It’s important to keep your body strong when you’re being treated for cancer. Unfortunately, that’s not always easy. Between the side effects of the treatment and dealing with an illness, eating well can be hard. The good news is that there are a few helpful tips that will ensure you get the nutrition you need.
10 Ways To Eat Well
1. Eat Small Meals
Instead of sticking to having three large meals per day, it might be better to have five to six small meals throughout the day. By doing this, you won’t overwhelm your stomach or feel as if you’ve taken on too much. Doctors recommend eating whether or not you feel hungry.
2. Ditch The Labels
Now’s not the time to strictly adhere to what’s a breakfast or dinner meal. It’s best to fill your plate with the food you’re most likely to eat. You should reach for healthy options, though.
3. Make Your Liquids Count
While it’s essential to stay hydrated, water isn’t enough to feed your body. Doctors suggest that you drink nutrient-rich liquids like milk shakes and smoothies. If your stomach can’t tolerate dairy at that moment, look for dairy-free products that still fit the bill. Generally, these liquids shouldn’t be an entire meal but something you consume in between your meals.
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4. Get Your Fiber
One issue that can affect people who are being treated for cancer is constipation. That’s why getting more fiber in your diet can help. The best way to do this is to replace refined carbohydrates with whale grains. Dried fruits, beans, and fresh vegetables can also help.
5. Snack Well
Since you need to make the most of what you eat, it’s good to choose the right snack. You should skip anything that’s highly processed, full of salt, or full of added sugar. Healthy snacks like nuts, yogurt, seeds, granola, trail mix, and fruits are possible options.
6. Match Your Symptoms
A key part of remaining healthy during cancer treatment is paying attention to your symptoms. Though they might be nutritious, some foods will only make issues like nausea worse. During those times, it’s a good idea to eat bland foods like broth, crackers, and toast. You should still eat as many times as possible.
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7. Mix Things Up
Trying new foods can bolster your nutrition when you’re getting bored of what you typically eat. It’s great to add fruits and vegetables that you haven’t had before.
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8. Put Your Nose To Work
Studies show that foods with an enticing aroma can stimulate your appetite. If there’s something that you like to smell, cooking them can help to combat your loss of interest in food.
9. Get A Little Exercise
Moving around a little can also help to improve your appetite. According to cancer research, being active an hour or so before a meal can result in you eating more when it’s meal time.
10. Ask About Supplements
If all else fails, talk to your doctor about nutritional supplements. They’re not right for everyone and it’s typically better to get what you need from your diet but it’s worth a shot when you can’t keep anything down.
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Why It’s Such A Struggle
The treatment plan for metastatic or advanced breast cancer will depend on the type of tumors you have and where they have spread. However, the usual possibilities include hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. While they can be effective, there are also a few side effects that can affect how well you can eat. Some of the issues associated with cancer treatments are hot flashes, joint stiffness, nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, and upset stomach. It’s possible to talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication but in most cases, working on your diet is more likely.
You need your strength to fight cancer and, unfortunately, your treatment can interfere with that. The best thing you can do is adjust the way you eat to ensure that your body can heal and recover well.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Monique Gary
Dr. Monique Gary, also known as "Dr. Mo," is a breast surgeon and wellness advocate. She serves as the Medical Director of the cancer and breast program at Grand View Health/Penn Cancer Network. Dr. Gary is dedicated to addressing health disparities for marginalized communities and promoting holistic wellness.
