Chemotherapy is a chemical treatment used to target cancer cells. There are several different methods through which chemotherapy can be delivered. Oral medications, injections, intravenous delivery, topical treatments and implantable medications are all forms of chemo delivery. Although chemotherapy treatments can be effective, they often have unpleasant side effects. The mouth and digestive system are often affected by treatments.
Nutrition During Chemotherapy
According to Chemo Care, the main nutritional goal for patients during chemotherapy treatments, regardless of delivery method, is to maintain adequate amounts of calories and protein. You need calories for weight maintenance. Protein is necessary to help strengthen and optimize the immune system, keep up strength and help tolerate treatments well. A well-balanced diet can help maintain nutrition before, during and after chemotherapy treatment. A multi-vitamin may also be beneficial to help avoid specific nutrient deficiencies; however, you should discuss taking a vitamin with a doctor or dietitian beforehand.
Symptom Management
Diet for chemotherapy patients is based largely on symptom management. Chemo produces a variety of unpleasant side effects that can affect both appetite and nutritional status. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores, changes in taste and dry mouth are a few examples of such side effects. Everyone can exhibit various symptoms at any time and the diet should be adjusted accordingly. Individuals should avoid foods that aggravate the symptoms they may have.
Increasing Calories
Calories are important to help maintain weight during chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can decrease appetite, which can lead to weight loss. Weight maintenance is important to help keep up strength and tolerance to treatments. When the appetite is decreased it is important to maximize calorie intake at each meal. Patients may not feel like eating large meals or eating as often; therefore, choosing foods that can add extra calories without additional volume is helpful. Sour cream, whipped cream, cream cheese, butter and margarine are all simple additions that can add both calories and flavor. You can easily incorporate granola into cookies, muffins, yogurt and puddings. Cooking methods are another simple way to increase calorie intake. Frying, sauteing and breading meats and vegetables can all add calories. Sauces and gravies can also be added. These may not only increase calories but can make eating easier when individuals have mouth sores and other oral issues.
Increasing Protein
Protein is important for maintaining muscle tone and strength. Protein also helps speed the healing process, which is especially important for chemotherapy patients who have a lowered immune system. Dairy products are an easy way to increase protein. Ice cream, yogurt and frozen yogurt are excellent snack options that are easy to eat and can add additional protein. Include milk and cheese in a variety of foods during preparation to add protein and calories. Eggs are an excellent source of protein. Egg whites will increase protein content when used in casseroles and baked goods, or eaten alone. Nuts and beans are also excellent sources of protein. Protein powders, powdered milk and egg white powder are beneficial products that you can add to any type of food without altering the texture or taste of the item. There are also several high protein oral supplements available that are often well tolerated by patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Vitamins
Vitamins are an important component of any healthy diet. Vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that are found in plant-based food items are especially important for chemotherapy patients. Although multi-vitamins may be beneficial in some cases, it is best to obtain needed vitamins from natural food sources. When considering using vitamins and herbal supplements, it is important to discuss these with your doctor. Some supplements may interfere with chemotherapy treatments and could have potential side effects of their own.
