Optimizing your intake to prevent malnutrition
MALNUTRITION is a common feature in cancer patients.
The warning signs of malnutrition are sudden unexpected weight loss, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, frequent nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, feeling tired or fatigued, slow wound healing or even ge ing sick o en.
The effects of malnutrition in cancer patients are loss of weight and muscle, higher risk of infections, high risk of bone fractures, higher risk of stress level, less independence, longer and more frequent hospital stays/visits, higher healthcare costs, and high death risk.
Nurfazira Binti Saifudin, dietitian of KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital said, “In view of the effects of malnutrition in cancer patients, cancer patients need to have adequate energy-protein intake for maintaining healthy body weight or gaining weight even before starting any cancer treatment.”
Some tips to help cancer patients alleviate the side effects of cancer treatment:
If you have a loss of appetite or desire to eat, drink milkshakes, smoothies, juices, or soups if you do not feel like eating solid food or eat foods that smell good or eat small meals and healthy snacks o en throughout the day. Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth. It helps to relieve the symptoms and a ertaste.
If you feel nauseated, do not skip meals and snacks because it will make your nausea worse. Choose foods that appeal to you, maybe foods that are easy to digest rather than having a full meal. Eat 5-6 small meals every day, instead of three large meals. Sit up or lie with your head raised for one hour a er eating and wear loose and comfortable clothes. You also can ask your doctor for some medicine.
If you are vomiting, do not eat or drink anything until the vomiting stops. Drink a small amount of clear liquids a er it stops. Then a er you can drink clear liquids without vomiting, try to drink some strained soups or milkshakes that are easy for your stomach.
If you have a dry mouth, try to drink/eat food/drinks that are very sweet or tart such as lemonade, it helps to make more saliva. Eat food that is easy to swallow, you can add some gravy, sauce, or dressing to moisten your food. Sip water throughout the day. Rinse your mouth every 1-2 hours and avoid using alcohol-based mouthwash.
You may experience taste changes during or a er the treatment. Some tips to help alleviate the symptoms are; to add spices or sauces to foods, try tart food/drinks, use plastic utensils, not drink directly from metal containers if foods have a metal taste and chew food longer to allow more contact with taste buds. Try to eat your favorite food when feeling your best.
Lastly, if you have a sore throat or trouble swallowing, avoid foods/drinks that can burn or starch your throat. Cook your food until so and tender, easy for you to chew and swallow. Moisten your food with gravy, sauces, broth, or yogurt. You can try to cut your food into small pieces or blend it to make it smooth. And drink using a straw.
If you cannot eat enough to stay strong, speak with your dietitian for a suitable oral nutrition supplement or talk with your doctor about tube feeding.
This article is provided by KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital in conjunction with World Cancer Day.