How to manage diet and nutrition during Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment used to help with cancer. It goes into the body and destroys cells that cause cancer. Well, chemotherapy can be hard on the body and make it difficult for patients to eat. Some of the side effects that chemotherapy can cause are loss of appetite, changes in taste, and food preferences. It can also make you feel sick to your stomach and have a sensitive mouth.

How long do the symptoms last?

The patient’s symptoms often settle down after the end of treatment (usually within a few days or weeks), but it is important to make them aware of the best way to manage them. The long-term side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of cancer, how well the patient’s body responds to treatment, and whether the patient has other medical conditions. The best oncologists in Pune recommend having routine check-ups after the sessions.

Why having a balanced diet is crucial during Chemotherapy?

Diet is an important factor in health recovery. It becomes even more important when a person is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. The diet helps the body recover from the side effects of chemotherapy and keep up with the treatments.

Weight loss is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy and it affects almost every patient. It may happen due to reduced appetite caused by nausea, vomiting or fatigue, or due to a lack of energy.

Weight loss during chemotherapy can lead to complications like infection and fainting. So it is important for a person undergoing chemo to eat healthily and maintain their weight.

Tips for managing diet and nutrition during Chemotherapy

There are many tips that patients undergoing chemotherapy can follow to maintain diet and nutrition. They must seek professional help from their doctor or a dietician before making any changes to their diet to minimize any risks of complications during chemotherapy.

• Eat smaller meals more often throughout the day: It is important to eat small portions regularly to avoid overindulging, which can lead to feeling sick or dizzy. It is recommended that you eat three small meals a day at two, three hour intervals at first. You can reduce this as you feel better from treatments.

• Some people may not like their regular meals anymore because of the taste or smell of the foods. Try new cuisines that they may not have had before due to being picky or not liking some foods in the past or eating at home every day of the week.

• It is also important to keep track of your eating schedule during chemotherapy. The best time for you may be different than for someone else because everyone’s body reacts differently. Breaking your meal into parts helps reduce feelings of hunger and fullness.

• Supplemental vitamin and mineral intake is a good way for cancer patients to maintain proper diet and nutrition during chemotherapy. Ask your doctor or dietician about supplements.

Do’s

• Limit intake of high-fat foods, sugary foods, and greasy foods.
• Include oatmeal, smoothies, and soups in your diet.
• Drink plenty of water
• Include lentils and pulses in your diet.

Don’ts

• Avoid products with high sugar content like sweets and soft drinks as these can cause blood sugar levels fluctuations which can make you feel dizzy or faint.
• Avoid raw foods or undercooked foods as they can put stress on your body.

Get Chemotherapy done by experts!

Galaxy Care Hospital, the best cancer hospital in Pune, provides chemotherapy treatment in an environment that is designed to provide comfort, privacy and healing to patients and their loved ones. All services at our hospital are provided by skilled, compassionate oncologists, other doctors, and nurses. With our excellent Daycare facilities, patients can go home the same day after their chemotherapy sessions. So, if you or your loved one needs to fight the battle against cancer, we are here to help. Get in touch with our hospital for comprehensive cancer treatment in Pune.