While chemotherapy can be lifesaving it also has side effects, many of which lead to reduced nutritional intake. Cells that divide quickly are targeted and these include those lining the mouth and digestive tract. Mouth sores, nausea and diarrhea can occur, making it difficult to eat. Inadequate intake of calories, protein and other nutrients results in weakness and reduced resistance to infections. Patients should seek out more nutrient-dense foods and drinks.
Tips for Nausea
Nausea caused by chemotherapy can be reduced by eating smaller meals more frequently. Drinking beverages in between meals instead of with meals is another technique to reduce nausea. If the smell of hot food causes nausea, eating foods at room temperature or cooler will eliminate this issue. Some ingredients are also more likely to cause nausea; avoid foods which are very spicy, greasy or sugary.
Tips for Mouth Sores
Avoid acid products like tomato and citrus, which tend to burn mouth sores caused by chemotherapy. Cold foods like popsicles and ice cream may be comforting. Softer foods like mashed potatoes, applesauce and even pureed foods may be preferable if chewing is painful.
Tips for Loss of Appetite
Planning ahead and scheduling periodic meals and snacks helps increase intake. Appetite tends to be better in the morning, so make it a goal to eat a large breakfast. Take advantage of anything appealing even if it seems unusual, like breakfast foods at dinner time. Small meals and snacks are more appealing. Increase the caloric density of foods by adding cheeses, milk, butter and gravies to appropriate dishes.
Tips for Diarrhea
Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of fluid. Avoid foods high in coarse fiber like raw fruits and vegetables with skins or whole grain breads. Greasy or hot and spicy foods may also aggravate diarrhea. Bland foods that are low in fiber like bananas or rice, and soluble fibers like oatmeal may be better tolerated.
Supplemental Nutrition
When calorie intake is too poor to maintain weight, supplemental beverages can be a tremendous help. Look for the most nutrient-dense drinks, which provide more than 300 calories and 13 g protein per 8-oz serving. The word "plus" on the container is often present to indicate the higher calorie variety of that brand. Flavors are plentiful and range from vanilla, chocolate and strawberry to coffee and butter pecan. Shakes can also be made at home with ice cream, 2% milk, non-fat dry milk for more nutrition, and flavoring of choice. Most supplement companies offer free recipe ideas for shakes and puddings.
Nutrition Support
If a person is not able to ingest adequate nutrition orally, a feeding tube can be placed through the nose and threaded into the small intestine just past the stomach. Formula can then be administered to meet 100 percent of nutritional needs without aggravating the mouth or the stomach.
