People suffering esophageal cancer may face many challenges at mealtime. Foods may hold little appeal due to difficulty swallowing, change in taste and lack of energy synonymous with esophageal cancer. The esophagus is a hollow, muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach for digestion. When cancer invades these tissues, foods may feel stuck in the chest and choices can become limited after surgical or chemical treatments. The best foods for esophageal cancer will nurture the patient while providing an excess of calories and protein for healing.
Soft Foods
Not all esophageal cancer patients suffer a liquid diet. In the early stages, soft foods may be appropriate for nourishment. The cancer may inhibit swallowing, so the less chewing involved the better. The National Cancer Institute suggests keeping foods moist with gravies or broths when swallowing is impaired. Scrambled eggs, protein shakes and cooked cereals are calorie-dense foods that are easy going down. Try adding a little powdered milk to those foods to increase calorie count and protein.
Smoothies
After surgery, chemotherapy or radiation treatment the esophageal cancer survivor will probably be placed on a liquid diet. As this diet advances, adding homemade smoothies can provide an individualized and high-calorie treat. Vegetables and fruits are dense with micronutrients that will nourish the healing body and can diminish the chance of reoccurring cancers. Iran's Tehran University of Medical Sciences has established a link between decreased esophageal cancers and increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and yogurts. Smoothies require a blender, fruit or vegetables, yogurt or milk, a sweetener and some imagination.
Liquid Supplements
Liquid meal replacements provide a balanced meal, or better yet a meal supplement for esophageal cancer patients. Many brands are available at the grocery store; flavor and brand selection is a personal choice based on expense and taste. Some insurance companies will pay for these liquid meals if they are purchased at a pharmacy with a doctor's prescription. Adding protein or dry milk powders to these pre-made drinks will add calories, protein and increase satiety after a "meal." If drinking the shakes as a supplement, try to do so throughout the day, not before a meal, so appetite will not be reduced.
