Dansk,
Doing some research on the diet thing right now. (In between work that is. ) Still looking, but found this for when you go through chemo. Might be helpful.
Below is a list of common side effects of various cancer treatments, with a list of tips to help you overcome them:
Loss of Appetite
- Eat small, more frequent meals. "Just be like a cow and graze," said Linney.
- Take advantage of times when you're hungriest, usually in the morning.
- Do some light exercise to stimulate the appetite.
- Keep ready-to-eat foods on hand at home and on the road. "Bring food with you to snack on while waiting for your appointments," said Linney.
- Drink oral supplements like Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast.
- If you just can't bring yourself to eat, ask your doctor for appetite stimulants.
Nausea/Vomiting
- For foods with a strong smell, like broccoli, try eating them cold or lukewarm.
- Avoid favorite foods - if you try to eat them and get nauseous, you may forever associate that food with getting sick.
- Eat dry crackers or toast.
- Avoid fatty, greasy fried foods.
- Drink liquid between meals rather than with food.
- Avoid tight clothing.
- Keep a log of when you become nauseous. It may help determine what's making you sick.
- Tart foods or beverages can help settle the stomach.
- Ask your doctor for anti-nausea medication.
Mouth & Throat Problems
- Avoid tart, spicy or acidic foods.
- Avoid rough, coarse foods that can irritate the throat.
- Eat foods lukewarm, rather than hot or cold.
- Puree foods in a blender.
- Use a straw for drinks or soups.
- Use anesthetic (numbing) throat sprays or lozenges before eating.
- Practice good oral hygiene.
Dry Mouth
- Frequently sip liquids to moisten mouth.
- Tart or sweet foods and drinks can help ease dryness.
- Suck on hard candy or Popsicles, or chew gum.
- Eat food with gravies and sauces to ease swallowing.
- Puree foods before eating.
- Ask your doctor about artificial saliva.
Change in Taste or Smell
- Eat foods cold or lukewarm.
- Rinse your mouth with water, lemonade or ginger ale to decrease bitter taste.
- Find protein alternatives.
- Try different foods.
- Experiment with seasonings.
Constipation
- Increase fiber intake.
- Drink warm beverages.
- Get some light exercise, which may also stimulate the appetite.
- Ask your doctor about stool softeners.
Diarrhea
- Limit your intake of fiber, high-fat foods, sugar-free items and lactose (dairy) products.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Increase your sodium and potassium sources.
