Managing Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment, Part 2

by National Cancer Institute

(Page 3 of 7)

Weight Loss

Many cancer patients lose weight during their cancer treatment. This is partly due to the effects of the cancer itself on the body. Also, if you've lost your appetite and are eating less than usual because of your treatment or emotional worries, you may lose weight.

Here are three simple recipes that show you how to increase the calories and protein of familiar foods:

Fortified Milk
High-Protein Milkshake
Peanut Butter Snack Spread

Instant Dry Milk as a Protein Powder

For extra protein in dishes, consider adding a little nonfat instant dry milk to scrambled eggs, soup, cereal, sauces, and gravies.

Weight Gain

Some patients find their weight does not change during treatment. They may even gain weight. This is particularly true for breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer patients taking certain medications or who are on hormone therapy or chemotherapy.

It is important not to go on a diet right away if you notice weight gain. Instead, tell your doctor so you can find out what may be causing this change. Sometimes, weight gain happens because certain anticancer drugs can cause your body to hold on to excess fluid. This condition is called edema. The weight comes from the extra water. If this is the case, your doctor may ask you to talk with a registered dietitian for guidelines on limiting the amount of salt you eat. This is important because salt causes your body to hold extra water. Your doctor may also want to prescribe a diuretic. This is a medication that causes your body to get rid of excess fluid.

Breast cancer patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer may be different. Over half of them may actually gain weight rather than lose during treatment. Because of this, many of the recommendations for breast cancer patients do emphasize a lower fat, reduced calorie diet similar to those provided to patients after cancer treatment 2 has been completed.

Weight gain may also be the result of increased appetite and eating extra food and calories. If this is the case and you want to stop gaining weight, here are some tips that can help. Talk to a registered dietitian for more guidance:

• Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and breads and cereals.
• Choose lean meats (lean beef or pork trimmed of fat, chicken without skin) and low-fat dairy products (skim or 1% milk, light yogurt).
• Cut back on added butter, mayonnaise, sweets, and other extras.
• Choose low-fat and low-calorie cooking methods (broiling, steaming).
• Avoid eating high-calorie snacks between meals.
• If you feel up to it, increase the amount of exercise you get.

Sore Mouth or Throat

Mouth sores, tender gums, and a sore throat or esophagus often result from radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or infection. If you have a sore mouth or gums, see your doctor to be sure the soreness is a treatment side effect and not an unrelated dental problem. The doctor may be able to give you medicine that will control mouth and throat pain. Your dentist also can give you tips for the care of your mouth. Certain foods will irritate an already tender mouth and make chewing and swallowing difficult. By carefully choosing the foods you eat and by taking good care of your mouth, teeth, and gums, you can usually make eating easier. Here are some suggestions that may help: Try soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as:

• milkshakes
• bananas, applesauce, and other soft fruits
• peach, pear, and apricot nectars
• watermelon
• cottage cheese, yogurt
• mashed potatoes, noodles
• macaroni and cheese
• custards, puddings, and gelatin
• scrambled eggs
• oatmeal or other cooked cereals
• pureed or mashed vegetables, such as peas and carrots
• pureed meats

Here's a simple blender recipe that's easy on a sore mouth: Fruit and Cream

• Avoid foods or liquids that can irritate your mouth.
• Cook foods until they are soft and tender.
• Cut foods into small pieces.
• Use a blender or food processor to puree your food.
• Mix food with butter, margarine, thin gravy, or sauce to make it easier to swallow.
• Use a straw to drink liquids.
• Use a smaller-than-usual spoon, such as a baby spoon.
• Try foods cold or at room temperature. Hot foods can irritate a tender mouth and throat.
• Try drinking warm bouillon or salty broth; it can soothe throat pain.
• Try sucking on ice chips.
• If swallowing is hard, tilting your head back or moving it forward may help.
• If your teeth and gums are sore, your dentist may be able to recommend a special product for cleaning your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth often with water to remove food and bacteria and to promote healing.
• Ask your doctor about anesthetic lozenges and sprays that can numb your mouth and throat long enough for you to eat meals.

Dry Mouth

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy in the head or neck area can reduce the flow of saliva and cause dry mouth. When this happens, foods are harder to chew and swallow. Dry mouth also can change the way foods taste. Some of the ideas for sore mouth and throat may help. The suggestions below also may help you deal with dry mouth.

• Have a sip of water every few minutes to help you swallow and talk more easily. Consider carrying a water bottle with you so you always have some handy.

• Try very sweet or tart foods and beverages, such as lemonade; these foods may help your mouth make more saliva. (Do not try this if you also have a tender mouth or sore throat and the sweet or tart foods make it worse.)

• Suck on hard candy or popsicles or chew gum. These can help make more saliva.

• Eat soft and pureed foods, which may be easier to swallow.

• Keep your lips moist with lip salves.

• Moisten food with sauces, gravies, and salad dressings to make it easier to swallow.

• If your dry mouth problem is severe, ask your doctor or dentist about products that coat, protect, and moisten your mouth and throat. These are sometimes called "artificial saliva."

About the Author

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