Nutrition for Individuals with Cancer: A Comprehensive Resource Guide

Nutrition
for Individuals with Cancer

A Comprehensive Resource Guide

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Undergoing cancer treatment upends every aspect of your life, not least of which is your diet. Eating right while living with cancer is vital to your recovery, but it is sometimes easier said than done. When your life is dedicated to treatment and checkups, it’s more important than ever to take in foods that will help replenish vital nutrients and help your body heal.

This article will guide people with cancer who want to maintain their healthy eating habits. We will provide actionable advice for your new diet and plenty of resources for further reading. Remember to discuss all dietary changes with your doctor and medical team before implementation.

How Cancer & Treatment Can Affect Appetite

Many different factors in your cancer treatment can affect your appetite. Your medications may cause nausea, which makes it challenging to eat. You may be prescribed a limited diet before and after a surgery, or the emotional toll of cancer could make it difficult to feel hungry. It’s essential to understand why your body is reacting the way it is before changing your eating habits to address this symptom.

Cancer and its treatments can disrupt your body’s ability to regulate appetite, leading to profound changes in hunger cues. Cancer can consume additional energy and alter appetite-regulating hormones, while treatments like chemotherapy and surgery can compound these issues. Nausea from chemotherapy, for instance, can make it difficult to keep down what you eat, and you may end up subconsciously ignoring hunger cues over time in anticipation of nausea.

Beyond the physical aspects, emotional responses like anxiety, depression, and stress to a cancer diagnosis can also impact your appetite, potentially causing overeating, undereating, or erratic meal patterns. To navigate these challenges effectively, it’s crucial to recognize how cancer affects your appetite and work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized nutrition plan. Open communication with medical professionals is vital to address any appetite-related issues during your cancer journey and support your recovery.

Cancer and its treatments bring about complex changes in taste and smell perception, creating significant challenges for your dietary experience. These alterations can manifest in various ways, causing once-beloved foods to taste different or even unpalatable.

Chemotherapy, in particular, is notable for its potential to disrupt taste and smell. It affects the cells lining the mouth and taste buds, leading to various taste disturbances, such as a metallic or bitter taste. This can result in aversions to previously enjoyed foods, affecting overall nutritional intake.

Furthermore, radiation therapy and certain medications or targeted therapies can influence taste and smell perception. Radiation therapy, especially when directed at the head and neck area, can cause dryness in the mouth and changes in taste perception. Some medications may affect your sense of smell, making it challenging to appreciate the flavors in foods fully. These treatment-related alterations further complicate dietary choices and can impact your ability to maintain a balanced diet.

Cancer treatment’s emotional and psychological aspects can significantly impact your appetite and eating habits. Your mental well-being and nutritional intake are interconnected during this challenging period, profoundly influencing your overall health.

A cancer diagnosis can trigger a whirlwind of emotions, including fear, anxiety, sadness, and anger. These feelings can directly affect your appetite. Some may resort to emotional eating, finding solace in food during stressful times, while others might experience a loss of interest in eating amidst emotional turmoil.

Stress and depression are also common feelings among those undergoing cancer treatment. These emotions can make it harder to recognize and act on hunger cues, causing disordered eating habits. Taking a holistic approach to your diet and nutrition while in treatment can allow you to process these emotions and help regulate your appetite healthily.

Nutritional & Dietary Side Effects of Cancer Treatments

Cancer and its various treatments can affect more than just whether you feel hungry; it can change how your body processes and digests food.

Here’s a guide to how cancer treatment can change your relationship with food and what to do about it.

tea cup

Nausea and vomiting are among the most prevalent side effects experienced by people undergoing cancer treatment. These symptoms can make it challenging to maintain a regular diet and meet your nutritional needs. However, there are effective coping strategies and specific foods that can help alleviate these distressing symptoms.

Ginger and peppermint are known for their anti-nausea properties and can be consumed as ginger tea, ginger candies, or peppermint tea. Additionally, starchy foods like crackers, rice, toast, and applesauce can help ease an upset stomach. If you have trouble keeping much food down, try to eat at least one nutrient-dense, easily digestible food each day, such as avocados.

Stay hydrated with clear liquids such as water, herbal teas, and broths throughout the day to manage nausea and vomiting effectively. Opting for smaller, more frequent meals rather than heavy ones can also reduce the likelihood of vomiting. Your healthcare team may prescribe anti-nausea medications, which, when taken as directed, can be highly effective in alleviating these symptoms during cancer treatment.

Most cancer treatments can damage the delicate tissues inside your mouth, developing painful sores and ulcers. These can make eating a regular diet difficult and increase the risk of infections. However, there are ways to manage this discomfort effectively.

One essential strategy is adopting a soft diet rich in foods that are easy to swallow and gentle on sensitive oral tissues. Consider incorporating mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and oatmeal into your meals. These options provide essential nutrients and reduce the risk of further irritation, ensuring that you receive the necessary nourishment even during this challenging phase.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is also pivotal in addressing mouth sores and ulcers. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, gently brush your teeth after each meal and before bedtime. Rinse your mouth with a saline solution or a prescribed mouthwash, following the guidance of your healthcare team.

Staying well-hydrated is paramount for your overall health and the well-being of your mouth. Regularly sipping on water throughout the day helps moisten your mouth, reducing the risk of dryness that can exacerbate mouth sores. These comprehensive strategies aim to enhance comfort, support healing, and maintain good oral health during cancer treatment.

Cancer can profoundly disrupt the way your body processes and absorbs nutrients. This can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, making it challenging to maintain a balanced diet and potentially causing weight loss and nutrient deficiencies.

Depending on your specific symptoms, your healthcare team may recommend dietary modifications. For instance, a low-fiber diet can help manage diarrhea, while increasing fiber intake can alleviate constipation. Hydration is essential; staying well-hydrated helps manage digestive issues and prevents dehydration from symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.

If symptoms hinder your ability to eat, consult a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. Your healthcare team may sometimes recommend nutritional supplements like vitamins to address deficiencies or support digestive health.

Diarrhea is a common side effect of cancer treatment, often triggered by its impact on the gastrointestinal tract. One effective strategy for easing diarrhea is to reduce your fiber intake short-term. Consider a low-fiber diet to reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea. This involves avoiding high-insoluble fiber foods like raw vegetables and bran, which can exacerbate digestive issues.

If you experience diarrhea, it’s crucial to up your water intake to make up for it. Diarrhea can leave you severely dehydrated, so stay ahead of the symptoms by drinking plenty of water and electrolyte drinks.

On the flip side, though, constipation is also common among people with cancer. Many medications list constipation as a side effect, and the decreased levels of physical activity also contribute to the problem. Eating fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes helps to alleviate it and encourage regular bowel movements.

Staying well-hydrated throughout the day with adequate water softens stools and facilitates bowel movements. Additionally, consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi to regulate bowel movements by promoting beneficial gut bacteria. As approved by your healthcare team, light physical activity can also stimulate bowel function and alleviate constipation.

It follows that if your body is having trouble digesting and processing your nutrients, you may develop nutrient deficiencies. Combatting weight loss and malnutrition during cancer treatment necessitates a proactive approach that begins with recognizing the signs and implementing targeted strategies to prevent further decline.

The first step is to work with your healthcare team to determine which symptoms cause your weight loss: is it nausea, diarrhea, a digestive issue, or a mix of symptoms? Once you’ve identified these symptoms, your healthcare team can provide valuable guidance on dietary modifications tailored to your unique circumstances.

One way to be proactive about weight loss is to incorporate high-calorie foods into your diet purposefully. These calorie-dense options provide concentrated energy and essential nutrients, allowing you to make the most of your limited appetite. If you can only eat a few small snacks daily, ensure they’re full of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. Some great high-calorie foods to keep during treatment include yogurt, oatmeal, nuts, and avocados.

Fluid retention and edema, the accumulation of excess fluid in the body, can be concerns during cancer treatment. Most cancer treatments heavily affect the lymphatic system, so your body cannot process fluid like it usually would.

Sodium, a component of table salt, can contribute to fluid retention when consumed in excess. Reducing sodium intake by limiting high-sodium processed foods and avoiding excessive salt use in cooking can help mitigate fluid retention. Additionally, your healthcare providers may recommend diuretics – medications that promote urine production – to alleviate edema and excess fluid buildup.

Tips for Healthy Nutrition

So, how do you synthesize all those symptom-specific diet tips into a diet plan that fits your lifestyle? Crafting a diet to help you feel better during cancer treatments is easier than it may seem. Here are some tips for creating a healthy diet that you want to eat.

Maintaining a balanced diet is of paramount importance for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. But a “balanced” diet is modeled after more than just the food pyramid you learned about in elementary school. As a matter of fact, the US. Department of Agriculture has shifted toward MyPlate, which places a greater emphasis on having fruits, veggies, and proteins with every meal.

When planning your meals, it’s most important to take into account your macro- and micronutrients.

Macronutrients, which include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, form the foundation of your diet.

Carbohydrates are a primary energy source for combating fatigue often associated with cancer treatments. Incorporating complex carbohydrates like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits can provide sustained energy and help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Proteins are essential for tissue repair and immune function. Adequate protein intake aids in healing and helps maintain muscle mass, which is often at risk during cancer treatment. Lean protein sources like poultry, fish, beans, and tofu are excellent.

Fats are essential for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (micronutrients) and provide a concentrated energy source. Opt for foods with healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil while minimizing saturated and trans fats.

Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are critical in various bodily functions. Vitamins like vitamins B, C, and D and minerals like calcium and iron are essential during cancer treatment. These nutrients support immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.

Creating a diverse and nutrient-rich diet is critical to obtaining the full spectrum of macronutrients and micronutrients. Moreover, consulting with a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance to tailor your diet to your nutritional needs.

Portion control goes hand in hand with monitoring your macronutrients. By being informed about how much and when you eat, you can get ahead of some of your symptoms and maintain your energy throughout the day. Collaborating with a registered dietitian can guide you in determining portion sizes tailored to your unique needs.

Nausea and appetite changes can make consuming three large meals a day challenging. Opting for smaller, more frequent meals and snacks can help maintain essential nutrient intake without overwhelming your digestive system. You can eat five to six small meals daily rather than the traditional three.

Eating small, frequent meals ensures a continuous supply of nutrients and calories to support your energy needs. This approach helps prevent energy crashes resulting from consuming large meals, providing a more stable and sustained energy source throughout the day. If you’re experiencing fatigue as a side effect of treatment, this can make a significant difference in your daily life.

Eating smaller portions more frequently can help manage nausea by avoiding overloading the digestive system. Focusing on mild, bland, and easily digestible foods in snack-like quantities can be gentler on the stomach and may help alleviate queasiness.

Portion control also plays a pivotal role in weight management. It can be a valuable tool for preventing weight loss or promoting gradual weight gain after treatment. Proper portioning ensures a healthy balance of macronutrients and micronutrients, addressing your needs at each meal.

Monitoring fluid intake is crucial during cancer treatment, as most treatment methods can leave you feeling dehydrated or depleted. Proper hydration, though, is about more than just water.

Clear fluids like water, herbal teas, and broths can help maintain adequate hydration, but when you’re undergoing cancer treatments, you’re also losing a lot of micronutrients. Electrolyte-rich beverages, such as sports drinks, can be beneficial if you’re experiencing significant fluid loss. Maintaining proper electrolyte balance is crucial for various bodily functions, including nerve function, heart rhythm, and blood pressure regulation.

Finding ways to make hydration fun and flavorful can also encourage you to maintain optimal fluid intake. To add a natural flavor, consider infusing your water with slices of fresh fruits like lemon, lime, or berries. Herbal teas, both hot and iced, can offer a variety of flavors and are a refreshing alternative to plain water. You might also experiment with crafting your hydrating concoctions, like homemade fruit-infused sparkling water or flavored ice cubes.

Fiber plays an essential role in healthy digestion, but depending on your symptoms, you may need to increase your intake.

Fiber acts as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and contributing to a healthier gut microbiome. Soluble fiber, a key component of many gentle fiber sources, absorbs water, softening stools and aiding in their easy passage, which is essential for preventing or managing constipation. These gentle fiber sources can also help soothe and protect the gastrointestinal lining, potentially alleviating discomfort often associated with digestive symptoms.

Opt for sources of gentle fiber like oatmeal, brown rice, and fruits and vegetables. You’ll want to avoid prune juice and other intense sources of fiber, as these could further dysregulate your gastrointestinal system. However, avocados, whole grains, and applesauce can all be staples in your diet.

Nutrient-dense foods, often lauded as “superfoods,” provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds without excessive calories. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help you maintain strength and vitality while managing the challenges of cancer treatment.

Fresh, frozen, or canned (without added sugars or salt) fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Aim to fill half your plate with these colorful options to boost your overall nutrient intake. Berries, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and broccoli are excellent choices.

Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, and oats are higher in fiber and nutrients than refined grains. They provide sustained energy and can help regulate digestion.

Include sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil in your diet. These fats can support overall health. Foods with healthy fats are especially essential if you are striving to gain weight during treatment.

By eating foods packed with good nutrients, you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your limited appetite.

Of course, if you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or gastrointestinal conditions like IBS or celiac disease, you must approach your nutrition with more care than most. Consider enlisting the help of an oncology dietitian or allergist to guide you through treatment, as your dietary needs require more planning.

Meal planning is crucial to accommodate dietary restrictions and ensure a well-rounded, safe diet. Home cooking offers greater control over ingredients, making avoiding allergens or sensitive foods easier. If home cooking presents a challenge for you, consider enlisting the help of friends and family or finding a meal delivery service to send pre-prepped ingredients directly to your home.

Communication with your healthcare team about allergies or sensitivities is vital to manage symptoms and potential medication interactions. Joining support groups or online communities with individuals sharing similar dietary restrictions can also provide valuable insights and emotional support.

Recipes
That Address Nutritional
Issues for
Cancer Patients

Trying to figure out what you can still eat now that you’re in treatment for cancer can be challenging. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ve curated this list of recipes to help with every aspect of your nutrition while seeking treatment.

avocado recipes

You don’t have to sacrifice flavor for function with these! These recipes all taste good without upsetting your stomach.

  • Avocado and Mango Smoothie: This tasty smoothie is a source of of vitamin C and healthy fats.
  • Blue Superhero Smoothie: If you love blueberries, this simple smoothie is for you.
  • Horchata-Style Banana Smoothie: Who doesn’t love horchata? This smoothie is a nutritious version of the delicious Mexican drink.
  • Papaya and Almond Smoothie: The American Cancer Society’s recipe for this sweet and nutty smoothie is easy to make and is great for summertime.
  • Spinach Bean Soup: This meatless soup recipe from the American Heart Association is quick to cook and makes for a great family dinner.
  • Avocado Taco Soup: This soup is high in protein and fiber and packs some heat. Perfect for chilly winter nights.
  • Mexicali Soup: Tomatoes and black beans take center stage in this delicious soup. Serve with chicken to make it an entree.
  • Mushroom Barley Soup: Barley is an excellent whole grain that provides fiber and vitamin B. This recipe is flavorful and comforting in equal measure.

When your appetite is low, and you need to pack as many nutrients as possible into your snack, choose one of these recipes.

  • Breakfast Quinoa Bowl: This breakfast bowl contains 440 calories and makes for a great day’s first meal.
  • Date Nut Granola Bars: These DIY granola bars from the American Heart Society feature popped sorghum for texture and toasted oats for flavor. Each bar packs approximately 173 calories.
  • Deviled Eggs with Avocado: The potluck staple, made nutritious. This recipe tops out at 130 calories per egg and offers 7 grams of protein per serving.
  • Egg Donuts with Avocado: These donuts are great to make with kids. They provide 80 calories per donut; you can season them to your tastes.
  • Nutty Whole Grain Banana Bread: The American Institute of Cancer Research published this warm, spiced recipe for banana bread. The nuts help provide protein and healthy fats, and each serving contains approximately 220 calories.
  • Lentil Bowl with Avocado Crema: At 420 calories per serving, this would make for an excellent and filling dinner.
  • Berry Avocado Baked Oat Bars: These fun oat bars are 150 calories per serving, but you know what they say – you can never have just one!
  • Mango Lassi Overnight Oats: This recipe is tangy, sweet, and hard to resist. One serving contains 420 calories that will taste great in every bite.

Sometimes, you just want comfort food. Here are our favorite recipes that’ll make you feel cozy in no time.

It seems counterintuitive, but sometimes, the cure to nausea is a good snack. Here are our recommendations.

  • Avocado Pickles: Sometimes, the best way to get rid of a nauseous spell is to eat some sodium. These avocado pickles provide a quick burst of nutrients in a small bite.
  • Golden Milk Popsicles: The turmeric and ginger in these popsicles can help settle your stomach, and the Greek yogurt adds some healthy fats to the recipe as well.
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Soup: This set-it-and-forget-it chicken soup recipe is full of electrolytes and healthy fats and will ease your stomach like canned chicken soup did when you were a kid.
  • Cantaloupe and Mint Granita: The mint in this recipe is great for helping ease your nausea. This frozen drink is sweet, smooth, and soothing.
  • Avocado Ginger & Honey Spread: The ginger in this recipe will help settle your stomach, while the honey will help stabilize your blood sugar.
  • Avocado Lemon Ginger Vichyssoise: If you’ve never had vichyssoise, a French style of soup that’s blended and served cold, this nausea-busting recipe is a great place to start.

Staying hydrated is fun when you make one of these drinks.

When it’s hard to chew and swallow without pain, you need soft food that tastes and feels good. Here are ulcer-friendly recipes we recommend.

  • Butternut Squash and Apple Soup: This recipe from Sloan Kettering is an easy way to get calories and nutrients, even if it’s difficult to chew and swallow that day.
  • Fruit Pops: These easy fruit pops are great for cooling down the pain you may experience from sores and ulcers.
  • Watermelon and Mint Gazpacho: This sweet gazpacho features tomatoes, mint, and cilantro alongside the watermelon, making this cold soup as flavorful as it is soothing.
  • Chilled Avocado Soup: Cold soups are excellent for times of pain. This one contains healthy fats to keep you fuller for longer.
  • Berry Avocado Immunity Bowl: Customize this smoothie bowl with fewer nuts and crunchy ingredients. The cool blended fruit will feel good on the inside of your mouth.
  • Creamy Sweet Potato Soup: Sweet potato provides vitamin A, which is needed for helping your body heal and recover.
  • Tortilla Espanola: This warm dish, made of onions and scalloped potatoes, is both soft and non-irritating.
  • Avocado Gazpacho: Another cold soup, this gazpacho is comforting and flavorful in equal measure.

Treatment can zap your energy entirely. These recipes have your back when your motivation is all but gone.

  • Avocado Apple Peanut Butter Wrap: This easy wrap makes for a quick breakfast or lunch.
  • Avocado Toast: This take on avocado toast features sweet potatoes and scrambled eggs, making it an excellent macronutrient source.
  • Tomato and Ricotta Toast: Sliced tomatoes and spiced ricotta make for a flavorful but simple snack.
  • Avocado Fruit Kebabs: Some days, you only have the energy to stab some fruit with a toothpick. This recipe is for those days.
  • Avocado Pesto Dip: This easy dip just requires that you mix all ingredients into a food processor. Use with your favorite vegetables or chips.
  • Avocado Banana Granola Clusters: These granola clusters pack a lot of punch. Make a few ahead of time and snack on them throughout the week.

Additional Nutrition Resources

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Patient Resources from Cancer.gov: This link provides a comprehensive collection of resources and support for cancer patients, offering valuable insights and guidance on cancer-related topics.

MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Guide to Appetite Changes: This link addresses the emotional and physical effects of appetite changes in cancer patients, offering insights and strategies to help manage this common challenge during cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The CDC Guide to Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: This link offers a wealth of resources and guidance for cancer survivors, addressing various aspects of survivorship and promoting overall well-being after cancer treatment.

USDA’s Guide to Diet, Food, and Cancer Prevention: This link focuses on diet, food, and cancer prevention, providing valuable insights and research-based guidance on how dietary choices can contribute to reducing the risk of cancer.

The ELLICSR Kitchen: The ELLICSR Kitchen is a program and resource designed to empower individuals affected by cancer with knowledge and skills related to nutrition and healthy eating, offering cooking demonstrations, workshops, and access to recipes that help cancer patients and survivors make informed dietary choices to support their well-being.

Stanford’s Guide to Coping with Cancer: This link from Stanford Medicine provides information and resources on coping with cancer, offering strategies and support to help individuals navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of their cancer journey.

UCSF Cancer Nutrition Counseling: This link from UCSF Health offers cancer nutrition counseling services, providing personalized guidance and support to help patients address their nutritional needs and challenges during cancer treatment.

Cancer.Org: The American Cancer Society’s website offers a wide range of resources for cancer patients, including information on cancer types, treatment options, support services, and valuable educational materials to aid individuals in their cancer journey.

CancerCare.Org: CancerCare’s website provides an array of resources for cancer patients, offering free professional counseling, support groups, educational publications, and financial assistance programs to help individuals cope with the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

SERO’s Guide to Oncology Dietitians: This guide dives into everything you need to know about oncology dietitians and their role in maintaining nutrition during treatment. Oncology dietitians can help craft personalized meal plans based on your specific needs.

CookForYourLife’s Top 5 Health Apps: This article lists five apps that could be helpful to cancer patients as they meal plan and track their health metrics.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Guide to Meal Planning: This program provides valuable meal planning resources to assist cancer patients in making informed dietary choices that can help optimize their nutrition during treatment and recovery.

USCF Osher Center’s Seven Day Meal Plan: UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine offers a 7-day sample meal plan specifically tailored to cancer patients, providing practical dietary guidance and nutritious meal ideas to support their overall health and well-being during cancer treatment.