Chemotherapy often causes nausea, making eating difficult and impacting nutrition. This article provides practical guidance on food and fluid strategies to ease nausea and maintain strength during treatment.
General Approaches to Eating
Modifying eating habits can significantly help manage chemotherapy-induced nausea. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day, rather than large ones, prevents the stomach from becoming too full, which can worsen nausea. Consuming food every 2-3 hours helps maintain a steady level of nutrients and prevents an empty stomach, which might also trigger nausea. Eating slowly also aids digestion and can reduce discomfort.
Food temperature and odor are important considerations. Room temperature or cold foods often have less intense smells than hot foods, making them less off-putting. If cooking odors are a trigger, consider having someone else prepare meals or choosing cold foods like sandwiches or salads. Listen to your body’s signals and eat what appeals, even if it’s not a typical meal.
Recommended Foods and Preparations
Focusing on bland, easy-to-digest foods can provide necessary nutrition without aggravating nausea. Plain starches like toast, crackers, pretzels, and dry cereals are often well-tolerated and can help settle the stomach. Cooked grains such as rice, plain pasta, and oatmeal also serve as gentle options. These foods are typically low in fat, which makes them easier to digest.
Lean proteins, prepared simply, can offer essential nutrients. Plain chicken (skinned, baked, or broiled), hard-boiled eggs, and cottage cheese are examples of protein sources that may be tolerated. Soft fruits like bananas, applesauce, and canned peaches provide vitamins and natural sugars. Cooked vegetables, such as boiled potatoes, can also be included when tolerated. Simple preparation methods like boiling, baking, or steaming are preferred to avoid added fats or strong flavors that could trigger nausea.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
Certain foods can exacerbate nausea and should be limited or avoided during chemotherapy. Fatty, greasy, or fried foods are difficult to digest and can sit in the stomach longer, potentially worsening nausea. These include items like fried chicken, french fries, and rich desserts. Overly sweet foods, such as candy or cakes with icing, can also be problematic.
Spicy foods and highly acidic items, like certain citrus juices (e.g., orange or grapefruit juice), can irritate the stomach lining and mouth sores, which are common side effects of chemotherapy. Foods with strong odors should also be avoided, as they can trigger or intensify nausea. It is advisable to temporarily avoid favorite foods while nauseous, as a negative association might develop, causing a dislike for them even after recovery.
Prioritizing Hydration
Maintaining adequate fluid intake is especially important when dealing with nausea, as it helps prevent dehydration, which can worsen symptoms. Sipping small amounts of clear liquids throughout the day is often the easiest way to stay hydrated. Water, clear broths, diluted fruit juices (like apple or cranberry), and flat ginger ale are good choices.
Electrolyte-rich fluids, such as sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions, can help replace lost minerals, particularly if vomiting or diarrhea is present. It is generally recommended to drink fluids between meals rather than with them, to avoid feeling too full. Avoiding very cold or carbonated beverages might be necessary if they cause discomfort, though some find flat carbonated drinks helpful.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While dietary adjustments can help manage nausea, it is important to know when to seek professional medical advice. Contact your healthcare team if nausea persists despite dietary changes or if anti-nausea medications are not effective. Persistent vomiting, especially if it lasts for more than 2-3 days or prevents keeping down any fluids, warrants immediate attention.
Signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, decreased urination, or dark urine, indicate a need for medical evaluation. Significant weight loss or an inability to eat for more than two days are also serious concerns that should be reported. Your medical team can assess the situation and recommend further interventions, including different medications or intravenous fluids if necessary.