By: Emma Hubbard, MS, RDN/CD
Good nutrition is always important, and even more important with a cancer diagnosis. Navigating a new diagnosis and the numerous potential side effects of treatment can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to nutrition. Cancer and cancer treatments increase the amount of energy and protein your body needs. You may need to follow a higher-calorie, higher-protein eating pattern. Meeting your nutrition needs before, during, and after treatment gives your body the energy it needs to heal, maintain strength, and feel better overall.
The following strategies can help you navigate some of the most common side effects of cancer treatment. Meeting with a registered dietitian is always beneficial so you can receive individualized recommendations for your situation.
Increase Protein & Calories:
- Include a protein source at every meal and most snacks. Protein is found in meat, eggs, dairy, nuts, beans, and tofu.
- Add protein powder to milkshakes, smoothies, and milk. Protein powder can also be added to pancakes, waffles, casseroles and baked goods.
- Add fortified nutritional yeast to pasta, salad, popcorn, and other savory snacks. Nutritional yeast adds a savory flavor to food while also boosting protein and B-vitamin intake.
- Use an oral nutrition supplement like Ensure or Boost between meals for additional calories, protein, and vitamins.
- Add toppings like granola, dried fruit, nuts and nut butters to yogurt and oatmeal.
- Use condiments to sneak in additional calories at mealtime.
- Take advantage of the times when you feel well to eat nutritious, high-calorie foods. Examples include trail mix, nuts, peanut butter/nut butter, eggs, cottage cheese and yogurt.
Poor Appetite:
- Eat 5-6 small meals more frequently throughout the day rather than 3 large meals.
- Prioritize high protein and high-calorie foods at mealtime.
- Keep your favorite foods and snacks available.
- Eat when you feel hungry.
- Try a protein shake, like Ensure or Boost, milkshakes, and smoothies. Drinking something may be more appealing than eating solid food.
- Stay well hydrated but drink your fluids between meals to save room for food at mealtime.
- Increase your physical activity, if able. This can increase hunger.
Dry Mouth:
- Sip on water throughout the day and have fluids with meals and snacks to help facilitate swallowing. A mouth rinse (alcohol-free) may be beneficial.
- Chew food well and take smaller bites than normal.
- Use broth, sauces, gravy, soup, yogurt, and cream to add moisture to foods.
- Suck on ice chips, sugar-free candies (mint, cinnamon, and citrus flavors), and chew gum. This helps stimulate saliva production.
- Avoid spicy, hot, and acidic foods.
- Try using an artificial saliva spray.
Mouth Sores/Sore Throat:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Using a straw may help decrease mouth pain.
- Soft, moist foods are usually better tolerated. Add gravies and sauces to meat and cook vegetables well. Avoid hard, crunchy foods.
- Include more bland foods. Spicy, salty, acidic, and sugary foods may cause mouth pain.
- Avoid acidic fruits and juices – oranges, clementines, lemon, lime, tomato, grapefruit.
- Cold foods may feel best. Try ice cream, popsicles, smoothies, or ice chips.
Nausea/Vomiting:
- Avoid skipping meals. Even if you don’t feel hungry, having an empty stomach can make nausea worse. Snack on some crackers, a piece of toast, or some applesauce.
- Eat foods that sound good to you, and eat smaller, more frequent meals/snacks throughout the day.
- Bland foods and cold, clear fluids may be better tolerated.
- Stay upright for an hour after eating. Laying down can make nausea worse.
Taste Changes:
- If food tastes metallic, try using plastic silverware. Tart flavors, like lemon, can improve metallic taste.
- If food tastes too sweet, add some salt. If food tastes too salty, try adding a sprinkle of sugar.
- Experiment with different spices and herbs. Find a seasoning blend that works for you to help improve the taste of food.
- Cold or room-temperature foods may taste better than hot foods.
Weight Changes
You may experience weight loss during cancer treatment. It’s important that you talk with your doctor and registered dietitian if you are losing weight. Cancer treatment is not the time to pursue weight loss, because your body needs additional energy and nutrients compared to normal for healing. If you have weight goals, meet with a registered dietitian who can help you develop a plan to meet your nutrient needs during this time.
Managing all of these changes can feel overwhelming. Ask your doctor about a referral to meet with a registered dietitian, who can help you navigate your side effects and provide individualized strategies so you can get the fuel your body needs each day!
To learn more or schedule an appointment with Emma visit www.prairieridgehealth/service/nutrition or call 920-623-1295.
