These strategies can help nourish your body and minimize stress around eating when youre undergoing cancer treatment.
However, eating nutritious meals and snacks is especially important during cancer treatment.
Show yourself compassion as you figure out what your body needs.
Photo:Getty Images
Be sure to talk to your medical team about your nutrition questions and concerns.
Here are some strategies to help combat common eating challenges as a result of cancer treatment.
Dehydration can lead to dry skin and lips, constipation, headaches and weight loss.
Keep a bottle of water handy and sip frequently.
Experiment with Different Tastes
Cancer treatments can affect how food tastes and smells.
Some people experience a metallic taste, while others find that food tastes overly salty, sweet or bitter.
Tame bitter flavors with a little salt or sugar.
Try new dishes and play with spices.
Marinate meats to add flavor and serve fresh fruits and vegetables when possible, or blend them into smoothies.
Try cooking outside on a grill to keep the smells out of the house.
Choose Easy-to-Swallow Foods
Cancers of the head and neck can cause great difficulty in swallowing foods.
If this is happening, talk to your care team and let them know.
you’ve got the option to use sauces or gravies to help soften your foods.
Take smaller bites and eat smaller meals throughout the day, more often.
Avoid hard and crunchy foods that require a lot of chewing and could irritate your throat.
Instead, eat when youre hungry.
Also, dont get too hung up on nutrient quality all the time.
Here are a few ideas for what to eat for specific GI issues.
The Bottom Line
Many eating challenges occur as a result of cancer treatment and medications.
Your care team can help you work through specific digestive issues and get you on the road to recovery.
National Cancer Institute.Nutrition during cancer treatment.
American Cancer Society.Swallowing problems.
