FOOD AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT

Nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment and recovery. Good nutrition allows a patient’s body to tolerate cancer therapy better and with fewer side effects. It also helps patients feel better and increases their energy. For more information about nutrition during cancer treatment, ask for Eating Hints by the National Cancer Institute, a free brochure available at the Cancer Learning Center on the first floor of Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Hydration is an important part of good nutrition. Unless instructed differently, cancer patients should try consuming a minimum of 64 ounces (8 cups) of non-caffeinated liquids a day. Soup, jello, pudding, fruit, and other foods with high water content count as part of this amount.

Helpful Suggestions

Nausea and vomiting

• Avoid or limit foods with strong odors. Eat foods cold or at room temperature.
• Eat dry, bland foods such as crackers or toast often. Limit fried or spicy foods.
• Eat small, frequent meals slowly. Relax after meals to allow foods to digest.
• Avoid favorite foods when feeling nauseated. Eat them when you feel well.
• After eating, loosen clothes, get fresh air, and don’t lie down.
• Ask your health care provider for medication(s) to help control nausea and vomiting.

Taste alterations

• Try cleaning your mouth before eating.
• Experiment with different foods and flavors. Use more seasonings, herbs, and spices. Try adding onion, garlic, and other flavors to vegetables.
• If sweet foods do not taste good, try sour, bitter, or tart flavorings. Try adding lemon, lime, and orange to meals.
• Use sugar-free lemon drops, gum, or mints to counteract metallic or bitter tastes.
• Try eating with plastic utensils to help reduce metallic tastes.

Sore mouth or throat

• Drink plenty of liquids. Drink through a straw to bypass an irritated mouth.
• Choose soft moist foods. Add extra gravies, cream sauces, or butter to meals. Cook food until soft and tender.
• Use cold foods to soothe a sore mouth or throat
• Avoid irritating foods such as citrus fruits and juices, spicy or salty foods, and rough, coarse, or dry foods.
• Rinse your mouth frequently to remove food and bacteria and promote healing. Ask your dentist about cleaning products for teeth and gums.

Fatigue

• Prepare and freeze meals ahead of time.
• Let friends or family members cook for you.
• Keep easily accessible snack foods handy.
• Use paper products or minimal dishes to reduce clean-up time.

Constipation

• Eat plenty of high fiber foods. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are good sources of fiber. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
• Gradually add fiber into your diet over eight weeks to a final goal of 25-30 grams fiber a day.
• Drink plenty of liquids. Prune juice may be beneficial.
• Take walks and exercise regularly.
• Ask your health care provider before adding any stool softeners or laxatives.

Diarrhea

• Avoid excessive amounts of fiber or a rapid increase in fiber intake.
• Try small frequent meals. Try adding bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, pasta, and potatoes to thicken stool. Limit gas-forming foods such as greasy, fried, or spicy items.
• Replace fluid loss with liquids between meals.

Weight Loss

• Try to eat four to six small meals per day. Just looking at a large meal can decrease appetite. Keep snacks available in your car, purse, or backpack.
• Drink liquids between meals if you get full fast. Take breaks during meals.
• If you have a good appetite, take advantage of it and eat up; you may not have an appetite later on. Appetite is often best in the morning, so eat a larger breakfast.
• Focus on adding protein to your diet: cheese, yogurt, milk, cottage cheese, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, meats, and beans.
• Add high-calorie items to foods: powdered milk, honey, avocados, olive oil, margarine, butter, and peanut butter.
• Use a high-protein supplement such as Carnation Instant Breakfast, Boost, or Ensure.
• Be creative. Try making milkshakes or smoothies packed with protein and calories.