DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My husband has been diagnosed with cancer. I know his treatment will be hard on him, and I want to help in any way with his diet. What do you recommend for us?
ANSWER: Cancer treatments can take a toll on a person's body. Your husband's treatment may cause nausea, changes in appetite, taste and smell, diarrhea, or constipation, making it harder to meet his nutritional needs. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to cope with these side effects.
Supporting nutrition during cancer treatment
Weight changes. Weight changes are common. Weight loss without trying can reduce muscle mass, stamina and quality of life. Weight gain can lead to the development of other diseases, like diabetes or heart disease. Try to maintain your weight during treatment, even if it's outside a normal range.
Appetite changes. Cancer and cancer treatment may make you lose your appetite or eat more than usual.
- If you lose your appetite:
- Eat smaller snacks that are high in calories, including yogurt, nuts, peanut butter and avocado.
- Eat more when your appetite is better.
- Food may sound unappealing even when you're hungry, making it difficult to eat. Try to find something that's appetizing.
- Keep snacks on hand.
- If you eat more when stressed:
- Choose snacks such as fruits, vegetables and popcorn.
- Find ways to manage stress without food, such as going for a walk or calling a friend.
Nausea. Feeling sick or throwing up due to your treatments makes it hard to eat. Small changes to what and how you eat may help you feel better.
- Eat foods that are easy on your stomach, such as crackers, toast, broth or broth-based soups, ice pops, hard candies, plain pasta and rice.
- Eat five or six small meals a day. Smaller meals are often easier to keep down.
- Don't skip meals or snacks. Even when you're not hungry, try to eat; an empty stomach can make nausea worse.
- Sip small amounts of fluid during meals and throughout the day.
- Try pretzels or crackers with your medicines if your care team says it's OK.
Taste and smell changes. Cancer treatment can alter the taste or smell of food. Some people say food tastes bland. Others say it tastes metallic or too sweet or salty. You may need to try different foods to find what works for you.
To help with taste changes:
- Brighten the flavor. Add a little lemon, lime or vinegar unless your mouth is sore.
- Try strong flavors. Use spices such as cinnamon, ginger, basil or rosemary.
- Make foods sweeter. Add sugar or another sweetener if food tastes bitter or sour.
- Use marinades before cooking.
- Choose other proteins. If meat doesn't taste good, try beans, nuts or fish.
- Use plastic or bamboo utensils. These may help if food tastes metallic.
- Try new foods. You won't have expectations about the taste.
To help with strong smells:
- Cook food in the microwave or use a crockpot or instant cooker in the garage.
- Eat foods cold or at room temperature.
- Cover food while it cooks.
- Use a window or fan to help remove unpleasant odors.
- Drink from a covered cup.
- Ask a friend to cook for you.
Sore throat, mouth or trouble swallowing. When your throat is sore or it's hard to swallow, eating may be painful or tiring. These tips can help:
- Soften the texture. Opt for smooth foods, such as cooked cereal, mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs.
- Cool things down. Choose smoothies, ice pops or a bowl of ice cream.
- Take smaller bites and cut food into tiny pieces.
- Avoid what bothers you. Spicy, sour, crunchy or vinegar-based foods, citrus fruits, tomato sauce or carbonated beverages can cause discomfort.
- Suck on ice chips or ice pops.
Diarrhea and constipation. Bowel changes are unpleasant but common side effects of cancer treatment.
To help with diarrhea:
- Eat small, frequent meals and snacks.
- Choose soft, low-fiber foods.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Limit lactose found in milk and yogurt.
- Avoid sugar substitutes such as sorbitol, xylitol or mannitol, which are often found in sugar-free candy or gum.
- Drink plenty of fluids, including electrolyte-containing fluids, to stay hydrated.
For constipation, aim to:
- Drink enough fluid to stay hydrated and keep stools soft. Try to drink eight to 10 cups of water each day. Warm coffee, tea or broth-based soup in the morning can help your bowels move. Use the bathroom when you feel the urge.
- Move your body. Even short walks help your digestive system work better.
- Keep regular mealtimes.
- Eat a high-fiber diet.
Your husband's care team is an excellent resource for what you can expect during treatment and for the symptoms that may affect his diet and weight.
Grace Fjeldberg, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Nutrition/Oncology, Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, Minnesota