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Nutritious Food for Chemotherapy Patients

Chemotherapy is a medical procedure to help cure cancer. A side effect of treatment is a loss of appetite, which can cause poor nutrition. It is extra important for chemotherapy patients to follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture's food pyramid. Chemotherapy can affect appetites and the way food tastes. To ensure patients receive their necessary nutrients, enteral nutrition might be necessary.

  1. Enteral Nutrition

    • Chemotherapy can cause anorexia, nausea and vomiting. These three issues cause weight and nutrition loss. When fighting diseases such as cancer, receiving proper nutrition is extremely important. Enteral nutrition is the process by which nutrients are directly inserted in the digestive system by tube feedings.

    Calories and Protein

    • Our body uses calories and protein to give our muscles and mind the energy it needs to perform. Patients must maintain adequate calories for weight maintenance. Protein is needed to ensure a well-working immune system and to allow for tolerance to the chemotherapy treatment.

    Appetite Stimulators

    • Appetite stimulants can be a great way to fight nausea or vomiting. Marinol is a legal form of synthetic THC that is produced in pill form. Marinol is an anti-nausea drug that can also stimulate an appetite.

    Change in Taste

    • Changes in taste perception can be common in chemotherapy patients. The changes can lead to a loss of appetite. When certain foods that have nutritional value become unappetizing, you should add ingredients to bring the right tastes back. If foods are too bitter, add sweetener or honey. If foods are too sweet, take Gymnema Sylvestra, an herbal tea that will deaden the taste buds to sweet tastes for about 20 minutes.

    Food Pyramid

    • The best way for chemo patients to maintain proper nutrients is to follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Pyramid. Following the Food Pyramid will ensure proper nutrition and help patients avoid weight loss.

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