Cancer patients suffer from several food related side effects that require special nutrition planning. During cancer treatment, patients may suffer from various side effects that affect regular eating habits such as taste changes, appetite loss, constipation, nausea and sore mouth. Ask your doctor or registered dietitian about certain foods that can be beneficial for your condition.
Diet Significance
Healthy individuals may not have a problem eating regular foods. But for cancer patients it is a struggle due to the disease and the therapy associated with it. Weight loss is typically associated with the cancer itself or by side effects from cancer treatment. Medline Plus notes that cancer patients require more calories to maintain a healthy weight and lean muscle mass than they would otherwise need. Protein is necessary for reparation of the body's tissues such as muscles, skin and organs. Your health care provider may recommend foods that are high in calorie and protein to promote strength and recovery during treatment. Therefore, a high calorie diet that also provides high amounts of protein is essential for preventing weight loss and muscle wasting.
High Calorie Foods
Consult your registered dietitian or nutritionist for a full list of acceptable high calorie foods necessary for your condition. Foods that are concentrated sources of calories and protein include peanut butter, meats and dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese. Some cancer patients may not tolerate dietary fat well, according to Medline Plus. Skim or low fat dairy products and lean meats provide a lower fat content but still provide good sources of protein. Other sources of protein include eggs, seeds and nuts such as almonds, pistachios and cashews. Various sauces, gravies and dressings are also good sources of calories that can be eaten with many different dishes. A well balanced diet also provides fruits, vegetables and whole-grains. Choose calorie dense fruits and vegetables such as raisins, berries, corn and peas. Home-made milkshakes with added ingredients can also be made to increase calorie content and enjoyed in between meals as a snack.
Food Safety
Cancer treatments can leave patients susceptible to many infections, according to the National Cancer Institute. Proper food handling and preparation is essential for cancer patients to avoid infections and other complications. Never consume raw eggs, fish or shellfish and thoroughly cook all meat and poultry before consuming them. When preparing food, always wash your hands before handling it and make sure all utensils are sanitized. Use a separate cutting board for meats and produce to prevent cross contamination. When eating processed foods, make sure they are at or before their freshness date and not expired. All beverages, milk products and juices should be pasteurized and properly stored.
Considerations
Ask your doctor about various high calorie powder supplements available for cancer patients. High calorie liquid or powder supplements may aid in increasing calories in your diet when your appetite is low. Record your daily food intake in a journal and show them to your dietitian. He or she will be able to create a meal plan based on your food tolerance and condition. Don't forget to stay hydrated and drink plenty of liquids throughout the day. The National Cancer Institute recommends 8 to 12 cups of liquids daily.
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