Nutritional Management of Loss of Appetite During Cancer Treatment

Nutritional management of treatment side effects

There is more to nutrition during cancer and cancer therapy than getting enough calories and protein. The foods you choose also help you cope with side effects, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chewing and swallowing difficulties, and taste changes.

As each person's individual medical profile and diagnosis is different, so is his or her reaction to treatment. Side effects may be severe, mild, or absent. Be sure to discuss with your cancer care team possible side effects of treatment before the treatment begins.

Nutritional management of loss of appetite

There are many things that cause a loss of appetite. Nausea, vomiting, or changes in food’s taste or smell all may contribute to losing your appetite. Sometimes, the cancer treatment itself will make you feel like not eating. Your emotional state and how you cope with your cancer may also cause a loss of appetite. Talk to your healthcare provider about these things because, in addition to the eating and nutrition tips here, there may be medicines or other suggestions that will help you. Suggestions for managing a loss of appetite include:

• If you feel you can't eat regular food for any meal, try liquid meal replacements.

• If you can't eat very much at one time, eat throughout the day. Try eating small, meals often. Small high-protein, high-calorie snacks can make up for larger meals.

• Keep easy to prepare and nutritious foods within reach so you can have something whenever you feel like it. Don't forget to take a snack with you whenever you go out. Try these snack ideas:

  • Cheese and crackers

  • Muffins

  • Ice cream

  • Peanut butter

  • Fruit

  • Pudding

  • Liquid supplements

• If you can't eat solid foods and can't drink liquid supplements, try drinking other beverages. Juice, soup or broth, and other similar fluids can provide important calories and nutrients.

• Change the way you prepare certain foods or the time you eat them to make them more attractive.

• Try soft, cool, or frozen foods.

• If possible, try eating something at bedtime. It will not affect your appetite for the next meal.

• Take advantage of times when you have a good appetite and eat well.

• Don't drink too much while you eat, and stop drinking a half hour to an hour before you plan to have a meal. This may improve your appetite.

• Plan an enjoyable meal. Make food attractive and relax while you eat. Eat with family and friends.

• Do some physical activity each day even if you feel tired. Even a very short walk, a light housekeeping task, or playing with a pet can increase your appetite.