A person with terminal cancer may encounter many challenges to eating well. Both cancer and cancer treatments can cause numerous nutrition-related problems. Although eating well does not cure cancer, it can help prevent excessive weight loss, boost your immune system and improve energy and strength levels. Your diet can help you manage any nutrition-related symptoms while nourishing your body.
Poor Appetite
People with terminal cancer often have a poor appetite. If your appetite is poor, large meals can seem overwhelming. Instead of eating three large meals, eat six to eight small meals and snacks throughout the day. This will give you many opportunities throughout the day to get the calories and protein your body needs, and it can also help stimulate your appetite. Focus on foods that are high in protein and calories. At times, you may find that drinking is more appealing than eating. High-calorie, high-protein canned nutrition shakes can give you quality nutrition in the form of a drink.
Nausea and Vomiting
Cancer can cause nausea and vomiting, and so can many cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Try eating small amounts of bland foods that are easy to digest such as crackers, dry toast, and rice. Sip on small amounts of clear liquids, such as apple juice, water, sports drinks and broth. Foods that are cool in temperature, such as yogurt, smoothies and Jell-o are often tolerated well. Avoid foods with strong odors and any foods that are overly sweet or spicy, as these foods often make nausea worse.
Taste Changes
Cancer and cancer treatments can change the way foods taste, which can make food seem less appealing. Experiment with different spices, herbs, citrus fruits and marinades to season your foods. Keep your mouth clean by brushing your teeth frequently to remove unappealing tastes from your mouth. If you experience a metallic taste in your mouth, use plastic utensils instead of metal silverware and choose fresh or frozen foods instead of canned foods. If foods taste salty, add sugar to sweeten foods. If foods taste overly sweet, adding a small amount of salt can reduce the salty flavor.
Supportive Care
Food often brings comfort to people. With terminal cancer, there aren't any foods in particular that need to be limited unless they cause discomfort. Eat foods that are nutritious, and choose foods that you enjoy. Make meal times pleasant with the company of friends or family when possible, and keep favorite foods available to eat throughout the day. If you are concerned that you are not getting the nutrition you need, a registered dietitian can help you make an eating plan that is right for you.
