A cancer patient who is on chemotherapy will have quite repressed taste buds so all the food may taste metallic and highly tasteless. Besides, there are increased bouts of vomiting and nausea which play havoc with the gastronomic abilities. In such a scenario only strong and spicy food is craved by the patient which being tasty, suit the weak and tasteless pallet.

Diet Tips For Patients On Chemotherapy

A Balanced Diet

Frequent though small meals which are highly rich in calorie content is the secret behind staying healthy in spite of chemotherapy. Increase your protein intake since your body needs all the help it can get to repair the tissues and fight the disease in an effective manner.

Go for all kinds of nuts and legumes, lean portions of meat, cottage cheese, beans and dairy products which are low in the fat content. Cottage cheese is a good food to eat while on chemotherapy, while being a fine source of protein it is also quite soft to eat, so intake is quite easy and can be achieved with minimum of fuss.

Eggs are another such good source of protein which is cheap too. Besides eggs can be had in variety of ways be it boiled, scrambled or poached whatever method you apply it is very quick and tasty way of calorie intake.

Add up the protein sources in the regular diet with lots of fruits and vegetables of every kind. They provide the weakened body with the much needed nutrition since they are filled with all the necessary vitamins and mineral and in addition they also help to flush out the poisonous toxins from the body helping in the fight against the disease.

Add carbohydrates to the diet which are the storehouse of energy giving strength to the weakened body. Whole grains, the various cereals, bread and rice are the main source of carbohydrates. Another such source is potato. You may eat it mashed by adding butter or cheese to increase its calorific value or you can also prepare soups add variety to this bland foodstuff.

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Easily Digestible Food

The digestive system of a person who is undergoing chemotherapy is not 100%, it is weakened like the general health and any disbalance in the dietary regime may lead to polar extremes like diarrhea or constipation. So, the food the patient eats must be administered keeping this in mind.

Increased intake of fiber may effectively keep constipation at bay; similarly avoid food that may increase instances of flatulence. However, if diarrhea is the bane than it is good sense to avoid spicy and sweet tasting food, similarly restrictions should be applied to increased consumption of dairy products. Rather go for banana or rice and oatmeal.

Body Hydration

Patients who undergo chemotherapy always feel dryness of mouth and thirst so proper and optimum hydration is extremely necessary. A minimum of eight to ten glasses of water consumption is quite vital, besides food materials in a liquid manner like in form of soups or broths can be given which will not only replenish the fluid needs but will also provide quality nutrition.

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