Cancer and Nutrition

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Cancer and Nutrition
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• Things you can do to minimize cancer and
  chemo-induced lack of appetite
• Food Preparation
• Try to eat small meals or snacks every two to
  three hours, instead of three large meals a day.
• Foods that are high in protein or calories are
  good snacks to have handy. Examples include milk
  shakes, ensure, cheese, fruits, peanut butter,
  nuts, crackers, and juices.
• Eat foods that are rich in calories and
  nutrients. Avoid low-calorie foods that fill you
  up, such as lettuce, broth, and diet soda.
• When choosing beverages, select nutrient-dense
  fluids such as milk, milk shakes, and juice.
• Avoid heavy meals, greasy or fried foods, and
  foods that can cause gas. Example of
  gas-producing foods include beans, cauliflower,
  broccoli, cabbage, and carbonated drinks. Avoid
  spicy foods.
• Prepare food that is colorful and appealing to
  the eye.
• Surroundings and their effect on lack of
  appetite
• Try to eat with friends or family. Make eating a
  social event. Often times people will eat more
  when they are socializing achat vente viagra.
• Avoid smells that are bothersome to you while you
  are eating. Hot foods have more smell to avoid
  preparation if possible. Eat cool or room
  temperature foods so odors are reduced.

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• Taste changes from caner or chemo treatments
• If you have a lack of appetite because you have
  lost you sense of taste from chemo treatment, you
  may want to try adding different seasonings to
  your foods.
• If you have a bad taste in your mouth, try
  sucking on hard candies/mints or chewing gum.
  Also, keep your mouth clean by brushing at least
  two times per day and rinsing your mouth out with
  water between meals /snacks.
• Dry Mouth
• If you are not eating much because your mouth is
  dry, try increasing your fluid intake. Also limit
  your intake of liquids with meals. Liquids make
  you feel full. Save the liquids for in between
  meals.
• Avoid toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain
  alcohol as this can cause further drying of your
  mouth. To stimulate saliva, or to make your mouth
  moist, try sucking on ice cubes, cadies, or gum.
• You may want to try biotin products which are
  available at your drug store.

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• Mouth Sores
• If you are not eating because you have sores in
  your mouth, use a soft bristle toothbrush. You
  can also rinse your mouth with a mixture of ½ to
  1 teaspoon of baking soda or ½ to 1 teaspoon of
  salt in 8 ounces of water about four or five
  times a day especially after meals. You may
  want to ask your doctor if Magic Mouthwash by
  prescription would be beneficial.
• The following guidelines suggest when to call
  your doctor
• Trouble Swallowing
• Losing Weight
• Abdominal Pain
• Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and
  unrelieved with prescribed medications).
• Vomiting (more than 4-5 times in a 24-hour
  period).
• Mouth Sores
• If you continue to have lack of appetite despite
  trying some of the above recommendations.
• Any other bothersome symptoms and concerns.
• Talk to your doctor if these suggestions do not
  help your appetite. There may be oral medications
  that can be prescribed to combat lack of
  appetite.
• You can also talk to Ashley Johnson, Patient
  Wellness Navigator for any additional suggestions
  regarding Nutrition. 843-577-6957 ext. 216