You Can Still Maintain a Healthy Weight during Cancer Treatment

When undergoing cancer treatment, you may encounter side effects, such as a suppressed diet, weight loss, nausea, diarrhea, mouth sores, taste changes, and vomiting. Cancer affects the metabolism in the patient’s body too.

In a bid to fight off cancer, the body may use excessive energy, which may require the patient to take in more calories for maintaining a healthy weight.

Tips to Help You Retain Your Health during Cancer Treatment

• Eat healthy fats, including avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, nut butters, and fatty fish (tuna, salmon, snapper, sardines, and trout).

• When you have no appetite or feel fatigued, opt for drinks over solid food. For example, you may drink fruit and vegetable smoothies made with flax seed oil, coconut oil, or nut butters.

• Eat more frequently. You can add supplements to smoothies or eat small, calorie-packed meals. Consult with your care team regarding the calories to avoid.

• Off-the-shelf shakes are good, but since they come in limited flavors, people tend to tire of them easily. To curb shake burnout, try to enhance the flavor of your shakes by blending them with different ice cream flavors or fruits.

• Consult a qualified nutritionist to help you develop a nutrition plan based on your health status and personal preferences.

• Avoid excessive caffeine, as it may cause dehydration. Have a cup of coffee or two per day, but remember to drink plenty of water.

• Do not go on a low-carb or low-fat diet during cancer treatment. 

• Don’t consume a lot of high-fiber foods when looking to increase weight. If you eat plenty of vegetables, try to balance them with fat and protein. While veggies are healthy, they won’t contribute to weight gain.