Chemotherapy is a harsh but often necessary treatment used to help fight cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, chemotherapy involves very strong drugs that destroy cancer cells but also harm healthy cells and many other parts of the body. Though eating may be difficult for cancer patients, proper nutrition is essential during chemotherapy.
Effects of Chemotherapy
Many painful side effects are associated with chemotherapy, and can interfere with nutritional requirements. The National Cancer Institute explains that chemotherapy often causes poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores and gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and constipation.
Importance of Nutrition
The American Cancer Society recommends that people going through chemotherapy pay extra attention to their diets, because eating healthy may improve energy. Eating well can also help speed recovery and help to prevent infections. A healthy diet may even help patients tolerate the effects of chemotherapy easier.
Changes in Taste and Nausea
One of the most commonly reported side effects of chemotherapy is changes in taste, according to the National Cancer Institute. Nausea is also common, especially when the scent of certain foods is present. The American Cancer Society recommends talking to a doctor about the possibility of taking medications to help decrease nausea. It's not a good idea for patients to force themselves to eat something that tastes bad; instead, they should pay attention to the body's cues. Eating bland foods like mashed potatoes, rice and bread may help.
Managing Side Effects
Since chemotherapy can cause digestive problems, the National Cancer Institute recommends staying away from carbonated beverages and gas-causing foods like beans and cabbage, which may worsen gastrointestinal stress. Eating small, frequent meals rather than large meals is a good idea for people who are struggling with a decreased appetite, because it will help prevent them from feeling too full. Soft foods like canned fruit and mashed potatoes may be helpful if eating is difficult because of mouth sores.
Protein and Calories
The National Cancer Institute reports that people going through chemotherapy have higher nutritional requirements, especially for protein and calories. They recommend using full-fat dairy products like whole milk and adding high-fat toppings like butter, mayonnaise, olive oil and cheese to foods to get enough calories. Foods like eggs, meat, nuts, fish and peanut butter are high in protein and should be eaten when possible because they can speed healing, according to the National Cancer Institute. If it's too hard to get proper nutrition through diet, a doctor may suggest supplemental drinks or tube feeding.
