. Soft, tender meats are a great source of high-quality protein that can support healing and help maintain muscle mass.

Poultry, such as skinless chicken or turkey, can provide lean, high-quality protein without excess fat.

Opt for boiling or baking rather than frying, says Hoda Pourhassan, MD, a hematologist-oncologist at City of Hope in Newport Beach, California. Canned tuna in water is a convenient option that provides protein and omega-3 fatty acids if you’re not up to preparing meals, she adds. Different types of tuna have different mercury levels. Canned light tuna is the best choice. Albacore or yellowfin tuna is best limited to 2 servings per week, and bigeye tuna should be avoided because of its high mercury content.

Peeled Potatoes

Peeled, soft-cooked potatoes are easy to digest and rich in potassium and carbohydrates, which are important for energy and electrolyte balance, says Pourhassan.

These bland but comforting foods contain soluble fiber and resistant starch, making them ideal for managing diarrhea and giving your digestive system a rest, says Tierney.

Potatoes also provide vitamins C and B6, which help support immune function and healing.

A 1/2 to 1 cup serving of mashed or soft-cooked potatoes is ideal. Tierney advises avoiding potato skins and deep-fried preparations, as they can be tougher on your digestive system.

Protein Drinks

Getting enough protein can be challenging when GVHD affects your appetite or digestion, but protein drinks offer a convenient solution, says Rich. “Look for products with 20 grams (g) or more [of protein] per shake,” she says.

As GVHD can cause issues with lactose digestion, consider lactose-free protein drink versions to avoid additional digestive discomfort.

Fairlife’s Core Power is one such lactose-free option that’s high in protein, Rich says. It’s available in most stores and online.

If you prefer smaller servings, Vidafuel Wellness Protein Drink offers a compact two-ounce serving that contains 16 g of complete protein, says Rich. It’s made with whey and collagen, contains no artificial sweeteners, and is kidney and diabetes-friendly. One to two servings per day can help support healing, maintain muscle health, and promote good nutrition, especially when eating feels difficult, she says.

The Takeaway

Easy-to-digest and gentle foods, like ripe bananas and cooked oats, can be helpful when graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) symptoms are active. Gradually add more variety and fiber as your digestive system improves.
Including nutrient-rich foods like bone broth, lean meats, and protein drinks can help meet your protein and calorie needs.
Safe food handling is important when your immune system is compromised, so avoid raw or undercooked foods.
Always get your healthcare team’s approval before making dietary changes. While these foods can help manage symptoms and support recovery, they’re not a replacement for medical treatment.

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

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Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

Medical Reviewer

Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. She completed requirements to become a registered dietitian at Valparaiso University in 1987 and completed a dietetic internship at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois, in 1988.

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