Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins in your pancreas and quickly spreads to other organs. Even when detected early, prognosis is poor. The pancreas is close to the stomach and aids in digestion. No matter what stage of treatment you are in, the disease will likely affect your eating habits. A bland high-calorie diet may help improve tolerance while helping you meet your calorie needs.
Diet Guidelines
Your pancreas secretes enzymes that help you digest food. Some people may have problems digesting foods high in fat when they have pancreatic cancer, which may lead them to limit their intake. Fat, however, is a significant source of calories, so you should only restrict your intake as much as you need to. Your doctor or dietitian can help you devise a plan based on your individual needs. Your appetite may also be affected, and you may find it easier if you eat six small meals instead of three large meals.
Grains
Grains are a source of calories, vitamins and minerals. Grains, when prepared without spicy sauces or seasonings should be well-tolerated on your bland diet. Good choices include bread without seeds, cereal without nuts, plain pasta, plain rice, saltine crackers and pretzels. To maximize calories from your grains, add jams and jellies to your bread and sugar to your cereals. You can also, as tolerated add butter or margarine to your rice and pasta.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients but are not a good source of calories. You may also have difficulty tolerating raw fruits and vegetables and gas-forming vegetables such as broccoli, onions, cauliflower, cabbage and greens. Good choices include fruits packed in heavy syrup, fruit or vegetable juice, cooked fruits without skins or seeds, canned vegetables and soft cooked green beans, carrots or squash. Depending on your fat tolerance, you can add calories to your vegetables by cooking them in oil or adding butter or margarine.
Meat and Meat Alternatives
Meat and meat alternatives are an important source of protein and calories on a bland, high-calorie diet. If you're having problems tolerating fat, include more lean sources of meat such as poultry, fish, beef tenderloin, lamb chops or pork tenderloin. Tofu and eggs are also sources of protein and calories and a good choice on your diet plan. Meats should be prepared without spices or heavy seasonings. Beans, although they are a source of protein, can be gas-forming, and intake should be based on your tolerance.
Dairy Foods
Dairy products are also a source of protein. While whole-fat dairy foods are a better source of calories, low-fat dairy products may be better tolerated. Good choices include milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream without nuts or seeds. You should also avoid dairy products with chocolate when following a bland diet. Nonfat dried milk powder is a calorie booster you can add to your mashed potatoes, hot cereal, soups, yogurt and pudding to increase calories.
Fat
Fat is an important source of calories on a high-calorie diet plan. However, you may need to limit your intake depending on your tolerance. Include fats without added spices, such as butter, margarine, oil and mayonnaise.
