Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment by National Cancer Institute. - HTML preview

11 grams

Keeps well in a refrigerator, but is

hard to spread when cold.

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After Cancer Treatment

Many eating problems go away when treatment ends

Once you finish cancer treatment, many of your eating problems will get better.

Some eating problems, such as weight loss and changes in taste or smell, may last longer than your course of treatment. If you had treatment for head and neck cancer or surgery to remove part of your stomach or intestines, then eating problems may always be part of your life.

Return to healthy eating

While healthy eating by itself cannot keep cancer from coming back, it can help you regain strength, rebuild tissue, and improve how you feel after treatment ends. Here are some ways to eat well after treatment ends:

u Prepare simple meals that you like and are easy to make.

u Cook 2 or 3 meals at a time. Freeze the extras to eat later on.

u Stock up on frozen dinners.

u Make cooking easy, such as buying cut-up vegetables from a salad bar.

u Eat many different kinds of foods. No single food has all the vitamins and nutrients you need.

u Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. This includes eating raw and cooked vegetables, fruits, and fruit juices. These all have vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

u Eat whole wheat bread, oats, brown rice, or other whole grains and cereals.

These have needed complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

u Add beans, peas, and lentils to your diet and eat them often.

u Go easy on fat, salt, sugar, alcohol, and smoked or pickled foods.

u Choose low-fat milk products.

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u Eat small portions (about 6 to 7 ounces each day) of lean meat and poultry without skin.

u Use low-fat cooking methods, such as broiling, steaming, grilling, and roasting.

Talk with a dietitian

You may find it helpful to talk with a dietitian even

when you are finished with cancer treatment. A

dietitian can help you return to healthy eating or

discuss ways to manage any lasting eating problems.

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Eating Problems That May Be Caused by Certain

Cancer Treatments

Cancer Treatment

What Sometimes Happens: Side Effects

Surgery

• Surgery may slow digestion (how the body uses food). It can also affect eating if you have surgery of the mouth, stomach, intestines, or throat.

• After surgery, some people have trouble getting back to normal eating. If this happens, you may need to get nutrients through a feeding tube or IV (through a needle directly into a vein).

Note: Surgery increases your need for good nutrition. If you are weak or underweight, you may need to eat a high-protein, high-calorie diet before surgery.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy damages healthy cells as well as cancer cells.

When you have radiation therapy to the head, neck, chest, or esophagus, you may have eating problems such as:

• Changes in your sense of taste (page 15)

• Dry mouth (page 23)

• Sore mouth (page 30)

• Sore throat (page 34)

• Tooth and jaw problems

• Trouble swallowing (page 34)

When you have radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis, you may have problems with:

• Cramps, bloating

• Diarrhea (page 20)

• Nausea (page 27)

• Vomiting (page 37)

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Eating Problems That May Be Caused by Certain Cancer Treatments continued

Cancer Treatment

What Sometimes Happens: Side Effects

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of

cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly. But it can also harm healthy cells that grow and divide quickly, such as those in the lining of your mouth and intestines. Damage to healthy cells can lead to side effects. Some of these side effects can lead to eating problems, such as:

• Appetite loss (page 12)

• Changes in your sense of taste (page 15)

• Constipation (page 17)

• Diarrhea (page 20)

• Nausea (page 27)

• Sore mouth (page 30)

• Sore throat (page 34)

• Vomiting (page 37)

• Weight gain (page 39)

• Weight loss (page 41)

Biological Therapy

Biological therapy can affect your interest in food or ability to eat.

(Immunotherapy)

Problems can include:

• Changes in your sense of taste (page 15)

• Diarrhea (page 20)

• Dry mouth (page 23)

continued on next page

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Eating Problems That May Be Caused by Certain Cancer Treatments continued

Cancer Treatment

What Sometimes Happens: Side Effects

Biological Therapy

• Appetite loss caused by flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches, fatigue, and fever (page 12)

(Immunotherapy)

(continued)

• Nausea (page 27)

• Sore mouth (page 30)

• Vomiting (page 37)

• Weight loss, severe (page 41)

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy can affect your interest in food or ability to eat.

Problems can include:

• Changes in your sense of taste (page 15)

• Diarrhea (page 20)

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Lists of Foods and Drinks

Clear Liquids

This list may help if you have appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting.

u See page 12 to read more about appetite loss.

u See page 17 to read more about constipation.

u See page 20 to read more about diarrhea.

u See page 37 to read more about vomiting.

Types

Liquids

Soups

Bouillon

Clear broth

Consommé

Drinks

Clear fruit juices (such as apple, cranberry, or grape)

Clear carbonated soda or water

Flavored water

Fruit-flavored drinks

Fruit punch

Sports drinks

Water

Weak tea with no caffeine

Desserts and snacks

Fruit ices made without fruit pieces or milk

Gelatin

Hard candy

Honey

Jelly

Popsicles

Meal replacements

Clear nutrition supplements (such as Resource® Breeze,)

and supplements

Carnation® Instant Breakfast® juice, and Enlive!®)

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Full-Liquid Foods

This list may help if you have appetite loss, vomiting, or weight loss.

u See page 12 to read more about appetite loss.

u See page 37 to read more about vomiting.

u See page 41 to read more about weight loss.

Types

Foods and Drinks

Cereals

Refined hot cereals (such as Cream of Wheat®,

Cream of Rice®, instant oatmeal, and grits)

Soups

Bouillon

Broth

Soup that has been strained or put through a blender

Drinks

Carbonated drinks

Coffee

Fruit drinks

Fruit punch

Milk

Milkshakes

Smoothies

Sports drinks

Tea

Tomato juice

Vegetable juice

Water

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Full-Liquid Foods continued

Types

Foods and Drinks

Desserts and snacks

Custard (soft or baked)

Frozen yogurt

Fruit purees that are watered down

Gelatin

Honey

Ice cream with no chunks (such as nuts or cookie pieces)

Ice milk

Jelly

Pudding

Sherbet

Sorbet

Syrup

Yogurt (plain or vanilla)

Meal replacement

Instant breakfast drinks (such as Carnation® Instant

and supplements

Breakfast®)

Liquid meal replacements (such as Ensure® and Boost®)

Clear nutrition supplements (such as Resource® Breeze,

Carnation® Instant Breakfast® juice, and Enlive!®)

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Foods and Drinks That Are Easy on the Stomach

This list may help if you have nausea or once your vomiting is under control.

u See page 27 to read more about nausea.

u See page 37 to read more about vomiting.

Types

Foods and Drinks

Soups

Clear broth (such as chicken, vegetable, or beef)

All kinds (strain or puree, if needed), except those made

with foods that cause gas, such as dried beans and peas,

broccoli, or cabbage

Drinks

Clear carbonated drinks that have lost their fizz

Cranberry or grape juice

Fruit-flavored drinks

Fruit punch

Milk

Sports drinks

Tea

Vegetable juices

Water

Main meals and

Avocado

other food

Beef (tender cuts)

Cheese, hard (mild types, such as American)

Cheese, soft or semi-soft (such as cottage cheese

or cream cheese)

Chicken or turkey (broiled or baked without skin)

Eggs

Fish (poached or broiled)

Noodles

Pasta (plain)

Peanut butter, creamy (and other nut butters)

Potatoes, without skins (boiled or baked)

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Foods and Drinks That Are Easy on the Stomach continued Types

Foods and Drinks

Main meals and

Pretzels

other food

Refined cold cereals (such as corn flakes, Rice Krispies®, Rice (continued)

Chex®, and Corn Chex®)

Refined hot cereals (such as Cream of Wheat®)

Saltine crackers

Tortillas (white flour)

Vegetables (tender, well-cooked)

White bread

White rice

White toast

Desserts and snacks

Angel food cake

Bananas

Canned fruit, such as applesauce, peaches, and pears

Custard

Frozen yogurt

Gelatin

Ice cream

Ice milk

Lemon drop candy

Popsicles

Pudding

Sherbet

Sorbet

Yogurt (plain or vanilla)

Meal replacements

Instant breakfast drinks (such as Carnation® Instant Breakfast®) and supplements

Liquid meal replacements (such as Ensure®)

Clear nutrition supplements (such as Resource® Breeze,

Carnation® Instant Breakfast® juice, and Enlive!®)

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Low-Fiber Foods

This list may help if you have diarrhea. See page 20 to read more about diarrhea.

Types

Foods and Drinks

Main meals and

Chicken or turkey (skinless and baked, broiled, or grilled)

other foods

Cooked refined cereals (such as Cream of Rice®,

instant oatmeal, and grits)

Eggs

Fish

Noodles

Potatoes, without skins (boiled or baked)

White bread

White rice

Fruits and vegetables

Carrots (cooked)

Canned fruit (such as peaches, pears, and applesauce)

Fruit juice

Mushrooms

String beans (cooked)

Vegetable juice

Snacks

Angel food cake

Animal crackers

Custard

Gelatin

Ginger snaps

Graham crackers

Saltine crackers

Sherbet

Sorbet

Vanilla wafers

Yogurt (plain or vanilla)

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High-Fiber Foods

This list may help if you have constipation or weight gain.

u See page 17 to read more about constipation.

u See page 39 to read more about weight gain.

Type

Foods and Drinks

Main meals and

Bran muffins

other foods

Bran or whole-grain cereals

Cooked dried or canned peas and beans (such as lentils or

pinto, black, red, or kidney beans)

Peanut butter (and other nut butters)

Soups with vegetables and beans (such as lentil

and split pea)

Whole-grain cereals (such as oatmeal and shredded wheat)

Whole-wheat bread

Whole-wheat pasta

Fruits and vegetables

Apples

Berries (such as blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries) Broccoli

Brussel sprouts

Cabbage

Corn

Dried fruit (such as apricots, dates, prunes, and raisins)

Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, lettuce, kale,

and collard greens)

Peas

Potatoes with skins

Spinach

Sweet potatoes

Yams

Snacks

Bran snack bars

Granola

Nuts

Popcorn

Seeds (such as pumpkin or sunflower)

Trail mix

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Foods and Drinks That Are Easy To Chew and Swallow

This list may help if you have dry mouth, sore mouth, sore throat, or trouble swallowing.

u See page 23 to read more about dry mouth.

u See page 30 to read more about sore mouth.

u See page 34 to read more about sore throat and trouble swallowing.

Types

Foods and Drinks

Main meals and

Baby food

other foods

Casseroles

Chicken salad

Cooked refined cereals (such as Cream of Wheat®, Cream

of Rice®, instant oatmeal, and grits)

Cottage cheese

Eggs (soft boiled or scrambled)

Egg salad

Macaroni and cheese

Mashed potatoes

Peanut butter, creamy

Pureed cooked foods

Soups

Stews

Tuna salad

Custard

Desserts and Snacks

Flan

Fruit (pureed or baby food)

Gelatin

Ice cream

Milkshakes

Puddings

Sherbet

Smoothies

Soft fruits (such as bananas or applesauce)

Sorbet

Yogurt (plain or vanilla)

Meal replacements

Instant breakfast drinks (such as Carnation® Instant

and supplements

Breakfast®)

Liquid meal replacements (such as Ensure®)

Clear nutrition supplements (such as Resource® Breeze,

Carnation® Instant Breakfast® juice, and Enlive!®)

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Quick and Easy Snacks

This list may help if you have appetite loss. See page 12 to read more about appetite loss.

Types of Foods and Drinks

Examples

Drinks

Chocolate milk

Instant breakfast drinks

Juices

Milk

Milkshakes

Main meals and

Bread

other foods

Cereal

Cheese, hard or semisoft

Crackers

Cream soups

Hard-boiled and deviled eggs

Muffins

Nuts

Peanut butter (and other nut butters)

Pita bread and hummus

Pizza

Sandwiches

Fruits and vegetables

Applesauce

Fresh or canned fruit

Vegetables (raw or cooked)

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Quick and Easy Snacks continued

Types of Foods and Drinks

Examples

Desserts and snacks

Cakes and cookies made with whole grains,

fruits, nuts, wheat germ, or granola

Custard

Dips made with cheese, beans, or sour cream

Frozen yogurt

Gelatin

Granola

Granola bars

Ice cream

Nuts

Popcorn

Popsicles

Puddings

Sherbet

Sorbet

Trail mix

Yogurt

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Ways To Add Protein

This list may help if you have appetite loss, sore throat, trouble swallowing, or weight loss.

u See page 12 to read more about appetite loss.

u See page 34 to read more about sore throat and trouble swallowing.

u See page 41 to read more about weight loss.

Types

How To Use

Hard or semisoft cheese

• Melt on:

- Sandwiches

- Bread

- Muffins

- Tortillas

- Hamburgers

- Hot dogs

- Meats and fish

- Vegetables

- Eggs

- Desserts

- Stewed fruit

- Pies

• Grate and add to:

- Soups

- Sauces

- Casseroles

- Vegetable dishes

- Mashed potatoes

- Rice

- Noodles

- Meatloaf

Cottage cheese/

• Mix with or use to stuff fruits and vegetables

ricotta cheese

• Add to:

- Casseroles

- Spaghetti

- Noodles

- Egg dishes (such as omelets, scrambled eggs,

and soufflés)

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Ways To Add Protein continued

Types

How To Use

Milk

• Use milk instead of water in drinks and

in cooking

• Use in hot cereal, soups, cocoa, and pudding

Nonfat instant dry milk

• Add to milk and milk drinks (such as pasteurized

eggnog and milkshakes)

• Use in:

- Casseroles

- Meatloaf

- Breads

- Muffins

- Sauces

- Cream soups

- Mashed potatoes

- Macaroni and cheese

- Pudding

- Custard

- Other milk-based desserts

Meal replacements,

• Use “instant breakfast powder” in milk drinks

supplements, and

and desserts

protein powder

• Mix with ice cream, milk, and fruit flavoring for a

high-protein milkshake

Ice cream, yogurt, and

• Add to:

frozen yogurt

- Carbonated drinks

- Milk drinks (such as milkshakes)

- Cereal

- Fruit

- Gelatin

- Pies

• Mix with soft or cooked fruits

• Make a sandwich of ice cream or frozen yogurt

between cake slices, cookies, or graham crackers

• Mix with breakfast drinks and fruit, such as bananas

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Ways To Add Protein continued

Types

How To Use

Eggs

• Add chopped hard-boiled eggs to salads, salad

dressings, vegetables, casseroles, and creamed meats

• Make a rich custard with eggs, milk, and sugar

• Add extra hard-boiled yolks to deviled egg filling and

sandwich spread

• Beat eggs into mashed potatoes, pureed vegetables,

and sauces. (Make sure to keep cooking these dishes

after adding the eggs because raw eggs may contain

harmful bacteria.)

• Add extra eggs or egg whites to:

- Custard

- Puddings

- Quiches

- Scrambled eggs

- Omelets

- Pancake or French toast batter

Nuts, seeds, and

• Add to:

wheat germ