Good nutrition is important to everyone, but especially so in those individuals living with cancer, both during and after treatment. Nutrition helps the body heal and become strong, but disease and cancer treatment can interfere with the ability to tolerate previous dietary staples and can lead to inadequate nutrition, which weakens the body and immune system at a time when just the opposite is needed.
Getting Enough Calories and Nutrients
An individual living with cancer may not be getting needed calories and nutrition to help fight off infection and keep the body functioning optimally. This may be caused by treatment side effects like mouth sores or nausea, fatigue, or changes in how foods and drinks taste, says MD Anderson Cancer Center. The American Cancer Society lists several ways this can be avoided, including: eating small and frequent meals; eat favorite foods at any time of the day; high-calorie, high-protein shakes and nutritional supplement drinks can be used; and drinking fluids between meals, rather than with meals, when they tend to make an individual feel full. MD Anderson Cancer Center also recommends asking the health care team for appetite stimulants, if loss of appetite is interfering with nutrition.
Food Contamination
Eating fruits and vegetables seems like a healthy idea for people living with cancer, but with these foods and many others, precautions need to be taken in order to avoid infection. Individuals who are undergoing chemotherapy or have recently finished chemotherapy have weakened immune systems from the drugs and are more susceptible to getting infections from minor contamination. Washing hands with warm and soapy water for 20 seconds prior to and after preparing food and again before eating; rinsing leaves of leafy vegetables one at a time under running water; washing fresh fruits and vegetables very well; and not buying fruits or vegetables from the supermarket that have been precut are all ways to safeguard against contamination, according to the American Cancer Society.
Foods for Gastrointestinal Problems
Constipation, diarrhea and other intestinal problems can all be side effects of cancer or cancer treatment and may limit an individual's diet and negatively impact nutrition. For constipation, the American Cancer Society suggests drinking eight to 10 glasses of liquid is ideal; limiting foods that cause gas; consuming a high-fiber breakfast with a warm drink; and increase physical activity with a doctor's permission. If diarrhea is a problem, consuming broths, sports drinks, bananas and canned fruits help replace lost salts; avoiding greasy or high-fiber foods; limiting dairy products and staying hydrated can alleviate symptoms, according to the National Cancer Institute.
After Treatment Ends
Once active treatment ends, good nutrition is still important and can improve and maintain health. Limiting alcohol consumption, regular exercise and eating high-fiber, low-fat foods can all lead to better nutrition. An individual may need to consult the health care team to inquire about any food or exercise restrictions prior to starting a new nutrition and exercise program.
References
- American Cancer Society: Nutrition for the person with cancer during treatment: tips to increase calories and protein
- American Cancer Society: Food handling tips
- MD Anderson Cancer Center: Dealing with cancer treatment: Nutrition
- American Cancer Society: Constipation
- National Cancer Institute: Nutrition in Cancer Care
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