Cancer and Nutrition
WHY IS EATING SO IMPORTANT
Apart from obtaining and staying at a healthy weight, good eating helps improve your mood and prevent or reduce the risk of other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
It’s particularly important to eat the right kinds of food before, during and after cancer treatment to help you feel better, stay stronger and stimulate the immune system. A healthy diet includes eating and drinking enough foods and liquids to provide sufficient nutrients (vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fat and water) that the body needs.
STOCKING UP BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT
Try and stock up your fridge/freezer and pantry so you don’t have to worry too much about shopping once you start your treatment. Here are a few useful tips:
- Make sure these are foods you can eat when you’re not feeling well.
- Cook larger portions of your favourite (correct) foods and freeze meal-sized portions.
- Buy easy-to-prepare foods such as nut butter, soup, canned fish or chicken, cheese and eggs.
LOSS OF APPETITE
This is a common problem with people diagnosed with cancer and if it leads to weight loss and even malnutrition, it can slow down recovery and even damage the immune system. Try these ideas to improve your appetite and avoid this happening to you:
If nausea is a problem:
- Sip on clear liquids at room temperature or cooler
- Eat sitting up and keep your head raised for about an hour after eating
- Don’t drink with meals
If vomiting is a problem:
- Avoid eating or drinking until the vomiting is controlled
- Sip on small amounts of clear liquids such as cranberry or pomegranate juice.
- Nibble plain foods such as pretzels or crackers
If you find changes in taste and smell try:
- Foods and drinks with a sharp acidic or sour taste (oranges, grapefruit, melon, grapes, cranberries, cherries, pickles, sourdough bread)
- Mild marinades and spices
- If meat becomes less appealing try other sources of proteins (poultry, fish, beans, eggs)
- If food tastes bitter or salty, try adding small amounts of sugar
- Brush teeth and tongue and rinse regularly, especially before eating
- Rinse your mouth a few times a day with a mixture made up of one litre of water with one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda) or an alcohol-free mouthwash
FOODS TO AVOID DURING CANCER TREATMENT
- Cold hot dogs or any deli lunch meat, including dry-cured salami – always cook or reheat until meat is steaming hot
- Unpasteurised (raw) milk and milk products, including raw milk yoghurt and soft cheeses such as blue-veined, brie, camembert, feta and goat cheese
- Deli-prepared salads with egg, ham, chicken or seafood
- Refrigerated pâté
- Unwashed fresh fruits and vegetables, including salad leaves
- Unpasteurised fruit juice or cider
- Raw sprouts
- Raw or undercooked beef (especially minced beef) or other raw or undercooked meat and poultry
- Raw or undercooked shellfish, like oysters – which may carry hepatitis A virus and must be cooked thoroughly to destroy the virus
- Sushi and sashimi (raw fish) including frozen fish labelled ‘sushi or sashimi’ grade.
- Undercooked eggs, such as soft boiled, over easy and poached
- Raw, unpasteurised eggs or foods made with raw egg, such as raw dough or homemade mayonnaise
It’s a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian for personalised help.
