Diet is critical to chemotherapy's success.
Proper nutrition for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment is important. Because their body is in a weakened state, it is more sensitive to what goes into it. Chemotherapy can greatly reduce an individual's appetite, but it is still important for them to consume enough calories each day to maintain their weight and produce enough protein to adequately feed their immune system. Chemotherapy patients should also try to supply their bodies with a nutritional balance of vitamins and minerals, along with other essential nutrients.
Meal Preparation
Simple is better for chemotherapy patients. Their body may be overly sensitive to seasonings and spices, particularly if they are experiencing heightened nausea, so flavor is not a factor--in fact, you should try to make foods as bland as possible. When cooking, try to separate the patient from the aromas being produced. Avoid acidic foods, such as tomato sauce in pasta, lemons or soft drinks, and use meat tenderizers or other marinades on steaks or other meats to help breakdown the proteins and make the nutrients more easy to consume. Prepare small meals throughout the day. Help exceptionally thin and nauseous patients focus on eating as little as one bite an hour, but keep the food coming consistently.
Important Foods
Water is the most important component of any patient's diet, since it is used in the breakdown of foods to energy. Serve 100-percent fruit juices or Gatorade, and avoid any drink that contains caffeine. Ensure can provide nutrients to individuals with extreme nausea. Prepare broths of chicken, beef or vegetable, but make them clear and advise the patient to sip them slowly. Avoid dairy products unless they are supplemented with acidophilus, a compound that helps the body process dairy when the intestine's bacteria count gets too low. Any form of fruit is appropriate, but skins and seeds should be avoided, and dried fruits will need to be stewed or cooked before eating. Prepare meats, if possible, particularly beef if the individual's iron count is low. White pasta, rice and potatoes are all easy on the stomach and should be prominent fixtures in the individual's diet. Avoid whole-grain foods. Crackers, cereals and plain cookies are also appropriate selections, and work well as mid-meal snacks.
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