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Cancer and Nutrition

Good nutrition is an important part of taking care of yourself. This is especially true if you are undergoing treatment for cancer.

When you are starting treatment, now is a good time to establish a routine for nutrition. This will help minimize side effects you may encounter as treatment progresses.

Try to do the following:

• Start or continue taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement
• Emphasize fluids (non-caffeinated is best)
• Eat small frequent meals. 4 to 5 small meals will work better with your treatment schedule and (recommended) nap during the day.
• Snacks should contain protein from the meat or dairy group
• Add yogurt to breakfast or as a snack to help offset gastrointestinal upset
• If constipation is a problem, try 1 ouce of power pudding per day

Power pudding:

• ¼ cup bran cereal
• ¼ cup applesauce
• ¼ cup prune juice
• ¼ cup stewed prunes (remove pits)

Blend in a food processor or blender until smooth. Store in the refrigerator.
Serve 1 ounce per day as a laxative, along with extra fluids.

Weight loss

Many people welcome the idea of losing a few extra pounds. But during cancer treatment, rapid weight loss is a result of under-nutrition while your body is under the stress of radiation or chemotherapy.

The weight lost is typically muscle weight because the body is using up protein stores. This results in a loss of strength and endurance.

Staying hydrated

If you get behind on fluids, dehydration can progress to:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness
• Potential drop in blood pressure
• Dizziness

It is important to keep up with fluids especially on days when you don’t feel like eating much.

To meet with a dietitian

To talk over your nutrition needs and concerns, you may want to meet with a dietitian. At HealthEast Cancer Care, we have dietitians on staff who focus on the unique needs of patients undergoing treatment.

• Ask your doctor for a referral
• Check with your insurance about coverage

Then, call us to make an appointment at 651-232-7970.