After your chemotherapy treatments are finished, maintaining adequate nutrition, fluid and food intake becomes an integral part of the recovery process. According to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, you should avoid foods that are difficult to chew and swallow, foods that are unpasteurized, hot spices, molds, and any foods made by curing or fermentation processes. Raw vegetables should be washed thoroughly and you should avoid any uncooked or undercooked meats, seafood, eggs or grains that may jeopardize your already compromised immune system. If you have well water, you should resort to purchased bottled water so as to avoid any contaminants that could potentially harm you.
High Calorie-High Protein Meals
After chemotherapy, you should consume a diet rich in fat, calories and proteins to build strength and red blood cell counts. The majority of calories and protein should be taken in the morning meal to provide an energy source for the remainder of the day. Chemo Care.com recommends making fortified milkshakes, casseroles and adding peanut butter to snack foods.
Frequent Meals
Individuals recovering from the effects of chemotherapy should eat several smaller meals a day. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center posits that the protein- and calorie-dense meal is likely more tolerable in the morning, and provides energy for the remaining of the day. Eating smaller meals ensures that your blood sugar levels are stable while nourishment is constant. If you have difficulty swallowing or tolerating food, being creative and spreading meals out over the day can build up to getting a healthy dose of nutrition in more manageable ways.
Avoid Aromatics
Chemotherapy can also increase sensitivity to strong smells, resulting in nausea and vomiting. Cancer Care.com suggests eating foods that are straight from the refrigerator or at near room temperature to keep smells down, as heating foods can emit powerful odors. Many patients find that spicy foods emit the most odor, contributing to reasons to avoid them.
Increase Fluids as Allowable
Chemotherapy can result in dry mouth, swallowing problems and nausea and vomiting. Fluids are essential but may need to be served in softer solid forms or thickened drinks. The Oral Cancer Foundation suggests eating soups, ice cream, ice pops, water, juice, smoothies and gelatins as a means of getting fluids in your body without the addition of nausea. The oncology team will make suggestions for allowable food consumption based on conditions of the mouth post-chemotherapy. Most foods can also be pureed in a blender and fortified with protein and extra liquids.
Nutritional Supplements
If you are not on tube feedings, nutrition may be supplemented between meals for added nourishment and calories. The Oral Cancer Foundation lists liquid nutrition supplements more frequently used for follow up to chemotherapy as: Ensure, Resource, Boost and Instant Breakfast. These are considered excellent sources of essential vitamins and protein and can easily be fortified with added fruits, yogurt, milk, ice cream or juice when mixed in a blender.
