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Tips on Preparing Food for Cancer Patients

Loss of appetite and nausea are two common side effects of cancer. These symptoms are caused by the disease and also by powerful forms of treatment like chemotherapy and radiation. Stress and worry can also cause loss of appetite. Preparing meals for someone with cancer can be challenging. You want to prepare meals that are nutritious and appealing.

  1. Food Safety

    • Handle food carefully. Cancer patients have immune systems that are overworked and weakened. You should practice good hygiene in the kitchen so you do not spread a food borne illness. Scrub all raw vegetables and fruits before serving. If you cannot reach all areas, like inside a crack in a carrot or the bumps on a raspberry, then don't use it. Wash your hands often while cooking, especially after touching raw meat. Be sure to use clean cooking implements. Do not use raw eggs or raw milk products.

    Nausea

    • Prepare foods that are gentle to the stomach, like sherbet, boiled rice, clear liquids, oatmeal, broiled chicken, angel food cake and ice chips. Do not serve food that is greasy or has been fried. Avoid sugary sweets and food that is spicy. Don't cook foods like cabbage that have a very strong odor. Serve small amounts frequently and instruct the patient to eat slowly and rest after eating. It is best to serve food warm or cool, as hot food can make nausea worse.

    Loss of Appetite

    • Make meals more appealing by arranging them in a festive way with colorful plates and napkins. Serve small portions so the meal is not overwhelming. Do not try and force the patient to eat, as that may cause nausea or a permanent distaste for a particular food. Marinate meats in sweet and sour sauce to improve the taste. Offer tart foods that have a strong taste like lemons or oranges. Cook outdoors if possible or draw odors outdoors with a fan if the smell of food cooking leads to a loss of appetite.

    Diarrhea

    • Offer plenty of fluids if the cancer patient has diarrhea. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and emotional upset all can cause diarrhea. During this time, prepare meals high in potassium and sodium, such as bouillon, bananas or mashed potatoes. Other food choices include sports drinks, rice, cottage cheese, eggs and peanut butter. It is best to avoid fatty or greasy food and milk products. Hold off on caffeine and raw high-fiber vegetables, as these tend to make diarrhea worse.

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