Cancer

Tips to avoid low weight during chemotherapy

Adapt the power to counteract the side effects associated with treatment is essential to help the body to recover.

The lack of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, appearance of sores in the mouth, taste alterations, constipation or diarrhea are some of the side effects of chemotherapy treatment, leading to alterations in the digestive system and weight.

chemotherapy treatment

Adapt feeding is part of cancer treatment, establishing a specific diet to regain strength, help the body recover and strengthen defenses. A diet to prevent low weight to ensure adequate supply of nutrients, especially protein, and that allows to the oncological patient better control the side effects of chemotherapy.

Diet during chemotherapy

During chemotherapy treatment, to avoid digestive discomfort such as nausea or vomiting is important to eat between 1-3 hours before each session. In fact, if an added problem is the lack of appetite can be distributed meals up to six daily intakes. Eating slowly, chewing food thoroughly. It also helps to limit fats in the diet (fried foods, sauces, fatty cheese, and whole milk) and avoid foods or drinks too hot or cold and condiments or dressings too strong. Foods that are low in fat facilitate the digestion. Apart from fish, it is best to go for white meat.

It is also important to the preparation of food and most advisable to opt for steaming or grilled.

To prevent nausea, it is recommended not to drink liquids during meals. For the rest of the day, we can include green tea or peppermint and ginger infusions.

The appearance of sores in the mouth, extended to the esophagus, constitute one of the most annoying side effects. It is therefore advisable to choose foods that are easy to chew and digest, of smooth texture. Among the suitable foods to include in the diet are custard, pudding, mashed potatoes, gelatin, tortilla or fruits juices. As far as possible be avoided too many salty foods, spicy or acidic (tomatoes, citrus, coffee or alcoholic beverages), as these can be irritating.

Diet between cycles

Between chemotherapy cycles also have to follow a few tips to take care of feeding, as include 5 pieces of fruit and vegetables a day, legumes and plant foods. For its part, should restrict consumption of red meat, better opting for fish and white meats, as well as pre-cooked product or with saturated fats. We must also control the consumption of salt and, in the case of roasted or baked foods, avoid scorched parts.