Cancer and Nutrition

Decreasing Diarrhea

If diarrhea is a problem, these suggestions may help to prevent, or at the very least, lessen the severity:

• Try eating small meals frequently rather than two or three large meals each day and don’t skip meals.

• Avoid greasy, fatty and fried foods.

• If dairy products cause problems, try decreasing the amount that a person with cancer eats or drinks at one time.

• Possibly eliminate items from the diet temporarily if they are causing too many problems. Drink plenty of liquids to counter fluid loss.

• It is a good idea to keep an oral electrolyte solution on hand at home to help replace water and minerals lost during diarrhea.

• Talk with a doctor if diarrhea occurs more than twice daily.

• If blood is noticed in the stool, be sure to tell the doctor immediately.
  

Preventing Gas

Gas may cause cramping, bloating and pain. To help prevent it, try these tips:

• Avoid carbonated beverages, chewing gum, highly spiced foods and too many sweets.

• Don’t talk and chew at the same time. This can cause air to be swallowed, which then causes gas.

• Eat only peeled, cooked fruits and vegetables that don’t have seeds. Strain the seeds out of tomatoes.

• Avoid beans, corn (including popcorn) and nuts.

• Vegetables in the cabbage and onion families - including broccoli and garlic - also may cause problems.

Improving Regularity

Keeping regular can be a problem for anyone, but in particular for people who have been receiving different medicines, treatments, therapies, as well as experiencing extreme metabolic changes. Here are some ideas that caregivers can use in helping to keep regular:

• Eat high-fiber foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, or whole-grain, high-fiber cereals.

• If a person with cancer has trouble swallowing, try grating or cooking the fruits and vegetables.

• Don’t forget to add prune juice to their diet.

• Drink plenty of liquids and exercise as much as possible.

• If a person with cancer still suffers from irregularity and continued discomfort, be sure to speak to a doctor.
  

Caregivers have an opportunity to play an active role in helping people with cancer. By understanding the importance of nutrition in the treatment of cancer, and applying useful strategies and tips, caregivers can help people with cancer regain weight and reclaim quality of life.

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