Anorexia, dry mouth, and dehydration

The best ways to help the body repair itself from anorexia and dry mouth, which almost always accompany cancer treatment, is to take liquid supplements containing nutrients, eating soups, or having smoothies or shakes. Those with anorexia might try eating breakfasts that contain approximately one third of the daily calories and protein needed for the day. Substituting poultry, fish, eggs and cheese for red meat is also an idea. Eating pudding and muffins and cheese and crackers are also advised for a high-calorie and high-protein diet.

To avoid dry mouth, stay away from food and drinks with excessive sugar and consume as much water as possible. Drinking fruit nectar instead of juice is suggested. Patients with mouth sores and/or infections should avoid rough, coarse, or dry foods including raw veggies, granola, toast and crackers. Citrus fruits and juices should also be avoided, along with anything spicy or salty.

Since some cancer treatments can cause diarrhea or nausea, greasy foods, hot or cold drinks, and caffeine should be avoided. Milk and gas-forming food should also be limited, along with sugar-free candies. Your doctor may suggest taking oral glutamine supplements to help keep the intestines healthy when certain chemotherapy agents are used. Consult your physician for more information and guidance.

When patients suffer from nausea, they should avoid spicy, greasy, or odorous foods. Dry foods such as crackers, breadsticks, or toast are good if you are nauseous. Bland, soft food should replace heavier meals, and the mouth should be rinsed before and after eating.

If a patient can consume eight to twelve cups of liquids daily he or she will minimize the possibility of becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to extreme tiredness, making it difficult to endure some of the more rigorous, aggressive cancer treatments. Many find taking a water bottle when leaving the house is helpful in order to ensure enough liquids are consumed. If a patient is constipated, in addition to drinking water, between 25 and 35 grams per day of fiber-rich foods should be consumed. Adding wheat bran to meals may help, but do not exceed 6 tablespoons per day. Suggestions for adding more fibrous food to one's diet are as follows: about ½ cup of various legumes such as kidney, navy, or garbanzo beans or lentils; ½ cup of corn or pears with skin, or 3 cups of popped popcorn; whole-grain or bran cereals will be helpful along with oatmeal or grits; ½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw asparagus, green beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, greens, onions, spinach or canned tomatoes; ½ cup of apples with skin, bananas, strawberries, peaches or blueberries; or whole wheat bread or pita, whole grain bagels or crackers.

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