Nutrition for Cancer Patients Posted by ThirdAge Staff on July 28, 2013 7:30 PM share this story Lindsay Malone, RD, Cleveland Clinic When you’re being treated for cancer, the last thing you want to think about is sticking to a diet. I don’t ask people undergoing cancer treatment to do this — I would never overwhelm you with what you “should” be eating. As a dietitian my job is to set a foundation to keep you feeling as strong and healthy as possible while you’re getting treatment. The main nutritional goals during cancer therapy include getting enough: *Fluids to stay hydrated (mostly from caffeine-free fluids) *Energy (calories) and nutrients from healthy foods *Protein to help maintain lean body mass/muscle Every patient is different. What works for some may not work for others. If there’s a problem with swallowing or appetite, we adapt to what you find appealing and what is comfortable for you to eat. Overall, though, our main goal is to provide calories through nutrient-rich foods.Many patients can follow a normal, healthy diet. If you don’t have nutrition-related side effects from your cancer treatment that limit your ability to eat and/or digest food, you can follow a generally healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nutritious fats, lean protein, and convenient foods that provide nutrients. If you suffer treatment side effects like fatigue and digestive problems, it is helpful to include foods that take little or no preparation and are easy to eat — and easy on your stomach. I don’t mean junk food full of empty calories, but more convenient choices that still provide the nutrients you need. Here are suggestions my patients tend to like: Fresh fruit. The best choices are fruit that is refreshing, easy to eat and high in water content. Melons, berries, pineapple, bananas, pears and canned or jarred fruit in their own juices are all popular. Yogurt. It’s easy to eat and promotes healthy digestion. Choose flavored or plain varieties. Hot or cold cereal. Anything from oatmeal to Cream of Wheat ® to cold toasted oats cereal are good choices — whatever you like. Rice-based cereals are particularly good if you are having digestive difficulties. Peanut butter or cheese. Look for 100 percent peanut butter made without added oils. Whole grains. Eat whole-grain breads and crackers — be sure it says “100 percent whole grain” on the package. Whole grain promotes regularity and digestive health; too much refinement can strip away fiber, protein and other nutrients. Meats and poultry. Choose whole, unprocessed meats without nitrates. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient choice, as are chicken or tuna salad and meats/poultry softened in soups and stews. The slow cooker is a great way to prepare meat or poultry. Eggs (cooked). Eat only cooked eggs (scrambled, hard boiled, omelettes). Raw eggs are unsafe, even dropped into a smoothie. Finally, preparing and cooking food safely is an extremely important piece of the puzzle. Keep these tips in mind: Cook meat, poultry, fish and eggs to proper temperatures (click here for specific guidelines) Wash fruits and vegetables Clean hands/sink/surfaces/cutting boards Be aware of food safety at restaurants Lindsay Malone is a Registered Dietitian with the Cleveland Clinic. Reprinted with permission of the Cleveland Clinic. For more information, visit health.clevelandclinic.org.
Posted on: Fri, 30 Aug 2013 07:15:26 +0000
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