NUTRITION FOR PATIENTS DURING AND AFTER CANCER TREATMENT
People with cancer need to maintain a healthy body weight and eat nutritious foods. However, the side effects of cancer treatment can cause people to eat less and lose weight. Therefore, inadequate nutrition will make the patient weak and malnourished. On the other hand, some cancer treatments can cause weight gain.
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NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES IN CANCER TREATMENT
Here are some general nutrition recommendations for people undergoing cancer treatment:
Maintain a healthy weight. For many people, weight loss should be avoided by getting enough calories each day. For people who are obese, this means keeping a healthy weight and not gaining weight.
Get the nutrients you need. These include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and water.
Be active. For example, take a daily walk. If you sit or sleep too much, you can lose muscle mass and increase body fat, even if you don't gain weight.
SIDE EFFECTS AND NUTRITION
Cancer treatment often causes side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, mouth sores, and changes in taste. These side effects can make it difficult to eat and drink. Follow these tips to help you get the nutrition you need:
1. If water tastes bad to you, drink more fluids through other foods and drinks. For example, eat soup or watermelon and drink tea, milk or milk substitutes. There are specialized types for diabetics. You can also flavor the water by adding a little juice.
2. If the food tastes bland, try seasoning to taste. For example, try using lemon, garlic, chili, cumin, herbs. If your mouth hurts, you need to choose foods that are not sour and not spicy until it heals.
3. Eat 6 small meals a day instead of 3 large meals. Make sure you hit your calorie goals with these smaller meals.
4. If meat is no longer appealing, get protein from other foods. For example, try fish, eggs, cheese, beans, nuts, nut butters, tofu, smoothies or protein drinks.
5. If you have a metallic taste in your mouth, eat mints, chew gum or try fresh citrus fruit. Use plastic utensils and cook in non-metallic pots and pans. Also, try brushing or rinsing your mouth before eating.
6. If you have mouth sores or gum infections, use a blender or food processor to smooth the texture of vegetables and meats. For extra smoothness and more calories, add butter, light sauces, gravy, or cream.
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FOOD SAFETY
People undergoing cancer treatment should be aware of food safety issues. Some treatments can weaken the immune system and this can increase the risk of infection. Foodborne infections occur when harmful bacteria, viruses, or fungi contaminate food and make you sick. Here are some basic food safety tips to reduce your risk of infection:
1. Wash your hands before and while handling and preparing food.
2. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating.
3. Handle and store food safely. Eg:
- Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables
- Store meat and fish in the bottom shelf of the refrigerator
- Do not defrost food under warm water
4. Eat fully cooked food. For example, do not eat undercooked eggs and do not eat raw fish, or shellfish.
5. Do not eat or drink unpasteurized food. This includes drinks like unpasteurized cider, raw milk and fruit juices, and foods like cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.
6. Make sure the food you buy is not past its sell-by or past-by date and follow instructions for proper storage.
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