For the cancer patient, it is imperative to maintain adequate nutrition before, during and after treatments. Nutrition can help him to maintain muscle mass, strength and nourishment required to withstand chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries. According to the National Cancer Institute, malnutrition due to diarrhea, vomiting or anorexia can lead to infection, poor healing and lack of energy.
Weight Management
Weight management is an important part of cancer treatment. In order to receive and respond to chemotherapy, for instance, it is imperative to have the stamina and strength to withstand the process. The National Cancer Institute lists anorexia and cachexia, or the wasting of fat, muscles and tissues, as the most likely contributor to malnutrition. A nutritionist typically confers with the cancer care team to decide the best diet and methods appropriate for the type of cancer and possible swallowing obstructions.
Vitamins, Minerals and Trace Elements
Eating a balanced diet with important vitamins, minerals and trace elements helps to prevent malnutrition in cancer patients. Cancer, chemotherapy and surgeries can wreak havoc on the body, leaving it starved for potassium and magnesium, in particular. The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance suggests that increased intake of potassium-rich and magnesium-rich foods can be helpful. The cancer care team will be watching these levels and can add supplements as needed.
Fluid Intake and Electrolyte Balance
Getting adequate fluids and electrolytes can help the individual rebound from bouts of diarrhea and vomiting during treatment. Water, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, phosphate and carbonate keep all of the body's organ systems functioning correctly. The Merck Manual of Health and Aging submits that imbalances in any one of these areas can further compromise the health of the cancer patient. They can even lead to death.
Calories and Protein
Proteins, carbohydrates and fat in the diet are all needed to maintain stamina and strength to withstand cancer treatments. The American Cancer Society offers many suggestions for getting plenty of calories and proteins in meals and snacks. One example is fortifying milk with powdered nonfat milk and adding cottage cheese or breakfast shake mixes to smoothies. It also suggests getting exercise between meals to build up hunger while limiting the drinking of fluids to between meals in order to keep intake up.
Anorexia and Cachexia Risks
Metabolism is greatly impaired by both the cancer growth and spread and the wasting of important muscle mass. "A Cancer Journal for Clinicians' suggests that an overall weight loss of more than 5 percent for an individual with cancer can mean the individual is suffering from complications of anorexia or cachexia. This can lead to numerous complications, including the inability to adequately recover or respond to surgeries and treatments, increased weakness and shortened survival time. At this point, tube feedings may be the only option. During tube feedings, nourishment and nutrition is provided by an alternate route through the stomach or a tube inserted from the nasal passages to the stomach.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance: Nutrition Guidelines for Discharge Home
- Merck Manual of Health and Aging: Problems with Electrolyte Balance
- American Cancer Society: Nutrition for People with Cancer
- "A Cancer Journal for Clinicians"; Cancer Anorexia-Cachexia: Current Issues in Research and Management
