Effective nutrition in the treatment of cancer patients and chemotherapy.
The cancer patient has many nutritional problems during the course of chemotherapy, and to prevent malnutrition, we must help him to solve his problems related to food and loss of appetite.
In this article, we have stated all the tips and instructions related to the nutrition of cancer patients and chemotherapy.
Nutrition for cancer patients and chemotherapy!
Chemotherapy is one of the most popular types of cancer treatment, in which drugs are used to kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading.
Chemotherapy for cancer is one of the most effective treatments that has saved millions of lives and the drugs used in chemotherapy. This treatment usually does not differentiate between cancer cells and other fast-growing cells, such as blood cells, skin cells, and cells lining the stomach. This causes this method to negatively affect the cells of the body and causes some negative problems and side effects.
Complications of chemotherapy include:
Feeling tired and general weakness, high temperature 38 degrees Celsius, trembling hands and difficulty breathing, chest pain, flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches, bleeding gums or nose, mouth ulcers that may prevent the patient from eating and drinking. Difficulty swallowing and dry mouth, anorexia, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, changes in taste and smell, hair loss.
It may be difficult to cope with the side effects of chemotherapy, but we should know that these are only temporary effects that end immediately after the end of the treatment period.
What worries us here is the issue of nutrition and loss of appetite during chemotherapy and malnutrition-related problems that may have a major impact on a patient’s health, disease progression, and treatment.
The issue of eating healthy and making the right choices is important in all stages of cancer treatment, because its importance is mainly in three areas:
1- Maintaining body moisture and muscle tissue, and coping with dehydration.
2- Strengthen immunity and fight some side effects that the patient may face during treatment, such as fatigue and general weakness.
Get the calories, energy and essential nutrients you need to fight malnutrition.
Many benefits have been mentioned for this plant, the most important of which are:
Eat small meals that are divided during the day and every two hours (6-8 meals a day) instead of the three main meals, because it helps you to have nausea and anorexia.
Focus on soft, fluffy and easy-to-digest foods, and you can always use a blender to chop and prepare food using the food safety rules, proper temperature and hygiene during preparation and presentation. . This can help if you have a sore mouth and are unable to digest food. Avoid foods that may increase nausea
To prevent dehydration, including soups, juices and beverages such as tea, ginger or pomegranate juice, focus on drinking fluids.
To reduce the feeling of nausea, you can add some foods, different flavors and smells such as acidic foods, mint or ginger and other spices and herbs.
It is preferable not to drink liquids with meals, but in the meantime and focus on them enough and keep them close to avoid feeling full and full early consumption with meals. Be.
To solve the problem of loss of appetite and malnutrition, spread olive food by adding olive oil to salads, for example, using cream sauces, or adding milk or starch to various soups, eating avocados and nuts in meals. And increase its calories.
To increase your calorie intake, focus on eating healthy carbohydrates such as potatoes, pasta, rice, bread, etc., for example, add a cup of nuts cocktail.
Focus on eating high-calorie snacks when you are at home and away from the hospital.
Eat slowly for good digestion.
Eating in a space that you love, such as eating with friends or family, this will encourage you to eat more meals.
Focus on foods rich in nutrients and protein and avoid low-protein foods such as non-alcoholic beverages.
If you suffer from diarrhea, avoid high-fat and fried foods.
In case of diarrhea, avoid caffeinated beverages and foods and replace soy milk, almonds or other dairy options with milk and dairy products.
Do not eat food that is too hot or too cold and eat at room temperature.
Try to avoid eating in the kitchen, and avoid strong odors that may cause you to feel nauseous, and it is preferable for the patient not to prepare the food himself and to serve it uncovered.
Always try different types and recipes, consider variety and eat what you like.
If you suffer from dry mouth and swallowing problems, it is preferable to avoid foods that may stick to the roof of the throat and replace wet foods that contain a lot of liquids and cream or juice to them and prefer You can avoid spicy foods.
In case of dry mouth, it is possible to chew and suck ice cubes or eat ice cream, this will help you and improve your feeling. Eat citrus fruits and their juices like lemons, which enhance saliva secretion and taste.
If you feel a metallic taste in your mouth, it is recommended to replace metal containers with plastic or paper containers.
If you are bothered by red meat and fish or legumes such as lentils, stay away from red meat and use other options.
Take care of decorating dishes and consider attractive appearance, which may play a major role in opening the appetite.
Pay attention to the safety and cleanliness of food and always make sure the validity and expiration date of what you eat.
It is possible to add dietary supplements and take them in addition to the diet, but after consulting a specialist.
Do not take daily medications on an empty stomach.
Always try to eat your meals hours before the chemotherapy session. In the end, always try to stay calm and avoid negative treatment, as this will help you reduce symptoms, especially nausea and loss of appetite. And if you can do a light physical exercise such as walking and in a way that fits your health, it will help you a lot and strengthen your appetite, and of course, consulting a nutritionist can determine your daily diet. You help a lot. Need and according to your circumstances.
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