What To Eat When You Have Cancer?
The treatments we have for cancer today are often effective at destroying the cancer cells in the body. However, in the process, they may also come with some temporary yet adverse side effects, such as nausea, weight loss, fatigue, diarrhoea, anaemia and hair loss, among other things.
These symptoms will ease out after the cancer treatment is complete. However, during the treatment period, it is essential to eat right, so you can keep your body as healthy as possible. Since your appetite may change on a daily basis, you need to keep your cancer diet plan a bit flexible too.
Let's take a look at what you should eat depending on your appetite and your body's reaction to the medications during the cancer treatment phase.
Scenario 1: You have a low appetite
You may not be very hungry on some days, but you still need to eat to give your body the nutrition it needs to heal. On such days, you can use the tips given below.
- Eat many smaller meals throughout the day instead of fewer large meals.
- Set an alarm to remind yourself to eat every 2-3 hours, so you don't skip a meal.
- Distract yourself with TV or a book while eating, so you aren't affected by the lack of appetite.
- Eat more fruits and raw vegetables, so you don't have to spend time cooking a meal.
Scenario 2: You are very hungry
On good days, you may have a healthy appetite. Here is what you need to do then.
- Avoid giving into cravings for junk food like pizza, aerated drinks or fried foods.
- Eat foods high in fibre, like grains, nuts, and vegetables.
- Drink some water before each meal, so you can avoid overeating.
- Eat a small portion of healthy fats from avocados or similar sources.
Scenario 3: You are suffering from constipation
Some cancer treatments may cause constipation in certain patients. If you have this problem, here is how you can tweak your cancer diet.
- Drink hot beverages like herbal teas.
- Drink lots of water
- Eat fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts.
- Remember to steer clear of vegetables that may cause gas and bloating though.
Scenario 4: You are suffering from diarrhoea
In some patients, cancer treatments can cause diarrhoea. Here is what you can do to work around this issue.
- Avoid eating too many dairy-based foods.
- Reduce your intake of sugary and greasy foods.
- Eat more baked or boiled foods.
- Drink coconut water and diluted fruit juices to keep your body's electrolyte levels high.
Scenario 5: You feel tired all day
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of cancer. Occasionally, cancer treatments can also leave you feeling exhausted and drained. On days when you are too tired, here are some dietary tips to help.
- Rely on healthy yet easy-to-make foods like salads.
- If you have friends and family to help you out, you can have some soups and other comfort food as you relax and rejuvenate.
- Eat fruits to get a healthy dose of carbs and natural sugars that can give you more energy.