Nutrition during chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is one of the leading methods of cancer treatment. This procedure involves the intravenous administration of special drugs that destroy cancer cells and inhibit their growth. The main disadvantage of chemotherapy drugs is their low selectivity in relation to cells and tissues. Unfortunately, such treatment affects not only cancer cells, but also healthy ones, which causes side effects, for example, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and digestion can often be disrupted.

The effect of chemotherapy on the gastrointestinal tract is nausea and loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea. A few of the lesser-known side effects of this treatment that can alter the perception of food are loss of taste and sensitivity to certain odors. To quickly restore the body and stop the side effects of chemotherapy, doctors recommend adhering to a special diet.

Taste management

According to a number of studies^[1], about 50% of people who undergo chemotherapy treatment experience a change in taste sensations. Some of them have a metallic or chemical taste in their mouths, while others lose their taste altogether. As a rule, this effect is temporary, and the receptors are restored three to four weeks after the end of treatment.

Is it possible to get rid of these problems? Depending on the reason for the change, different tips may work differently for each patient. If you experience nausea, choose foods that smell good and taste good. Since your preferences may change, experiment with different foods and new dishes. Cold or room temperature foods are less pungent and less irritating to the taste buds, so you should pay attention to them first. Also, a slice of fresh lemon without sugar will help to cope with nausea: this portion is not enough to irritate the digestive tract, but it increases appetite and prevents vomiting. Ice cream or frozen juice can also calm the stomach.

To get rid of the metallic taste in your mouth, you should try using plastic or glassware. If a certain type of meat causes discomfort, check the reaction to other sources of protein, such as eggs, beans or dairy products. Try to create conditions during meals that increase your mood. They can be beautiful table setting, calm music or chatting with friends. Use salad dressings or other sauces, as well as herbs and spices. Perhaps they will help the dish become more attractive again and improve your appetite. Also, a walk in the fresh air will help “start” the digestive system and feel a slight hunger.

Nutritional support

Nutritional support is indicated for patients receiving long-term systemic anticancer therapy. It is the process of providing complete nutrition through a range of methods that, in addition to regular food intake, include artificial nutrition. Nutritional support helps the body cope with various diseases, infections, the effects of surgery and injury. It is also ideal during chemotherapy.

Nutrition during such treatment should be aimed at maintaining the level of biologically necessary components – macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). In patients with cancer, the processes of muscle protein breakdown are accelerated, and it is necessary for wound healing, better tolerance of drugs (including chemotherapy), maintaining weight and strength. Against the background of loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, for example, mixtures for feeding cancer patients can be used as the only or additional source of nutrition. They are enriched with easily digestible components and a full-fledged complex of nutrients, which allows you to give the body everything necessary for normal life in a small volume. They do not cause disgust in patients. You can buy them at a pharmacy, but such mixtures have their own contraindications and are prescribed only on the recommendation of a doctor.

What can you eat?

During treatment, you can eat almost everything. It is necessary to include fresh fruits in the diet and drink juices. The use of berries and vegetables will benefit. The latter, by the way, are useful both fresh and baked, and steamed. The diet must have a large amount of protein, so you should try to eat meat, fish and eggs. Dairy products also enrich the body with minerals and vitamins. Bread and cereals are usually perceived as dangerous due to their high calorie content, but during treatment they are ideal, for example, for breakfast.

In conditions of reduced appetite, vomiting and aversion to food, experts recommend eating fractionally, eating five to seven times a day in small portions. It will be useful to include mashed dishes in the diet. It will be easier for the body to absorb them, and the gastrointestinal tract will not react to food with nausea.

What can’t be eaten?

The list of prohibited foods during treatment includes fried, smoked, salted or canned foods. It is recommended to limit the consumption of fast food and be wary of spicy and spicy dishes. Also avoid eating processed foods. But if these foods make you hungry, then, of course, you can afford such food in small quantities. Just don’t make it a daily habit. Try to enrich your diet, add more greens to salads, choose beautiful foods of different colors and textures. You should also avoid highly carbonated drinks. And remember, there are no trifles in the fight against oncology, and nutrition often becomes one of the key factors affecting the effectiveness of therapy and the speed of recovery of the body!

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