What should you eat when undergoing radiation therapy for cancer?

Cancer and cancer treatment can have adverse nutritional impacts on patients, such as loss of appetite and impaired nutrient absorption leading to malnutrition. Meanwhile, nutrition plays a crucial role in wound healing, fighting infection, and providing energy for survival. Good eating habits can help patients minimize many of the disadvantages caused by cancer treatment as well as the disease itself.

Loss of appetite - a common problem for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

To ensure proper nutrition, patients need to eat a balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrient groups: protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Malignant tumors can produce substances that negatively affect the body's absorption of nutrients. The body's utilization of protein, carbohydrates, and fats is affected, especially when the tumor is located in the stomach or intestines. Patients may feel full, bloated, and have a poor appetite, lacking hunger despite not absorbing nutrients. Common adverse effects of cancer and its treatment can include: loss of appetite; dry mouth; pain and infection in the mouth and throat; nausea and vomiting; changes in taste; diarrhea; decreased white blood cell count; reduced water intake; constipation, etc.

Fruit juices, rich in vitamins and minerals, should be added to the diet of cancer patients to provide extra energy.

Loss of appetite is one of the most common problems during cancer radiation therapy. Depression and vague fears can also cause patients to lose their appetite. Side effects of treatment such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in taste also contribute to patients' aversion to food. For some, loss of appetite lasts only a few days; for others, it may last longer.

How can we improve?

Regardless of the reason, cancer patients and their families should pay attention to the following nutritional guidelines to improve their condition.

Eat a high-energy, high-protein diet with several small meals throughout the day instead of three main meals. This way of eating allows patients to eat more without feeling bloated.

Add extra energy and protein to food (butter, powdered milk, honey, brown sugar, etc.).

Supplement with fluids (especially nutrient-rich drinks), soups, milk, juices (fruit, vegetable, meat), pureed, mixed, or blended foods...

Prepare and stock up on tasty foods that are convenient to use anytime, anywhere, whenever you're hungry (cheese, crackers, raisins, etc.).

Breakfast should be the main meal, accounting for one-third of the total daily energy and protein intake.

Eat foods that are delicious and appealing. If the patient is allergic to strong-smelling foods, use an exhaust fan, and only serve food that has cooled to lukewarm temperature (as hot food will have a very strong smell); open the lids of pots and pans to reduce the smell before bringing them into the patient's room. The air in the room while eating should be fresh and pleasant.

Be creative in changing up the menu and diversifying the food and desserts.

While eating, one should relax and have fun, and the meal should be presented attractively.

Regular exercise and physical activity can improve appetite. It's important to consult with your doctor to determine the type of exercise that's right for you.

According to Health and Life