Whether cancer is treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, proper nutrition can have a profound impact on the success of the particular treatment.
The goals of nutrition in cancer treatment are to: - Maintain body muscle and prevent weight loss - Prevent nutrient deficiencies - Minimize the side effects of treatments - Promote building of healthy cells - Support the immune system Response of people towards food during their cancer experiences can vary widely.
Some continue to enjoy eating and their appetite stays strong.
While some others feel that just when they need to eat well, they feel they are unable to do so.
Emotions like fear and anxiety can make eating much more challenging.
In order to eat well during this difficult time, you might find the following tips useful.
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
- Avoid eating foods that are watery of has lots of gravy.
Best method to combat nausea is by eating dry foods, such as toasted bread or crackers - Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids with main meals.
This can make you feel even more nauseated - Sour foods have been shown to reduce nausea.
As everyone is different experimenting with a variety of sour foods may help.
Lemons, limes and ginger have been known to work well - Skip the idea of devouring an entire big meal all by yourself.
Instead, split it into smaller meals - Nausea can come at certain times of the day.
If you have nausea in the morning, make sure you eat a good sizing of meal the night before.
This step will allow you to avoid hunger during the nausea