Written by Isabella Ferrari, MCN, RD, CSO, LD
If you are going through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or surgery, it is extremely important to use food not only as a tool for maintaining your weight and nutrition status but also to minimize the side effects of cancer treatment.
What should I know about nutrition during cancer treatment?
Adequate protein and calorie intake during treatment play a significant role in helping people with cancer meet their increased nutritional needs for healing and preventing weight loss. A poor nutrition status can sometimes lead to poor tolerance to treatment and delays in infusion or even surgery.
How much or what you need to eat during treatment depends on what your nutrition status was before diagnosis, the type of cancer you have, and the type of treatment you are receiving. For the most part, it is recommended that people with cancer eat a high-calorie and high-protein diet. One tip I share with my patients is to make sure that whatever they put into their bodies is giving them some kind of nutritional value and nourishing them. For example, it is better to choose a blended vegetable/chicken soup instead of chicken broth.
Homemade smoothies or store-bought protein shakes are a great way to include more protein and calories by adding them as snacks or in between meals. However, this can be hard when you are experiencing side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, early satiety, poor appetite, or fatigue. Another tip I share with my patients is instead of eating 2-3 big meals a day, try eating 5-6 small, snack-like meals throughout your day.
Who can help me navigate nutrition during cancer treatment?
Following the extensive medical advice that surrounds cancer treatment can become overwhelming, but a Registered Dietitian can help you and your family or support system figure out a schedule that works for you and recommend a meal pattern that meets your nutrition needs.
Learn more about Isabella Ferrari here: https://dohertynutrition.com/isabella-ferrari/
Follow: @dohertynutrition
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of Cancer Care Services nor its staff. This information provided through this site should not be used for diagnosing or treating a medical condition, nor should it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about a medical condition, always seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health professional.
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