Ready to consume meals, proteins, hydration … How to eat well during cancer treatments, which can make food difficult?
- During cancer treatment, eating well is essential but can be difficult due to side effects such as loss of appetite or digestive disorders. Emma Veilleux, dietician, advises to anticipate by storing various and easy -to -prepare foods.
- Hydration is essential, especially in the event of diarrhea or vomiting. “In these cases, it is crucial to compensate for fluid losses, and the addition of an electrolyte supplement can be beneficial.”
- Proteins are also crucial, but you have to stay flexible and eat what is tolerated. Communicating with your medical team is essential to better manage these challenges and maintain a good diet.
Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can often disrupt appetite and digestion, and thus make food particularly difficult. In a recent publicationthe nutritionist Emma Veilleux, of the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), declines a series of advice to preserve her energy and well-being by taking care of her plate.
Cancer: anticipate and diversify your diet
Before the start of treatment, it is recommended to fill your refrigerator and varying food cupboards. “You could feel nausea, constipation or diarrhea. Your tastes and smell can also change, making certain foods usually appreciated unattractive”explains the dietician of Simms/Mann Ucla Center for Integrative Oncology. She therefore advises to have several options on hand in order to be able to adapt to the desires and tolerances of the moment.
Foods ready to consume such as yogurts, blanc cheese, nut butter, EDAMAME and fruits and vegetables are practical choices. “Whether you want pasta or chicken, it is important to have several possibilities available”, underlines Emma Veilleux. Having frozen dishes also allows you to vary the supply without constraint.
In case of specific desire, ordering an outside meal can be a good alternative. “The main thing is to eat what you can, when you can”recalls the specialist. Be careful, it is common for a well tolerated food to become unpleasant the next day.
Fill up on protein and stay hydrated
Protein needs increase during cancer treatment. Emma Veilleux recommends consuming it in sufficient quantity, while remaining indulgent with yourself. “Eating something is always better than eating anything”she insists. Soft and easy to digest food, such as savory crackers or white rice, can be good allies in the event of digestive disorders.
Hydration is essential, especially in the event of diarrhea or vomiting. “In these cases, it is crucial to compensate for fluid losses, and the addition of an electrolyte supplement can be beneficial.” Coffee can be consumed in moderation if the patient supports it, but alcohol is to be avoided during treatment.
Finally, it should be kept in mind that the side effects of treatments can disrupt eating habits. It is therefore essential to communicate with your medical team to find solutions to these side effects.
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