Cancer is a serious disease, and its treatment brings many challenges related to diet. Loss of appetite, change in taste, vomiting, and digestive problems are common during treatment. These problems are seen during treatment. If attention is not paid to diet, then the problems can increase even more.

Cancer is a serious disease. If you have this disease, you need to undergo treatment for a long time. If this disease is identified in time, then its treatment can be easy. But have you ever noticed that the diet of people undergoing treatment for cancer changes a lot? They do not feel like eating anything.

Why does this happen? Let us tell you that food is a necessity for our bodies. But if you are struggling with this problem, then you must read this article of ours. We are going to give you detailed information.

Cancer and the challenge of diet

Cancer and its treatment have a bad effect on eating habits. During treatment, loss of appetite, change in taste, vomiting, nausea, and digestion-related problems start occurring. Due to these reasons, patients are not able to eat properly, which can lead to weight loss, weakness, and lack of energy. Taking a healthy diet strengthens immunity. This helps in bearing the pain of treatment.

Why does cancer affect food?

If cancer has occurred in the mouth, throat, or stomach and intestines, then it can cause difficulty in swallowing food. On the other hand, chemotherapy causes vomiting, nausea, and changes the taste of the mouth. While radiotherapy causes dry mouth, pain, or loose motion. Due to this, there is no desire to eat. Apart from this, the desire to cook or eat also decreases due to physical and mental fatigue.

Why do problems occur?

A study published in the National Library of Medicine states that chemotherapy and radiotherapy often lead to loss of appetite, change in taste, and digestion related problems. This can also lead to malnutrition.

Loss of appetite

The patient may feel full quickly. There is no desire to eat. Due to this,  the problem of weight loss  and weakness becomes common. Food should be taken 3 times a day. Try to include energy-rich snacks like smoothies, nut butter in the diet.

Changes in taste

The treatment may cause a bland taste in the mouth. Strongly smelling foods may cause vomiting. You can eat cold foods like yogurt, salad, or sandwiches. Use herbs or lemon for a mild taste.

Vomiting and indigestion

These problems are often caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This can also cause dehydration. Eat light and simple food, like toast or rice. You can drink ginger tea. However, oily foods should be avoided.

Digestion problem

Problems like constipation, loose motion or bloating also occur. This is because of the lack of medicines and physical activity. To avoid this, drink plenty of water. In case of constipation, take light fiber (such as oats), and in case of diarrhea, eat low-fiber food (such as rice, banana).

PC:Jagran