An alarming fact about cancer: 20% to 40% of cancer patients die not from the cancer itself, but from malnutrition. In addition, according to the National Cancer Institute, almost 80% of cancer patients develop clinical malnutrition due to side effects from cancer and cancer treatments. Some cancer patients have eating disorders and difficulties such as anorexia or a condition called “cachexia”, defined as a wasting syndrome, causing breakdown of immunity and weight loss.
Malnutrition weakens the patient’s immune system rendering him incapable of resisting infection and enduring cancer therapies. Protein and calories, key nutrients for energy, healing and fighting infection are the most common elements deficient in cancer patients.
Addressing malnutrition and under-nutrition are significant in reducing the risks of death and hospital admissions among cancer patients. According to Yale Professor Dave Katz, MD, “Optimizing nutrition during and following cancer therapy is unquestionably a vital element in overcoming the disease, and reclaiming good health.”
Easy nutritional tips for cancer patients include:
1. Small frequent meals and liquid intake: eating five or six small meals throughout the day helps rather than three consecutive large ones. To avoid filling up on liquid, drink between meals.
2. Protein intake: to increase protein level, patients may eat peanut butter crackers, yogurt and fruit, a hard-boiled egg and piece of toast for mini-meals. High-protein and high-calorie milkshakes and beverages will also help.
3. Nausea prevention: white, bland foods such as Cream of Wheat, mashed potatoes and cottage cheese help when the patient becomes nauseous. High-fat or fiber foods should be avoided because it makes nausea last longer. Food should be served at room temperature and 30 minutes before eating, patients can also eat fresh ginger or ginger capsules.
4. Diarrhea emergencies: ensure hydration. Allow patients to eat food with sauces and gravies. Make the patient eat bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
5. Correcting taste deficiencies: citrus like lemon drops and lemonade counters metallic taste encountered by patients.
6. Consulting the physician: ask the doctor about dietary supplements and gather information about losing weight.
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