by Robin Allen
We listened to such valuable information on nutrition and the treatment of cancer. I have decided present some highlights that we ran out of time to discuss. The following are highlights from the Webinar:
Evidence-based guidelines for the nutritional management of adult oncology patients
Managing symptoms of Cancer treatment:
Loss of Appetite, Weight Loss, Cachexia
- Several small meals per day
- High-protein foods first
- Largest meal when hungriest
- Keep food interesting
- Push high-calorie foods and beverages
- Protein shakes, milkshakes, smoothies
- Enteral feeding or TPN may be necessary
Dysguesia
- Bitter or metallic taste
- Moist and naturally sweet foods
- Marinate meats
- Add small amounts of sugar to foods
- Sour candies
- Rinse mouth and brush teeth several times a day to keep taste buds clean
Mucositis
- Ulceration/soreness of tongue and throat
- Easy-to-swallow foods
- Room temperature
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Rinse mouth regularly
Dysphagia
- Difficulty swallowing
- Small, frequent meals
- Puree foods, thin out mashed foods
- Deep breathes before trying to swallow, exhale or cough after swallowing
- Plenty of fluids
- SLP to help learn effective swallowing techniques
Nausea
- Small amounts often and slowly
- Avoid eating in stuffy room, or has strong odors
- Fewer liquids with meals
- Sip liquids throughout the day
- Consume food and beverages at room temperature or cooler
- Sit upright when eating
- Dry toast or crackers in morning before getting up
- Avoid eating for 1-2 hours before RT or chemo
- Anti-nausea medications
- Track when nausea occurs and what is causing it
Vomiting
- Do not eat or drink until vomiting is under control
- Sit upright for a period of time after vomiting
- Once controlled, small amounts of clear liquids
- Once clear liquids can be kept down, full liquid diet
- Carbonated beverages may cause fullness, bloating or burping, triggering vomiting
Diarrhea
- Avoid dairy if increase indigestion and diarrhea
- Eat small amounts of food and liquids throughout the day
- Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration
- Avoid very hot or very cold foods
- Drink liquids at room temperature
- Eat plenty of foods and liquids high in sodium and potassium
- Clear liquid diet during first 12-24 hours of onset
For more information, you can listen to the recording on the event page.
References:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hed.23599/abstract
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hed.20447/full
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21142/full
This blog was posted by Robin Allen, a member of OneOp (MFLN) Nutrition and Wellness team that aims to support the development of professionals working with military families. Find out more about the OneOp Nutrition and Wellness concentration on our website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and LinkedIn.
