Dietary advice for feeding problems during cancer treatment
Review spoke to dietitian Anke van Waveren about food and feeding problems.
POLOKWANE – After receiving the news that a person has cancer, most people start to look at their diet as some believe certain foods will prevent the cancer from growing while others just need something to help with the negative sides of cancer treatment.
Review spoke to dietitian Anke van Waveren about food and feeding problems.
“There is no single food or nutrient that can cure or help with cancer and the side effects of the treatment. There are however some foods that can help depending on the dietary problems that you experience.”
• People will sometimes experience a metallic taste in their mouth. “For this you can try sugar-free lemon drops, gum or mints. You can also season food with flavours such as lemon, lemonade, citrus fruits, vinegar and pickled foods. Do this only if you do not have a sore mouth or throat. You can also try new tastes and spices such as onion, garlic, chilli powder, basil and so one. You can counter salty tastes with sweeteners, sweet taste with added lemon juice and salt, and bitter taste with added sweeteners.”
• Constipation problems: “To relieve constipation, drink eight to 10 cups of liquid every day. Try water, prune juice, warm juice, teas, and hot lemonade. Try to eat at the same time every day and eat high-fibre foods. Avoid gas forming foods.”
• Sore mouth: Choose foods that are lukewarm or cold and season foods with herbs such as basil, oregano and thyme instead of chilli, cloves, garlic and curry. Do not eat acidic or salty foods and drinks such as citrus juices.
• Nausea: “Eat foods that are dry for example; crackers, toast, dry cereals or bread sticks, every few hours during the day. You can also suck on hard candy such as peppermint or lemon flavoured sweets if there is a bad taste in your mouth. Avoid very sweet or very oily foods such as desserts and deep fried potato chips.”
• Dry mouth: “Drink soda water, hot tea with lemon and diluted juices. Avoid bananas, dried fruit and vegetables, unless in a sauce or with a high moisture content. Dry breads, rolls, pasta, rice, pretzels, chips, and cereal should also be avoided.”
