Surgeries, treatments and tumor growth can all be associated with appetite in cancer patients. These become complicating factors as well as weight management, changes in taste or sense of smell, nausea and vomiting and the inability to swallow chunky foods. The Oral Cancer Foundation suggests beginning with a clean mouth and using the imagination to add flavor, variety and interest in getting the necessary nutrients. Adequate daily food intake to avoid malnutrition is key as nourishment in the case of cancer can quickly become a matter of life or death.
Comfort Foods
Comfort foods can be converted into easy-to-prepare-and-freeze casseroles, soups or slow cooker meals. The Oral Cancer Foundation adds that creams, gravies, oils or butter can be used to make food moist and soft while imparting flavor, necessary fats and protein. Some individuals may also benefit from enlisting the help of others who can prepare the foods elsewhere if smells become overwhelming or contribute to loss of appetite. The importance of finding foods that taste good without an offensive odor is a priority. If aromas or sensitivity impair the ability to eat, foods can become less appetizing.
Variety is the Spice of Life
Offering a variety of foods and several smaller meals throughout the day can increase interest in maintaining appetite and getting plenty of snacks and nourishment. When appetite is low, the Endobiogenic Integrative Medical Center suggests using Thai curry spice, coconut milk, dried berries and agave nectar to bland food while keeping a variety of cut-up clean raw vegetables and fruit on hand with dips for snacking. In most cases, the oncology team will allow the patient to eat as desired and whatever calorie-dense foods he can eat. However, some cancers and patients will have restrictions.
Liquid Diet Options
For some individuals, surgery, treatments or tumor growth may affect how an individual is able to swallow foods. Shakes, smoothies, puddings and nutritional supplements can be enhanced with the addition of fresh, frozen or canned fruits, sherbet, yogurt, apple sauce, pie, instant breakfast, ice cream, custard, cheesecake or caramel apple dip for a spunky, protein and calorie dense treat. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center suggests that depending on whether or not weight loss and nutritional needs are a factor, there are numerous options for creativity even in the liquid and softer food diets. As always, it is imperative to discuss nutritional needs with the oncology team before attempting to add something new to the diet as some cancers may not tolerate sugars or fats.
