Nutrition is essential for good health, and it becomes even more important for people with cancer. Eating well can improve energy levels, help you recover faster from surgery or other cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, prevent excessive weight loss, and strengthen your immune system. People with advanced colon cancer may experience diarrhea, weight loss, poor appetite and fatigue. Making small dietary changes can help manage these symptoms while continuing to nourish your body.
Post-Surgery Diet
Surgery is commonly used to treat advanced colon cancer. Depending on the type of surgery needed, you may get a colostomy. A colostomy creates a new passageway for waste products to exit the body. Part of the colon is attached to a new opening made in the abdomen called a stoma. After surgery, you will slowly be able to start eating a regular diet again. It is important to chew foods well to prevent any undigested foods from blocking your stoma. Also, you may notice that certain foods cause more gas, diarrhea or strong stool odors. It may be helpful to keep a food and symptom diary to help you identify what foods cause different symptoms. Limit foods that seem to cause problems, and try them again in a few weeks to see if the symptoms have resolved.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common side effect of radiation therapy for people with colon cancer. If you have diarrhea, limit foods that are high in fiber such as raw fruits, raw vegetables and whole grain products. Foods that are spicy, overly sweet or high in fat can make diarrhea worse and should be limited. Rather, try foods that are easy to digest, such as white toast, crackers, applesauce, bananas and yogurt. Sipping small amounts of clear liquids throughout the day, such as water, sports drinks and apple juice, can help prevent dehydration.
Weight Loss
Losing weight is an indication that your body is not getting the nutrition it needs. To stay strong and healthy, it is important to minimize weight loss while being treated for cancer. You can add extra calories and protein to your meals by adding dry milk powder to soups, hot cereals, casseroles, scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes. Adding extra gravy, syrups, shredded cheese and butter to foods also helps boost calories.
Poor Appetite
Many factors can contribute to a poor appetite, including pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. With a poor appetite, a large meal can seem overwhelming, so break large meals into six to eight small meals and snacks throughout the day. Eating frequently can also help stimulate your appetite. With a poor appetite, it may be easier to drink than to eat, so try canned high-calorie, high-protein nutrition shakes as a source of good nutrition. You may find that your appetite is better at certain times of the day. Eat frequently when you are feeling hungry to maximize the amount of nutrition you get.
