1. Manage Your Symptoms
For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments, finding ways to manage symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of taste and poor appetite, is important to maintain a steady diet. The primary goal during chemotherapy treatments is to consume enough calories for weight maintenance and enough protein to optimize the immune system.
2. Log Your Meals
Writing down what you eat and taking note of any side effects that arise after a meal or snack can help you pinpoint food-related symptoms and seek ways to manage them. If you notice a sore in your mouth, avoid spicy foods and very hot or cold drinks to minimize irritation. If you're finding it harder to swallow foods, opt for cooked vegetables and eat other soft foods, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, peanut butter and gelatin. If your appetite is suffering, eat smaller meals more often throughout the day or distract yourself during meal times by watching television, eating with others or reading a magazine. By continuing to eat healthy and changing the way you eat or the types of food you choose at different stages of your treatment, you can ensure that your body receives the proper amount of calories and nutrients to maintain your health.
3. Find New Sources of Nutrition
Healthy foods can come from a variety of sources. Tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene, a well-known cancer-fighting compound. When cooked or processed, tomatoes increase in nutritional value, so instead of adding a sliced tomato to your sandwich or salad, try adding salsa instead. When making pasta, use tomato-based sauce instead of cream-based sauce. Raw vegetables maintain their nutrients better than cooked vegetables, but soft vegetables may be easier to digest while you're in chemotherapy.
Supplementing your main meals with small snacks throughout the day is also a great way to maintain blood-sugar levels and add needed sources of protein to your diet. Protein bars and shakes are excellent sources of carbohydrates and protein, providing quick energy and immunity boosts. Fruits and dairy products, such as yogurt, can be blended into a smoothie for a cool and refreshing, heart-healthy snack or meal.
4. Consider Dietary Supplements
If you find that you are not able to consume enough food each day to meet your daily calorie needs, consider supplemental drinks that are high in fiber, such as Ensure. They are easier on the digestive track than traditional protein drinks and shakes and offer a healthy way to maintain good nutrition. You may also consider taking a daily multivitamin, but consult your doctor before doing so. Multivitamins come in pill, powder and liquid forms.
