Chemotherapy is a treatment used to destroy cancer cells. Unfortunately, chemotherapy treatments also harm healthy cells, leading to side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. Though chemotherapy treatments can literally save a cancer patient's life, it is important to manage your nutritional status while undergoing chemotherapy. Maintaining good nutrition will help speed healing and promote better energy levels.
Step 1
Pay attention to your body's symptoms and side effects first when choosing foods for meals and snacks. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center states that people undergoing chemotherapy may have trouble eating due to taste changes, mouth sores, nausea and loss of appetite. Don't force yourself to eat a food that you are experiencing an aversion to; instead, find alternatives. Avoid foods that are too hot, too cold or very spicy, as these may all worsen your symptoms. Choose soft and bland foods like mashed potatoes, soups and casseroles. Eat the foods that your body can tolerate and don't feel bad for avoiding foods that make you queasy.
Step 2
Eat small meals more frequently than you're used to. Eating a small snack or meal every one to two hours may increase your energy levels and help you to maintain your weight, as suggested by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. An apple with peanut butter or a bagel with cream cheese and honey are enough to supply nutrients and keep you going throughout the day. If you're leaving the house don't forget to pack a protein bar or some nuts for a snack. Even if you don't feel like eating, it's important to do so every few hours as proper nutrition makes managing chemotherapy symptoms easier.
Step 3
Wash all your fruits and vegetables and avoid raw meats and dairy products, so that you don't get a foodborne illness. Healthy individuals can fight off a foodborne illness in a matter of days. Those undergoing chemotherapy treatments, however, have a weakened immune system and could become very sick if food safety methods are not followed properly. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center recommends avoiding raw sushi and shellfish and only eating eggs if they have been cooked thoroughly.
Step 4
Utilize supplemental beverages in order to take in extra calories and nutrients as required by your body. Sometimes it's a challenge for chemotherapy patients to eat enough calories or protein, especially since meat is a common food aversion. Today's Dietitian states that liquid nutritional supplements like Boost and Ensure can help maintain a patient's nutritional status. Nutritional shakes come in different flavors like chocolate and vanilla and can be drunk in between meal times.
Things You'll Need
- Supplemental nutrition shakes
