6 Tips for Eating During Cancer Treatment

The southern Indian city of Chennai was found to have the highest share of female cancer patients diagnosed with breast cancer. A recent study by the ICMR found that Chennai has the highest percentage of female cancer patients who have received a breast cancer diagnosis—32%.

Cancer can be physically demanding. Internal organs can suffer damage from therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, and other medications, leading to an unbalance that is very difficult to deal with. However, a cancer treatment hospital in Chennai suggests that  making smart dietary choices can improve your mood and hasten your recovery.

Healthy eating is often associated with weight loss or maintenance. At the same time, these are great goals for most people, including doctors of a cancer hospital in Chennai. Suggest that healthy eating also helps cancer patients recover from treatment-related side effects and boost their immune system to stay well longer. 

Below are six tips to follow while undergoing cancer treatment.

Include protein:

Protein is an essential nutrient, which means your body can’t make it on its own. You have to get it from the food you eat. Protein serves various purposes, including assisting your body in repairing damaged cells, fending off infections, and reducing the loss of muscle and weight, all crucial for maximizing your treatment.

Fluid foods:

Cancer treatment can sometimes make you feel like you’re on a roller coaster ride. You might feel great one day and then awful the next. One thing that can help you stay balanced is keeping your fluid levels up.

Dehydration can result from typical cancer therapy side effects such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Keep water nearby, and drink it frequently. Additionally, you can add other fluid-rich foods to your diet like melons, tomatoes, soup count, decaffeinated tea, and coffee.  

Tune your hunger:

Getting some exercise and fresh air may make you increase your appetite if you don’t feel like eating. When you do eat, choose tiny servings so that it doesn’t seem like such a big deal. Try a soup or smoothie if you don’t feel like eating anything solid. Take advantage of the mornings, when hunger and energy are typically at their peak.

Easy to swallow foods:

Radiation and chemotherapy frequently cause side symptoms like a sore throat and a dry tongue. Try soft meals such as spaghetti, stews, soups, yogurt, fruits, well-cooked veggies, and purees. 

Instead, add sauces and gravies to your dish to add moisture. Your medical staff can assist you with additional remedies like calming mouthwashes and “thickeners” to add to food to make them easily swallowable.

Oats:

Numerous nutrients in oatmeal can benefit your body while receiving chemotherapy. It boasts more healthful fats than most grains and generous amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and antioxidants. Because of its beta-glucan content, a form of soluble fiber that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut also aids in regulating your bowel movements.

Various tastes:

The flavor and aroma of food might be impacted by cancer therapy. Food may taste metallic to some people while being too salty, sweet, or bitter to others. Avoid canned foods, use glass cookware and plastic utensils to reduce the metallic flavor, and season food with a squeeze of lemon or vinegar.

Conclusion:

Cancer hospitals in Chennai suggest to patients that making healthier food choices is integral to recovering better from cancer treatment. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will feel your best before, during, and after cancer treatments. Cancer patients can take their health into their own hands using these healthy eating tips.