Nutrition plays a major role in the lives of people with stomach (gastric) cancer. They need an adequate amount of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals to heal and reduce the risk of developing other chronic diseases. However, they may find it difficult to eat. They may be tired and nauseated or suffer vomiting, constipation or diarrhea from cancer treatment or pain medicine, according to the National Cancer Institute. Nutrition plans are typically individualized to a person's dietary needs and tolerance.
Small, frequent meals
Before having stomach cancer surgery (gastrectomy), a person's appetite may be dependent on the size of her tumor. If the tumor is large enough, it can decrease the ability of the stomach to stretch, which makes a person feel full and unable to eat a normal sized meal. After a partial gastrectomy, the size of the stomach is significantly reduced, which makes it difficult for a person to tolerate meals. Patients who have had a total gastrectomy are unable to absorb proper nutrients and can lose a lot of weight. The American Cancer Society recommends that to maintain a healthy weight and diet, before and after undergoing a gastrectomy, people should eat small meals every two to three hours until they feel better and can go back to a normal schedule
Fruits and vegetables
Foods rich in vitamins and minerals are recommended for people who had stomach cancer surgery. These nutrients are normally absorbed in the stomach, but if part or all of the stomach was removed during the surgery, the patient is unable to do so. Nutrient-rich foods include brightly colored fruits, unsweetened canned fruits and unsweetened fruit juice, according to the American Dietetic Association. They also include vibrantly colored vegetables and vegetable juice. Dark green, leafy vegetables also contain folic acid, which is a vitamin needed to keep your red blood cells healthy.
Dairy
People undergoing cancer surgery may be at risk of developing osteoporosis because of poor calcium absorption, which occurs after the procedure, according to the ClevelandClinic.org. Milk and dairy products may at first be difficult for stomach cancer patients to tolerate but are a good source of vitamin D and calcium. These should be introduced into the diet gradually. Buttermilk; low-fat, skim, whole or soy milk; creamed soups; low-calorie pudding; plain or low-calorie, artificially sweetened yogurt; and cheese are vitamin D- and calcium-rich foods that a patient may eat.
High-protein food
People with stomach cancer need a high-calorie, high-protein diet to prevent weight loss and muscle wasting, respectively, according to the ClevelandClinic.org. Foods that stomach cancer patients can eat that are high in both include meat, peanut butter, whole milk and cheese. Alternative, lower-fat foods include low-fat shakes, yogurt, cottage cheese and lean meats.
Desserts and snacks
Food with a lot of sugar such as cookies, candy, pie and cake should be avoided. They may increase dumping syndrome, a condition specific to people who have undergone gastric surgery. According to the MayoClinic.com, because of the condition, food moves rapidly in the small intestine, causing a surge of insulin, which can result in cramps, nausea, bloating, diarrhea and dizziness. Instead of eating sugary foods, which can aggravate the condition, eat desserts and snacks made with artificial sweeteners, or eat sweets with a meal to limit the symptoms.
