Foods Help to Combat the Aftermath of Chemotherapy

Support Chemotherapy Patients with Healthy Food & Positive Thoughts

Cancer treatment involves chemotherapy which has numerous side effects. These symptoms and side effects can be effectively managed through various options available. By combining the right medical management and the best nutrition possible, your body is energized with the fuel needed for healing and recovery.

Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Constipation

Sometimes, your physician may prescribe laxative medication and constipation is a major side effect of such medication. Constipation is easier to prevent than treat. Consuming high-fiber foods such as whole-grain, bran cereals, whole-grain breads, oatmeal, brown rice, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds during every meal and snack can help you fight against constipation. Drink plenty of water aiming for at least 8 cups of total fluids per day. Despite all this, if you feel the need for a fiber supplement, talk to your registered dietitian nutritionist at www.firsteatright.com before taking one.

Nausea

Vomiting can be stopped only with medication. But if you have queasiness with little or no vomiting, the type of food and the time of your meals can have tremendous effects.

• Consume small meals frequently at least five to six times a day. Never pave way for a completely empty stomach.
• Eat natural foods such as ginger soda, ginger tea and ginger candies to fight nausea.
• Restrict high-fat foods and eat plenty of cool, light foods.
• Drink liquids between meals and avoid drinking them with meals.
• Be far away from strong food odors, staying away from the kitchen during food preparation if possible.

Diarrhea

Severe diarrhea requires immediate medication while food can ease the pain.

•         Take small meals frequently.
•         Keep nibbling on salty foods such as crackers or pretzels to replace lost sodium.
•         Always have a cup of non-caffeinated fluid handy and keep sipping them slowly throughout the day.
•         Relish non-acidic juices such as apricots, peach or pear nectar.
•         Here again, drink fluids between meals instead of drinking them with the meals.

Sore or Dry Mouth and Throat

A sore or dry mouth and throat is the result of certain chemotherapy medications and physicians might prescribe medications for this purpose. In such cases, follow the medications strictly and adhere to mouth care instructions diligently. Some common nutrition guides include:

•         Eat soft and liquid foods such as warm soup, smoothies, eggs, yogurt, thin oatmeal, pudding, canned fruit and mashed potatoes.
•         Include milk, broth, sauces or gravy in every food possible.
•         Sip warm, caffeine-free tea.
•         Eat frozen grapes, cantaloupe wedges, peach slices or watermelon.
•         Never eat acidic or irritating foods such as citrus, crunchy or dry foods, hot coffee, alcohol and foods with small seeds.

Decreased Appetite

Many patients lose their appetite during cancer treatment. During such weary times try to:

•         Eat small meals frequently throughout the day.
•         Have a snack stashed in your bag. It might consist of fruits, nuts, yogurt, puffed rice, salted peanuts, hard-boiled eggs, canned fruits or granola bars.
•         Consume your favorite foods any time of the day.
•         Drink fat-free or low-fat milk or smoothies. Don’t load your stomach with fluids that have zero calories such as water, tea or coffee.

Food as a Stress Buster

Certain people are prone to weight gain as they indulge in food as a stress buster. Cancer treatment is stressful, but snack on healthy options such as fruits, yogurt or vegetables with hummus dip. If you feel that you are eating food for comfort, request your physician or nurse on options to manage anxiety and stress. Cancer centers usually offer counselling, support groups, art therapy, massages and many other coping tools.

Busy lifestyles and treatment schedules can hamper activity. Try to work together with your friends and family to allocate a little “me” time. Involve yourself in light to moderate exercise such as walking or enroll yourself in an art class.

A Friendly Approach is Good for You

Have a good rapport with your medical team and combine both medical and nutritional management to keep chemotherapy sessions under control. Nutritious foods can help your body acquire all the nutrients needed for healing and recovery. Ask you medical team to direct you to a registered dietitian nutritionist who is a certified specialist in oncology nutrition (CSO) or non-CSO nutritionists are also a great option.