More than 1.5 million in the United States were diagnosed with cancer in 2010, according to the American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses powerful chemicals to destroy fast-growing cells. Although chemotherapy is often effective, it causes a variety of side effects that can negatively impact your ability to maintain a nutritious, balanced diet. Soft foods may help manage these effects, increasing your chance for stable recovery and lowering your risk for complications.
Function
Chemotherapy often causes appetite loss and other diet-related complications, such as mouth pain, difficulty swallowing and digesting certain foods. Limiting your diet to soft foods makes it easier to meet your daily calorie and nutrient needs, guarding against nutrient deficiencies, poor immune system function and unintentional weight loss. Eating primarily soft, low-fiber foods may help control abdominal cramping and diarrhea and make eating more pleasurable.
Helpful Foods
To ensure that your nutrient needs are met, your diet should contain a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, lean protein and healthy fats. If your appetite is low, the National Cancer Institute, NCI, recommends sipping nutritious liquids, such as milk and soy-based protein drinks, soup and juices. To ease throat pain, consume cool, soft foods such as smoothies, yogurt and milkshakes. Soft starches, such as soft breads, muffins, pancakes, hot cereal, white rice and well-cooked pasta, provide glucose --- your body's main dietary source of energy. Soft protein-rich foods, which promote physical strength and tissue repair, include scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, plain yogurt, tofu, beans and well-cooked, tender fish and meats. Fats help your body absorb nutrients, such as vitamins A and E and promote healthy skin. Soft sources include avocados, peanut or almond butter and vegetable oils, such as olive and canola.
Foods to Avoid
To ensure soft food texture, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center recommends avoiding all foods made with nuts, seeds, dried or raw fruit. To best soften fruits and vegetables, remove the skins before cooking or puréeing. To reduce stool bulk, avoid fibrous meats, such as steak and lamb, and fatty varieties. If your doctor suggests a low-fiber diet, avoid whole grains and cereals, which are higher in fiber than refined grains, such as white flour and instant rice. Although soups are soft, avoid the ones containing dense ingredients, such as tough meats, wild rice and crisp vegetables. Other foods that may trigger or worsen pain or digestive strain include potato and tortilla chips, crunchy pizza, spicy foods and acidic items such as lemonade, tomatoes, tomato sauce and orange juice.
Cooking Hints
Cooking and puréeing can help ensure soft texture and digestive ease. NCI recommends cooking foods until tender and moistening foods with the addition of broth, gravy, sauces or yogurt. Blend cooked vegetables with broth, for example, for a easy-to-swallow soup. Adding extra milk to hot cereals and mashed potatoes also creates a softer texture. If chewing is difficult, sip puréed foods, soups, milk and juices through a straw. For convenience, prepare and keep large batches of soft foods and beverages you enjoy well-stocked in your refrigerator.
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