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Proper Nutrition During Chemotherapy

Nutrition is important regardless current health conditions, but for those afflicted with cancer, it is important to be extra mindful of what goes into your mouth. The proper diet can help fight off infection, even in your weakened state, as well as help fight the cancer. One of the first things that you and your doctor should talk about is your daily diet.

Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments that cancer patients can use to fight off this deadly health problem. The main goal of the treatment is to kill cancer cells, but healthy cells are affected as well. For more information about this type of cancer treatment, and chemotherapy options for mesothelioma patients, please read Chemotherapy.

Unfortunately, this method of treatment will damage healthy cells, leaving the body in a very weak state. In addition, chemotherapy has a number of side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. If you are not eating properly, you can become malnourished and die not from cancer, but from an infection or other illness from your weakened state.

One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is anorexia. This does not mean that you're willfully trying to give up food. Simply put, anorexia can mean that you just aren't hungry. No matter how much you know you should eat, it is difficult to eat when you aren't hungry and are feeling ill from treatment. However, not eating is one of the worst things someone can do. Instead, plan for this lack of appetite. Choose foods that really pack a punch, so that when you do eat, even if it is just a small amount, you are getting nutritional foods high in protein and calories. Keep healthy snacks with you at all times. Talk to your doctor about a daily multi-vitamin that will help boost your diet.

Chemotherapy also causes nausea and vomiting. Even if you are eating, it doesn't do much good if the foods you eat do not actually make it far in your body! Instead, look for healthy, mild foods that are easier to keep down. Avoid greasy foods, anything that is too sweet, hot foods, fried foods, and most beverages (although you do need plenty of water to stay hydrated). Instead, try bread products like toast a crackers, and choose cold foods instead of warm foods with strong smells and flavors. Some people find that sucking on peppermint candies and rinsing the mouth after eating can help avoid throwing up.

Unfortunately, chemotherapy can also cause constipation and diarrhea - sometimes both in the same patient, depending on the day or week! To avoid these problems, make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids, but avoid anything with caffeine. You may also want to cut most of the dairy out of your diet. Your doctor can also recommend foods with good soluble fiber, like mashed potatoes and bananas, which can help with constipation and diarrhea.

One of the best ways to boost your diet during chemotherapy is to add as much protein to your diet as possible. Proteins such as found in meat, nuts, and beans can help you feel better during treatment, and can help fight cancer more effectively. Even if you do not care for meat or are dealing with anorexia, there are many ways to add protein to your diet. Here are some great tips for sneaking it in whenever possible:

• When making pasta, add a beaten egg at the last second. As you stir, the heat will cook the egg, adding a great source of protein.
• Eat peanut butter with fruit.
• Add extra beans to soups and other dishes.
• Add powdered milk to recipes like muffins, mashed potatoes, and meatloaf.
• Prepare protein drinks and keep them with you all day, so you can get protein even just a sip at a time.
• Nuts are a great protein-enriched snack to carry with you throughout the day.

You can talk to your doctor about more ways to add protein to your diet, no matter how much you are currently eating. In addition, if you're dealing with anorexia, your doctor can help you add many calories to your diet to keep up strength. Some of the best ways to do this include:

• Spread butter or margarine on crackers
• Stir unsweetened whipped cream into mashed potatoes
• Add honey to cereal or desserts
• Sprinkle granola into yogurt
• Choose dried fruits as a healthy snack, and add them to meals or baked goods when possible
• Saute meats instead of broiling or baking

The key with cancer is to fight it any way you can. Good nutrition can really improve quality of life, and it may even be able to help you fight cancer. For more information, please see Nutrition and Cancer.

Although chemotherapy patients may have a difficult time dealing with food, talk to your doctor about the best ways to continue eating a healthy diet. It could make the difference in your battle.

Sources:

1. http://www.medicinenet.com/chemotherapy/page2.htm
2. http://www.chemocare.com/eatingwell/tips_for_managing_eating_problems.asp

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