Chemotherapy is a type of oral or intravenous medication used to treat people with cancer as well as auto-immune illnesses like multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately, because chemotherapy drugs cannot differentiate between cancer and healthy cells, it can create additional health problems. The American Cancer Society explains that chemotherapy medications may kill or disable cells that line your digestive system. This can decrease your appetite and cause nausea and vomiting. Implementing healthy nutritional habits when on chemotherapy may help increase the density of nutrients in your diet which can help your body heal. Check with your doctor before making changes to your diet.
Why Nutrition is Important When on Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can affect both your appetite and the quality of your ability to digest food and extract nutrients. This is why it's important to consume a diet that is rich in nutrient-dense foods. The National Cancer Institute explains that nutritional care of individuals with cancer can help improve energy levels and increase alertness. Increased nutrition can also improve your body's ability to fight off antigens that can cause secondary illnesses. Strengthening your body with improved nutritional habits may also decrease the effects of some chemotherapy medications.
Using Nutrient-Dense Meal Replacement Beverages
Consuming pre-made high-calorie meal replacement beverages or making your own can help you get enough nutrients without having to eat solid food. This is especially important for individuals who have sores in the digestive tract from chemotherapy. Drinking a cold meal replacement beverage or shake can soothe inflammation and may be easier to digest than whole foods. Talk to your doctor or dietician about using these beverages for supplemental nutrition during chemotherapy. Your doctor may recommend certain brands or flavors that won't interact with medications or medical conditions like diabetes.
Compensating for a Poor Appetite
Cancer and chemotherapy treatments can both devastate your appetite, causing unwanted weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. If your appetite is affected by chemotherapy, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you try to get nutrition by eating smaller amounts of food more often. Additionally, they add that it's advisable to avoid drinking any liquids with your meals, because the fluid can make you feel full faster, causing you to eat less. When you do eat, the American Cancer Society explains that nutrient-dense foods like nuts, nut butters, eggs and cheese can increase the amount of calories and protein you consume.
Considerations
Chemotherapy can be an effective treatment for some types of cancer but it can also impair your nutritional intake at a time when it is most important. Keeping a food diary or journal may help you monitor your nutrient and caloric intakes and discuss supplements as necessary with your physician or dietician. According to the American Cancer Society, it may be helpful to increase your protein intake in order to improve fatigue that can occur with cancer and chemotherapy treatments. Also, avoid foods that are fried or have a significant amount of fat added with little nutritional value, like doughnuts. Chemotherapy can make high fat foods harder to digest.
