Managing Meals While Fighting Cancer

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A cancer diagnosis means taking a fresh look at what you eat, when you eat and how your support network can help you maintain a healthful diet. Your nutrient needs change with cancer, and so does your appetite. But chemotherapy, radiation and surgery all require that you eat a good diet to help your body heal and fight infection.

Let’s go over some common problems concerning food when battling cancer. I’ll offer solutions for each.

I don’t have any energy. All I want to do is sleep.

There are a number of factors that may explain why you are so tired. These include anemia, depression or side effects of medication or treatment.

Solution: Understand the side effects of your medications and treatments. Talk to your doctor to learn what your level of physical activity should be—sometimes moving a little more can give you an energy boost. Make sure you’re clear about your nutrient needs, too. Your doctor or registered dietitian can help with this. Also, keep track of your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Anemia is a fairly common side effect of cancer treatments. Be sure to eat iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans and green leafy veggies, paired with vitamin-C-rich foods. Also, ask your doctor about treatment options for anemia or depression.

I don’t feel like eating a thing.

Let’s face it—a cancer diagnosis is a tough mountain to climb, but you have to muster the energy to reach the peak. There are a number of physiological, psychological, social, financial, mental and spiritual reasons that contribute to your lack of appetite. This is normal. Plus, cooking may be a task that you are not up to, or you may be too tired to eat after preparing a meal.

Solution: Eat four to six small meals each day with healthy, convenient foods like yogurt, baby carrots, cheeses, crackers and fruits. Start the day with cereal and milk. Try Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast or similar products to help you fill in any nutritional gaps. Ask friends to take turns bringing over evening meals. Keep cheese or peanut butter and crackers on hand, and enjoy ice cream from time to time when chemo or radiation has you really beat.

Nothing tastes right.

Chemotherapy and some oral medications can make foods taste strange or make your sense of smell overwhelming.

Solution: Strongly flavored meats like beef and pork may have a metallic flavor when you are receiving chemotherapy. Also, your favorite foods may not taste the same. So, choose chicken, fish or meatless entrees more often and wait to eat your favorite meaty dishes until a few weeks after your treatment ends. You might tolerate foods flavored with apple cider vinegar, lemon or honey.

My mouth and throat feel like cotton.

Some people experience dry mouth and throat or difficulty swallowing because of reactions to medications or treatment.

Solution: Avoid spicy foods and irritating seasoning like cloves, hot sauce, chili powders and peppers. Chew on sugarless gum; suck on sour hard candies or ice; and avoid mouthwashes, alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Citrus fruits and juices can stimulate saliva production but may also irritate ulcers or sores in the mouth, throat or stomach. Make an effort to drink eight to 10 cups of water, milk and non-citrus juices to meet your fluid needs.

I am always nauseated and vomiting and I can’t stop this diarrhea.

Again many factors could contribute to these symptoms, including meds, treatment and general stress. Because your immunity is weakened, you are more susceptible to food-borne illness, which might also explain the diarrhea.

Solution: Discuss the side effects of your medications with your pharmacist or doctor. Eat dry and bland foods like crackers and cereal, and other foods served cold. Stay away from greasy and fried foods and sugar-free gums and other candy sweetened with sorbitol. Take a short walk or go on a drive when meals are being prepared in your home. Ask your doctor if an anti-emetic might help with the vomiting. Wash your hands when preparing food. Also, eat with family and friends who you know are conscientious about personal hygiene. Be aware of health ratings of restaurants and other institutions when you go out for food.

I can’t seem get my bowel habits regulated.

Medications including iron supplements, cancer treatment, fatigue and poor appetite could all be causative factors.

Solution: Drink more fluid. Stay physically active and eat a variety of fiber-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, popcorn and whole grains. Watch out for gas-producing foods like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beans and onions. Ask your doctor if a laxative or stool softener might help.

I know that you want to be cured of cancer as soon as possible, and alternative therapies probably have crossed your mind at some point. Be sure to discuss with your doctor and pharmacist any supplements or alternative treatments that you might be taking. Although many are harmless, others can interfere with your medicine. The National Center on Complementary and Alternative Medicine has the most up-to-date information on the science of the most common alternative options. If this agency hasn’t reviewed your particular supplement, know that the science on its effectiveness has not been rigorously explored.

Your health-care team and personal support network will make a great difference in how you manage your nutrient needs. Work actively with your doctor, pharmacist and registered dietitian to make the most of the foods you eat. Salud!

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Keecha Harris is President of Harris and Associates, a food systems and public health consulting firm based in Birmingham, Ala. (Read her full bio.)