Nutrition and symptom management

Mary Holland, MPH, RD, LDN, CSO

While healthy eating is always recommended, certain cancer treatments may have side effects that make it difficult to eat well or eat enough. Here are some tips to help manage common side effects and optimize your nutrition.

Nausea: Eat a small amount at a time. Try bland foods that are cool, cold or room temperature. For nausea in the morning, eat saltine crackers or toast first. Try ginger lozenges or tea. More tolerable foods may include toast, crackers, dry cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, ice pops, canned fruit, lean meats, rice, soups and broths. Avoid spicy, greasy, sugary and strong-scented foods.

Constipation: Try to increase fiber (fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and have plenty of fluids (eight or more cups per day). Try prunes or prune juice daily. Try warm or hot beverages with meals. Consider probiotics. Walking or other activities may help.

Diarrhea: Try to stay hydrated with fluids such as water, ginger ale, ice pops and sports drinks. Eat bland foods like chicken and white rice, broth soups, bananas and applesauce. Avoid high-fiber foods like beans, raw leafy or cruciferous vegetables, whole grains and other raw fruits. Avoid sugar-free foods, milk and greasy or spicy foods.

Decreased appetite: Eat small meals or snacks every few hours. Keep snacks on hand like trail mix, nuts or seeds, yogurt, peanut butter and crackers, cheese sticks, granola, protein bars or supplements. Take advantage of times when you feel hungry.

Sore mouth and throat: Try cool or room temperature foods and fluids. Choose soft and moist foods like cereals, mashed potatoes, tuna, egg or chicken salad, yogurt, pudding, custard, smoothies, milkshakes or nutritional supplements. Cut up your food and chew thoroughly. Avoid hard, spicy or acidic foods.

Taste changes: Try to enhance flavor with sauces, marinating with lemon, herbs or maple syrup. If you experience a metallic taste, consider plastic utensils and cooking with nonmetal pots and pans. Try sucking on lemon drops or peppermints.

Keep your mouth clean with regular brushing. A daily dose of 220 mg zinc sulfate may help reduce changes in taste.