Nutrition can play a significant role in minimizing chemotherapy's side effects and improving a cancer patient's quality of life during the process. Things like hydration and regular bowel movements can aid in decreasing nausea and vomiting. There are beneficial foods that provide vitamins and/or minerals to help alleviate symptoms caused by chemotherapy.
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Maintaining Health During Chemotherapy
Proper nutrition during chemotherapy is important because the process can cause a variety of adverse effects in a patient. He will need a balance of fiber, protein and health promoting vitamins and minerals. Those include vitamins A, C, D and E, which are good for normal cell maintenance.
People who eat well can better cope with side effects and fight infection. Also, their bodies can rebuild healthy tissues faster, according to researchers at the National Cancer Institute.
Chemotherapy simply means chemical therapy. The chemicals treat a variety of cancers by killing the fast-growing cells that cause them. But chemotherapy drugs do not differentiate between metastasizing cancer cells and normal fast-growing cells like those in hair follicles or bone marrow. From the destruction of those cells comes the long list of side effects including hair loss, nausea and vomiting, immunosuppression and weight changes. There also may be mouth sores; constipation; diarrhea; dry, itchy skin; and troubled sleeping with which to contend.
Fiber, Hydration and Protein
Taking in an adequate amount of fiber to facilitate bowel movement is important because this can help ease nausea. Good fiber choices are nuts, whole grain breads and cereal. Try a fruit smoothie with added flax seed meal.
Hydration is also important. That means drinking water and eating foods with water in them. Eating vegetable soup is a good way to get fluids while adding vitamins and minerals at the same time. Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as berries, spinach and tomatoes, are a good way to get water and nutrients also.
Protein helps maintain red blood cells and muscle tissue. It plays a role in strengthening the immune system and keeping the body's fluid balance intact. Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts are rich in protein, according to registered dietician Katrina VB. Claghorn at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
To come up with a quick estimate of your protein requirement, Claghorn states, "take your weight (in pounds) and divide by 2. The number you get is the approximate number of grams of protein you need daily. For example: If you weigh 180 pounds, 180 / 2 = 90 grams of protein daily.
"If you are receiving chemotherapy, radiation or surgery you may need more protein. Your dietitian can help you figure out your protein needs during treatment."
Talking to Your Doctor
Taking vitamins and mineral supplements should also be discussed with your physician. Don't attempt to replace adequate medical care with those or any other complementary regimen.
Loss of appetite can be a factor, making it difficult for a chemo patient to take in adequate calories. It is a good idea to experiment with different foods to see what can be tolerated. Lemon juice or ginger can help nausea.
Tags: side effects, vitamins minerals, fast-growing cells, grams protein, important because
