Coping with Weight Loss During Cancer Treatment: Tips and Nutrition Advice

Causes of weight loss during treatments

Here’s what causes weight loss in cancer patients.

These may include:

Reduced level of calorie intake:

Here are few symptoms that can appear in cancer patients while they have reduced level of calorie in take, including:

• Loss of appetite: Cancer treatments can often negatively affect patients appetite, which makes it difficult to eat enough nutrients and calories needed during the treatments. 
• Experiencing changes in taste buds: Undergoing chemotherapy can cause a type of metallic taste in the mouth, which often results in loss of interest in eating foods in patients. 
• Nausea and vomiting: These are some of the common side effects of treatments that directly reduce the interest in eating foods. 
• Mouth sores: Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause severe mucositis and throat sores in patients. It can make swallowing difficult and painful, reducing the intake of foods.
• Discomfort in swallowing foods: Some cancer treatments can lead to health issues: constipation and acid reflux issues. These general discomforts of illness often lead to a reduction in appetite.

Increased energy needs and inflammation

There are some types of cancer and its symptoms can cause increased energy needs and inflammation in patients. 

• Increased metabolism levels: A cancer patient’s metabolism is higher than usual, and it can speed up to fight cancer, which requires more energy.
• Inflammatory proteins: A patient's body often releases proteins, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), that increase inflammation and contribute to a decreased appetite. 

Treatment side effects

In some patients, treatment related side-effects can often cause side effects and leads to weight loss in patients. 

These may include:

• Difficulty in swallowing foods: Some cancer treatments can cause health challenges with the throat or digestive system that make it difficult to eat meals. 
• Malabsorption: Experiencing severe diarrhea can prevent the body from absorbing necessary nutrients needed for the body.  

Cancer and its symptoms

The location of tumor and organs: If the tumor is present in the head, neck, pancreas, liver or upper digestive tract, then it can indirectly interfere with your eating habits. 

• Cancer cachexia: In advanced cancer patients, the body often develops a condition called cachexia, this is a complex metabolic syndrome often leading to severe medical weight loss along with muscle fats as well.

Emotional and mental factors:

• Depression, emotional distress, and anxiety : Patients who experience emotional distress and anxiety which often contribute to loss of appetite and decrease the feeling of eating.

Nutritional tips to prevent weight loss in cancer patients

Here are some nutritional tips to prevent weight loss in cancer patients. 

These may include:

Eating small and frequent meals

Eating large meals can make the cancer patients feel overwhelmed, especially when you are undergoing treatments. Try to eat small and frequent meals 5-6 times throughout the day. This approach can prevent patients from feeling overwhelmed, help to manage the symptoms of side effects, and ensure a more steady intake of nutrients. 

Choose high calorie, nutrient-rich foods in your meals

Try to eat foods that are packed with good nutrients and antioxidants, along with high calories, in your diet.

Include:

• Avocado, nut butter, olive oil
• Full fat milk and dairy products like cheese, greek yoghurt
• Eggs, Tofu, beans, and lean meats

Always consult your doctor before making any food changes. If you feel any type of discomfort after eating any food, visit your doctor immediately.

Add healthy fats and protein boosters in the foods

Consider adding foods with extra calories into your meals. These may include:

• Try to add cheese and fresh cream to your soups and pasta.
• Mix peanut butter into fresh smoothies and oatmeal snacks.
• Use protein powders or nutritional shakes to increase your supplement and protein intake.

If you experience any types of allergic reactions or discomfort after eating the foods, then visit your doctor immediately. Never ignore any allergic reactions after eating any foods or medications. 

Choose comforting foods

If you are experiencing fatigue and nausea which makes you lose interest in cooking or eating your foods, then ask your friends or family to help you to cook your foods or set up food delivery for you.

Here are few hacks to help you cooking easier:

• Make healthy soups which is easy to make and comfortable to digest
• Try ginger tea or green tea to ease nausea

Always consult your doctor, before making any major changes in your diet. If you are not experiencing any discomfort, then only continue!

Modify your foods into more interesting and healthy

If you are experiencing mouth sores, dry mouth, or swallowing problems, then include these foods your diet:

• Eat soft, moist foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and smoothies.
• Avoid spicy foods and acidic or rough-textured foods.
• Include soups, gravies, and sauces to make your foods interesting and easier to swallow.

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water

If you are experiencing loss of appetite or loss of interest in any of your favorite foods, then consider taking high-calorie beverages. 

These may include:

• Smoothies made with fresh fruits, yoghurt, milk and butter
• Home made nutritional drinks
• Milkshakes with added protein powder

Avoid drinking too much right before your meals, as it can reduce your energy levels.

Consult Today

Cancer treatment often appears as hard because it comes with the stress of weight loss and causes nutritional challenges during the treatments. The majority of cancer patients won’t like to eat and drink because of losing appetite. Patients usually become nauseous and experience vomiting after eating meals. Patients should need to feed the body to heal from cancer and fight against the side effects of treatments.

At Oncare, we offer premium quality cancer treatments including advanced surgeries at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation. 

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist consultation. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!