How to Increase Appetite in Cancer Patients

About 80 percent of patients with advanced cancer experience a loss in appetite and malnutrition. Because of the side effects of cancer treatment (like vomiting or nausea), patients often develop an indifference towards food and have a hard time making themselves eat. Yet it is very important for cancer patients to eat a healthy diet since a loss of appetite can lead to malnutrition, a decreased effectiveness in treatment, a longer recovery time and a lower quality of life. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to increase the appetite in cancer patients.

Instructions

• 1

  Restructure diet and eating habits. Try to increase your appetite by making meal times as relaxed as possible, eating frequent small meals rather than three large ones, and by keeping snacks within easy reach in case you become hungry. If your doctor allows it, drink a small glass of wine or beer during a meal to help boost your appetite. If you experience appetite loss due to changes in your sense of taste or smell, add more seasonings to your food (marinades and spices), flavor your vegetables with bacon or onions, and try tart foods like lemon custard that have lots of taste.

• 2

  Make an appointment with a dietitian. Employed at most major hospitals, dietitians can help cancer patients develop a list of healthful (and tasty) foods that will boost the immune system and aid in recovery. A dietitian can also help you plan a diet if you have special dietary needs (like lactose intolerance, diabetic, etc.). Speak with your doctor about making an appointment with a registered dietitian.

• 3

  Speak with a therapist or counselor. Some cancer patients experience a loss in appetite due to depression or excess anxiety. Many hospitals provide counseling services for cancer patients, so take advantage of this option if it is available to you. If your hospital does not provide this service, seek out a therapist through your health insurance provider or ask your doctor for a recommendation. A counselor can help you overcome your depression or anxiety, which will help restore your appetite.

• 4

  Take appetite stimulants. Certain drugs, such as megestrol acetate, can stimulate the appetite of a cancer patient. Results can vary from patient to patient, but these drugs can increase appetite and dietary intake by wide margins. Ask your doctor for a prescription for an appetite stimulant. Be patient after you start taking the stimulant; it may take between 4 to 6 weeks before the drug begins to work.

• 5

  Get a prescription for cannabinoids. If your loss in appetite stems from nausea, ask your doctor for a prescription of a cannabinoid (drugs derived from marijuana). These drugs help to alleviate nausea and can help stimulate your appetite, but they have not been proven to be very productive in gaining weight.

• 6

  Take an immuno-stimulating or immuno-modulating agent. Immuno-stimulating and immuno-modulating agents are liquid formulas rich in nutrients. They provide important vitamins and minerals, such as omega-3 fatty acids and argenine, catered toward boosting the immune system and resisting infection. These agents help patients gain weight and alleviate malnutrition. Speak with your doctor about obtaining an immuno-stimulating or immuno-modulating agent to boost your appetite and health.