Good nutrition during cancer treatment can help prevent side effects and nutritional deficiencies from therapies used to treat the disease. Nutritional deficiencies may occur from chemotherapy, radiation or the disease itself. Cancer affects the body's metabolism and how well it breaks down fat, protein and carbohydrates. This is the reason why many patients going through cancer treatment lose a great deal of weight. Speak to your doctor about eating well during treatment.
Types
During treatment, your doctor is likely to ask you to increase your calorie intake. This typically does not mean heading to local fast food restaurants and eating meals with low nutritional value. Choose foods high in calories and protein with unsaturated fats. Examples include peanut butter, protein shakes, nuts, seeds, chicken, turkey, fish and dairy products. These foods help keep your weight up during treatment.
Considerations
Although fruits and vegetables are low in calories, they should still be part of your diet to ensure that you are getting the proper nutrients from food. If you want to increase calories in your fruit and vegetable dishes, eat dried fruit, trail mixes, corn dishes, vegetables with cheese and salads with dressings.
Effects
Side effects that may occur during cancer treatment include nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite and diarrhea. To combat these symptoms, eat your meals slowly and frequently throughout the day. Avoid foods that may make you feel nauseous, such as hot foods, onion dishes, meals with garlic and spicy foods. Keep crackers on hand to combat nausea and upset stomach. Beverages are helpful for vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. Aim for 10 glasses of liquids each day, such as water, sports drinks, ginger ale and tea. Foods that can be incorporated to help diminish the side effects of cancer treatment include whole-grain cereals, white rice, pasta, gelatin, ice pops, broth soups and milk shakes.
Warning
Since infection is a serious risk to patients with cancer, be cautious in the way you handle and prepare food. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before you cook and before you eat. Wash all fresh produce well. Store food at the appropriate temperatures to avoid spoiling.
