Nutrition Basics During Cancer Treatment

Why is nutrition important?

Adequate nutrition throughout your course of treatment will help maintain strength and energy. It plays an essential role in healing and rebuilding damaged tissues. Working hard to maintain yourself nutritionally is one aspect of treatment that you can directly impact.

How do I get adequate nutrition?

  • Additional protein and calories may be needed to maintain your weight and provide you with strength to cope with side effects of treatment. Weight maintenance is important during cancer treatment, even if you are overweight, now is not a time to focus on a weight loss plan. Unintended weight loss can lead to loss of lean muscle mass which can impact your strength.
  • Try eating 3 regular meals spaced throughout the day. If you are unable to eat enough at these meals you may need to eat 5-6 smaller meals.

What about fluids?

  • Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids are important to keep the systems of the body working correctly and maintain proper hydration. Try to consume 8-10 cups of fluid every day. This can be in the form of water, juice, milk, tea, etc.

Do I need to use nutritional supplements?

  • There are a variety of commercial products available on the market that can supplement your diet with additional calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. Examples of these products are Ensure, Boost, Carnation Instant Breakfast or the generic versions of these products. These can be particularly helpful when you do not have an appetite or have difficulty maintaining your weight. It is best to maintain your intake of regular food as long as possible and incorporate these products if your appetite decreases.

What nutrition problems should I expect during treatment?

  • There is no way to know if you will have eating problems during your cancer treatment. Cancer treatments are designed to kill cancer cells, but they can also damage healthy cells leading to side effects that can affect your nutrition status.
  • Common side effects include: appetite loss, smell and taste changes, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, lactose intolerance, nausea, sore mouth, sore throat, swallowing difficulty, vomiting, and weight gain or loss. Meeting with a dietitian to discuss solutions that specifically work for you can be helpful during this time.

What can I do to before my treatment starts?

  • Until treatment starts you will not know what, if any, side effects or eating issues you may have. If you do have problems they may be mild and can be controlled. Many problems go away when cancer treatment ends.
  • Eating a healthy diet before your treatment starts can help you stay strong during the course of your treatment and lower your risk of infection.

 

Nutrition Basics After Cancer Treatment

What should I expect now that my treatment has ended?

  • After cancer treatment ends, many eating problems will improve and resolve. Some problems such as weight loss and changes in taste in smell, may last longer than the course of treatment. If you have had treatment for head and neck cancer or surgery to remove part of your stomach or intestines, then eating problems may always be part of your life.

How should I eat now that my treatment has completed?

  • After completion of your treatment eating a balanced diet can improve your long-term health. Eating healthy can help regain your strength, rebuild tissue, and improve how you feel after treatment ends.
  • A balanced diet that contains a wide variety of foods while limiting foods containing excess fat, salt, and sugar.
  • Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This can include raw and cooked vegetables, fruits and fruit juices.
  • Choose healthy carbohydrate foods such as whole wheat breads, oats, brown rice, or other whole grains and cereals.
  • Choose protein foods that are low in fat. This can include lean meats, skinless poultry, fish, beans, peas, and lentils.
  • Choose low-fat milk and dairy products.
  • Choose healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, rather than saturated fats and Trans fats.
  • Limit your salt intake by selecting foods low in sodium and avoiding cured, pickled and visibly salted foods.
  • Use low-fat cooking methods, such as broiling, steaming, grilling, and roasting.
  • Recipes