Dietary Tips for Cancer Patients

"According to the American Cancer Society, about 1,479,350 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2009 (See References 1)." Only heart disease causes more deaths each year than cancer.

Cancer patients need a well balanced diet to prevent weight loss, support the immune system, and minimize side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

Constipation

Chemotherapy drugs can temporarily affect the nerve supply to the bowel, and surgery may leave you with weakened muscles, and in too much pain to push your stools out. When you add pain and nausea medications to the mix, it's not hard to figure out why you're constipated.

If one of the side effects of your medication is constipation, limit high fiber foods such as bran, fruit, whole wheat bread, and beans, but if your medication does not cause constipation, you should increase your intake of fiber. Oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, brown rice, or whole wheat pasta are good choices to increase fiber intake.

Exercise helps the bowels move, so if you feel up to it, take a short walk by yourself or with a friend.

Fatigue

Fighting off the effects of chemotherapy and radiation may leave you too tired to shop, but you need to eat to keep up your energy and stamina.

Find out if you're eligible for programs such as Meals on Wheels. A dietitian makes sure that all the meals that are delivered daily meet nutritional requirements, and the food is very tasty.

Most grocery stores deliver groceries to your home. Order from the store's online website, and pick a delivery time that's convenient for you.

If you're doing your own shopping, stock the freezer with frozen meals, or microwave ready products. Nibble on snacks such as cheese and crackers, nuts, trail mix, pudding cups, granola bars, or hard boiled eggs.

Nausea

Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and radiation can drain your energy, so you don't feel like eating.

Have your doctor prescribe anti-nausea medication, so you can keep food down.

Aim for eight to ten glasses of fluids a day, so you don't become dehydrated. Pour water in a bottle, and take sips with a straw throughout the day.

Ensure is a nutritional shake that combine prebiotics with antioxidants, to strengthen your immune system. The shake comes in many delicious flavors, and is a good way to maintain a high calorie count. Drink as a meal substitute, or snack. Ensure is sold at most grocery and drugstores.

Bland foods such as saltine crackers, bread, or applesauce are soothing to a sick stomach. Avoid sweet and fried foods, and try eating several small meals instead of three large ones.

Sore Mouth and Throat

Radiation, especially in the head and neck area, can result in sore mouth, gums, and throat.

Eat food that is cold or lukewarm, to avoid burns. Foods that are soft and bland, such as pudding, applesauce, and yogurt keeps irritated areas from flaring.

Avoid acidic juices such as orange and tomato, alcohol, and any spicy foods.

Tilting your head back and forth as you eat helps food and liquids reach the back of the throat, for easier swallowing.