BEFORE CHEMO

The goal is to boost your health and stamina.

DURING CHEMO

The goal is to manage side effects and maintain stamina.

AFTER CHEMO

The goal is to eat to regain your stamina.

COMMON NUTRITION RELATED PROBLEMS AND ITS MANAGEMENT

APPETITE CHANGES : During chemotherapy, it becomes difficult for patient to eat proper diet because of nausea and vomiting.

Recommendations :

• at most when you are hungry and in good moods
• at several times during the day
• e physically active so that you feel hungry
• at your favorite food any time of the day
• at in a calm comfortable environment
• ake sure that meal looks appetizing

Avoidance :

• void liquids with meals, drink most of the liquids between meals

Foods to include: High Calorie & High Protein Foods :

DIARRHOEA :Diarrhoea may occur within few days of chemotherapy because it harms the healthy cells that line large and small intestines.

Recommendations :

• Drink more healthy liquids
• Drink plenty of fluids such as water, weak tea and oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
• Eat small amounts of soft, bland foods
• Increase the amount of sodium and potassium in your diet
• Eat small amounts of food throughout the day rather than three major meals

Avoidance :

• Avoid chewing gums and carbonated drinks
• Avoid foods which causes you flatulence and gas
• Limit milk intake as you may be unable to digest it however curd can be taken
• Avoid high fibre foods such as raw salads, fruits with peels, whole grains (dals) and cereals
• Avoid fried, spicy or very sweet foods

Foods to include :Healthy liquids and low fibre foods

SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY (Dysphagia) :Cancer and its treatment can cause trouble with swallowing. A modified diet works.

Recommendations :

• Try eating soft or liquid foods
• Thick fluids are easier to swallow than thin liquids
• Modify the consistency of the food with the help of a blender
• Add liquids to the food such as sauces and gravies to keep the food moist
• Consider high calorie high protein foods
• Eat slowly and chew food well
• Sip on liquids to help keep clear mouth and throat after swallowing

Avoidance :

• Avoid dry coarse and rough foods

Foods to include : Healthy liquids and soft foods

SORE MOUTH & THROAT (Mucositis/ stomatitis) : Mouth sores can occur on the tongue, gums, and sides of the mouth or in throat. Mouth sores or bleeding gums can lead to an infection. Mouth and throat problem may include: dry mouth (xerostomia), change in taste, mouth sores and difficulty in eating

Recommendations :

• Try eating soft or liquid foods
• Use a straw to drink liquids
• Modify the consistency of the food with the help of a blender
• Add liquids to the food such as sauces and gravies to keep the food moist
• Consider high calorie high protein foods
• Eat foods cold or at room temperature
• Numb the mouth with ice chips or flavored ice
• Take fluids with your meals
• Maintain oral hygiene

Avoidance :

• Avoid dry coarse and rough foods
• Avoid citrus, spicy and salty foods
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco
• Avoid using mouth wash that contains alcohol (which causes burning)
• Avoid vinegars & pickles
• Avoid hot beverages

Foods to include :Healthy liquids and soft cold foods

TASTE AND SMELL CHANGES :Cancer treatment may your sense of taste or smell may change temporarily. You may not like foods you previously enjoyed. These changes can affect your desire to eat.

Recommendations :

• Eat foods which do not have strong smell
• Cold food may be preferred
• Choose foods that you like
• If foods taste bitter or salty add some amount of sugar
• Eat meals when hungry
• Try using plastic utensils if you have a bitter metallic taste in your mouth when eating
• Maintain oral hygiene

Avoidance :

• Avoid hot temperature foods
• Avoid fumes & odors of the kitchen

Foods to include: Healthy, Fresh and food at room temperature.