Chemotherapy and radiotherapy kill cancer cells, but they also cause nausea, loss of appetite, and changes in the sense of taste. These side effects can be overcome while surviving one of life’s biggest challenges, cancer treatment. The treatment puts the patient’s body under great stress, so it is important to get optimum energy. of foods, as well as meet the increased requirements for protein.
According to a report by the site healthyfood This can be difficult to do, and cancer itself can cause problems such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, and feeling full quickly. In fact, weight loss is often the first symptom of cancer that people notice, and up to 80% of people with cancer experience it..
Cancer treatments can also affect your ability to eat well. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy often cause changes in your sense of taste and smell, as well as nausea, pain, diarrhea, and mucositis (inflammation and ulceration of the lining of your digestive system). Surgery for cancer may interfere Also with nutrient absorption.
Common side effects of treatment
- Poor appetite and weight loss
- exhaustion
- Changes in the sense of taste and smell
- Chewing and swallowing problems
- Dry mouth, nausea and vomiting
- holding
- Diarrhea
- Other types of intestinal irritation
- heartburn
Taste and taste change
Taste and smell change, and the change is usually temporary, but can last for a few weeks after treatment ends
solutions
- One common complaint is the inability to eat meat or meat products since protein requirements are higher during cancer treatment. If you cannot eat meat, make sure your meals include cheese, beans, eggs, fish, and foods rich in protein..
- Marinate the meat to change its flavor Try spices, herbs and lemon juice or use store-bought seasoning.
- Sprinkle a little sugar on bitter or salty foods.
- Add a pinch of salt to super sweet foods.
Decreased appetite is the most common side effect
This is one of the most common side effects and can result from a combination of cancer treatments, leaving you feeling unwell, tired and generally frustrated..
Solutions
- Eat less often, for example every two to three hours, large meals can bother you, and reduce your appetite even more..
- Drink high-calorie liquids such as milkshakes, juices and smoothies after or between meals, not immediately before.
- Keep food that is easy to eat, such as soup, cheese and canned pasta.
Side effects: dry mouth
Drinking adequate amounts of fluids is especially important during cancer treatment.
Solutions
- Keep bottles of water, juice or ginger on hand to take regularly throughout the day.
- Eat broth and ice cubes to increase fluid intake.
- Drinking lemon juice or orange flavored soft drinks can help increase saliva production.
- Moisten foods with sauces, spreads, or broths. Take a sip of liquid with each mouth to aid in chewing and swallowing. Do not drink large quantities with meals as this may affect your appetite.
Side effects: nausea
Feeling sick is not a pleasant sensation and you may feel nauseous with or without vomiting.
Solutions
- Take anti-nausea medications as directed by your doctor.
- An empty stomach makes nausea worse, so eat small amounts regularly Try snacking on nuts and regular crackers.
