A friend or relative who's being treated for colon cancer will welcome your help in supplying nutritious foods. Healthful meals and snacks are vital for supporting strength and healing. But chemotherapy's side effects can make cooking and eating more difficult. Your friend may have little appetite as he copes with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue and new sensitivities to tastes and smells.
Start With Safety Measures
People undergoing chemo may be especially susceptible to infections. If you're preparing home-cooked foods, the National Cancer Institute recommends some special precautions. Scrub fruits and vegetables well, and do not use produce, such as raspberries, that you can't scrub first. Be sure your hands, utensils, containers and countertops are clean. Don't leave out frozen foods to thaw; use the refrigerator or microwave.
Protein-Rich Foods
According to the American Cancer Society, a person with colon cancer may need more protein than usual during and after chemotherapy to promote healing and resist infection. Some recommended foods are cream soups; soups made with beans, lentils or dried peas; smoothies and milkshakes; chicken; nuts; peanut butter; yogurt and cheeses. Avoid blue cheeses and others with mold, however.
Offer Good Fats and Carbs
Fats help supply energy and make foods taste better. Focus on heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, found mainly in vegetable oils. People who need extra calories may benefit from higher-fat foods such as whole milk, ice cream and puddings. Carbohydrate-rich foods boost energy and may help with digestion. Try whole-wheat bread and pasta; dried fruits like apricots, dates and raisins; canned fruits; fresh fruits such as apples, bananas and grapes; and raw or cooked vegetables including broccoli, corn, asparagus, green beans and spinach.
Other Tips on Foods
If your friend is coping with nausea, good choices include clear soups and dishes with bland foods like chicken, white rice, crackers, oatmeal and potatoes. Don't bring foods that are fatty or greasy. According to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, tart food may help settle a nauseated stomach but may irritate a sore mouth. If your friend is extra-sensitive to tastes and food odors, dishes served cold may be more appealing.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Taking Special Care With Food To Avoid Infections
- American Cancer Society: Benefits of Good Nutrition
- American Cancer Society: Cancer and Cancer Treatment Affect Nutrition
- National Cancer Institute: Chemotherapy and You: Foods To Help With Side Effects
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center: Nutrition
