Nutrition for Patients During Cancer

cancer treatment maintain their strength better, are more active, and are better able to decrease their chances of infection. Cancer and its treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery, may depress appetite and interfere with how food is digested, absorbed, and used in the body. Adequate nutrients and calories are needed for the body to heal and fight infection.

A diet that is used to promote cancer prevention, such as low fat, high fiber, may not be what you need to follow during cancer treatment. Cancer patients receiving treatment should be focused on eating high-calorie and high-protein foods. This can sometimes be difficult, especially if you have side effects or simply don't feel well. Cancer patients may experience a variety of treatment-related side effects including: loss of appetite, taste changes, difficulty chewing or swallowing, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, mouth sores, changes in weight, and fatigue. You may or may not have any of these side effects.

Cancer or its treatments may also alter the way your body uses food. These situations are usually temporary and will return to normal when the treatments stop. You may develop an intolerance to lactose (a sugar in milk and many dairy products) or lose weight unintentionally. Some treatments may cause stress to the kidneys. A dietitian can help you adjust your diet based on your specific nutritional needs.

Nutrition Goals During Cancer Treatment

Maintain a Healthy Weight and Body

• Weigh yourself once a week and keep a record.

• If you experience weight loss, try small, frequent meals, which may be easier to tolerate than three large meals. Power pack your diet with nutrient-rich, high-calorie foods.

• If weight loss continues, ask your registered dietitian for additional suggestions.

• If you are overweight, do not try to lose weight during treatment. Discuss your specific needs with a dietitian. Aim to maintain your weight and eat nutrient-rich, high-protein foods.

Increase Protein

Protein helps to build and repair tissues. Studies have shown that cancer and certain cancer treatments can cause the body to use more protein than usual and promote muscle wasting. Adequate protein in the diet helps to spare muscle from being used as an energy source.

Include these foods several times a day.

• Milk

• Cheese, cottage cheese, or yogurt

• Meat, fish, chicken

• Eggs

• Beans

• Peanut butter or nuts

Increase Calories

Calories provide energy and help to maintain your weight. Cancer and its treatments often stress the body, raising your calorie needs. Weight loss is common when receiving treatment, so it is important to eat adequate calories.

These foods add few nutrients but extra calories if you need to gain or maintain weight. Add them to the foods you already eat.

• Margarine/butter

• Sugar, honey, jams, jellies

• Cream cheese

• Dried fruit

• Gravies/sauces

• Mayonnaise/salad dressing

Increase Fluid

Fluids are needed to help control body temperature and improve digestion and elimination. Inadequate fluid intake can lead to dehydration. Include 8-10 glasses (8 oz) of fluid per day. Although water can help meet your fluid needs, it does not contain calories. The following are better choices.

• Fruit juices

• Gelatin/puddings

• Carbonated drinks

• Soups

• Milk/milkshakes

• Popsicles

• Coffee or tea with sugar and/or cream

• Ice cream/sherbet

*Note: Fluids with caffeine, such as regular coffee and tea, should be limited to about 1-2 cups per day, as they can dehydrate the body.

Nutrition Supplements

Your doctor or dietitian may suggest that you add liquid supplements to your diet if you are not eating enough food. Common commercial supplements include Ensure , Boost, or Resource. These contain calories, protein, and are fortified with several vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements may interact with your cancer treatments, especially if they contain high doses of a nutrient or herb. For example, many people use high-dose antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E because of recent health claims. However, some researchers suspect that very high doses may interfere with radiation and some chemotherapy treatments, which use oxidants to kill cancer cells.

Be sure to let your doctor know of any nutrition supplements you are using. You may want to temporarily stop using herbal or high-dose vitamin and mineral supplements during treatment. Or, discuss with your dietitian a safe level to use until your treatments are completed.

Tips for Eating Well During Treatment

• Eat high calorie, high protein, nutrient-rich foods.

• Eat small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals.

• Keep snacks handy to eat when you are hungry. Try hard-cooked eggs, yogurt, luncheon meat, peanut butter, cheese, ice cream, granola bars, nutritional drinks and puddings, crackers, and pretzels.

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water and caffeine-free fluids are best.

• Eat with friends or play favorite music to boost appetite.

• Many patients find their appetite is better in the morning. Take advantage of this and eat your bigger meal earlier in the day.

• On those days when you don't feel like eating at all, don't worry about it. Try again the next day. However, if your appetite does not improve in several days, you may want to discuss it with your doctor.

• If possible, include some exercise in your daily routine. This can help stimulate your appetite, improve digestion, prevent constipation, lower stress, and maintain muscle and strength.

Remember that you need to eat enough food so that your body can have the energy to heal itself. While you are undergoing treatment, talk to your doctor, nurse, or a registered dietitian. They can answer any specific questions you have and give you suggestions on ways that nutrition can help in your recovery.