Radiation is a cancer treatment that kills cancer cells and prevents them from spreading. Cancer and radiation can cause malnutrition. Dietary interventions during radiation aim to provide an adequate amount of calories and protein and minimize side effects that might compromise nutritional status. A healthful diet is essential during cancer to increase strength, speed recovery and prevent infections.
Side Effects
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), side effects of radiation and cancer that can affect nutrition include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores, difficulty swallowing, pain, depression, anxiety and changes in taste and smell.
Consequences of side effects that affect diet include malnutrition, weight loss, nutrient deficiencies and serious medical conditions such as anorexia and cachexia. Anorexia is the loss of appetite or desire to eat, and cachexia is a wasting syndrome characterized by severe weakness and loss of weight, fat and muscle.
Calories and Protien
Calorie and protein needs increase with cancer. The NCI says calories and protein support healing and weight maintenance, prevent infections and provide energy. Cancer patients undergoing radiation can increase their caloric intake by adding high-calorie foods to their diet such as butter, olive oil, whole milk, liquid nutrition supplements, cream sauces, gravy, cheese, granola, sour cream, honey, jam or margarine. The ACS recommends eating five to six small meals throughout the day instead of two or three large meals, eating with friends and family and trying new foods and recipes to keep the diet interesting. Good sources of protein include eggs, milk and dairy products, beans, legumes, nuts, soy products, ice cream, peanut butter, meat, poultry and seafood.
Intestinal Discomfort
Cancer patients who are nauseous during radiation might benefit from a bland diet that limits spicy or greasy foods. Eating dry foods such as crackers and toast and sipping fluids throughout the day also might reduce nausea.
Individuals with diarrhea need plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Avoiding dairy products, fibrous foods and gas-producing foods such as peas, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and soda might reduce diarrhea.
Adding fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains to the diet might alleviate constipation. The NCI also encourages cancer patients with constipation to drink eight to 10 cups of fluid a day and to exercise regularly.
Taste Changes
Taste changes during radiation can reduce appetite and cause a sudden dislike for certain foods. The NCI recommends rinsing your mouth before eating, opting for fish or poultry instead of red meat, adding spices to foods and trying new foods. If food tastes metallic, the NCI suggests using plastic utensils and sucking on lemon drops, gum or mints.
Mouth Sores
Individuals suffering from mouth sores should eat soft foods such as canned fruits, mashed potatoes, custards, milkshakes and scrambled eggs and avoid dry foods and foods that are spicy, salty or acidic. Cutting foods into small pieces, eating room-temperature foods and adding broth, gravy or sauce to dishes also might make chewing and swallowing easier.
Supplements
Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, herbs, amino acids, plant extracts, hormones and homeopathic products. The Stanford Medicine Cancer Center says cancer patients can meet their nutritional needs by eating a healthy, balanced diet. Certain supplements can reduce the effectiveness of radiation treatments, and they might have negative side effects and interact with prescription medications. Cancer patients should consult a physician before taking supplements or making dietary changes.
