Top 5 Ways on How to Eat Properly When You Are Battling Cancer

Being diagnosed with cancer means more than looking ahead to chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. It also means looking at food in a different light. This is because a person's nutrient needs change with the onset of cancer, as does the appetite. In order for treatment to help the body heal and fight infection, a good diet is required. We shall look at some common food problems that crop up with those who are fighting cancer.

1. Loss of energy and a desire to sleep more

Tiredness may be due to anemia, depression or a side effect of medication or treatment you are taking. This problem can be solved by understanding the side effects of medications and treatments you are undergoing. Your doctor can help you see what your level of physical activity should be. Even a little movement can give you some energy to cope. Enlist the help of a dietitian as well, if you can. It will help if you can keep track of your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Anemia is also a common side effect of treatment that will leave you feeling tired. Combat feelings of tiredness by eating iron-rich foods such as lean meats, beans and green leafy vegetables, as well as foods that contain vitamin C.

2. Loss of appetite

When you receive the news that you have cancer, many things will be going through your mind. Shock and depression are just two reasons why you may lose your appetite. It is a normal side effect to cancer. Even if you do manage to muster up the energy to cook a meal, you may feel too tired to actually sit down and eat it. Rather than strive to cook each day, eat four to six smaller meals each day and include healthy, convenient food to go along with it, such as yogurt, baby carrots, cheese, crackers and ready to eat fruit. Add Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast or similar products to help fill in the nutritional gaps. Ask for your family and friends to support you by preparing an evening meal, so that you do not have to. Cheese, peanut butter and crackers will help tide you over.

3. Food tastes different

Chemotherapy and some oral medications can alter the taste of food and make it seem quite unappealing to you. Try to avoid beef and pork, as these meats can have a metallic taste during chemotherapy. Food that you used to enjoy may not taste good to you at all. Instead, choose chicken, fish or vegetarian entrees on a more regular basis and choose to eat your favourite dishes after your treatment ends. Add apple cider vinegar, lemon and honey to food.

4. Your mouth and throat feel dry

Some cancer patients report experiencing dry mouth and throat and difficulty swallowing, as a result of reactions to medications or chemotherapy. A good way to overcome this problem is to avoid spicy foods, cloves, hot sauces, chili powders and peppers. Carry around some sugar-free chewing gum, avoid mouthwashes, alcohol and coffee. Even though citrus fruits and juices will help stimulate saliva production, they may irritate ulcers or sores in the mouth, throat or stomach. Drinking between 8 to 10 glasses of water, milk and non-citrus juices each day will help meet your daily fluid needs, by keeping you hydrated.

5. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

These conditions are caused by medications, treatment and overall stress. Cancer treatment weakens the immune system, which makes you more susceptible to food-borne illnesses, such as diarrhea. Be sure to discuss the side effects of your medications with the doctor and pharmacist. Eat foods such as crackers, cereal and other foods served cold. Avoid greasy, fried foods. Sugar-free gum will make diarrhea worse, as it often contains sorbitol, which can produce a laxative effect. An anti-emetic may help stop the vomiting. Watch your personal hygiene when preparing food by washing your hands.

These suggestions can help you eat properly and take care of food related problems when you are coping with cancer treatment. Not all suggestions will work for you, so consult your doctor about what is a best course of action for you. Pace yourself carefully and ask for help when you need it. Your doctor, dietitian, family and friends are all there to assist you with eating a proper diet.

Source:

http://health.msn.com/centers/cancer/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100148717