Nausea and appetite changes are two of the most common and challenging side effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. These symptoms can make eating and maintaining your strength difficult, but there are many strategies you can use to manage nausea and improve appetite during treatment.
In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips to help you eat well and feel better despite these challenges.
Why Do Nausea and Appetite Changes Occur?
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can affect the digestive system, leading to nausea, vomiting, and changes in taste and smell. These side effects can make food less appealing, and in some cases, patients may experience loss of appetite or food aversions.
Nausea can result from the way treatments affect the stomach lining or alter the body’s normal processes. Similarly, changes in taste (often described as food tasting “metallic” or bland) can make eating a struggle. However, there are ways to combat these effects and regain a sense of normalcy.
Tips for Managing Nausea During Treatment
1. Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Instead of eating large meals, aim for 5-6 small meals throughout the day. Eating smaller portions more frequently can help reduce nausea and keep your stomach from feeling too full. Choose easy-to-digest foods that are gentle on your stomach, such as:
- Plain crackers
- Toast or rice
- Bananas or applesauce
- Boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes
2. Avoid Strong Odors
Strong smells can trigger nausea during treatment. To minimize these triggers:
- Avoid cooking odors by opting for cold or room temperature foods that require no preparation.
- Use a fan or open windows to ventilate the kitchen when cooking.
- Limit spicy or greasy foods, which can worsen nausea.
3. Drink Fluids Between Meals
It’s important to stay hydrated, but drinking large amounts of fluids with meals can exacerbate nausea. Instead, try sipping fluids between meals rather than during, especially clear liquids like water, ginger tea, or broths.
4. Try Ginger or Peppermint
Ginger and peppermint have long been used to help manage nausea. You can try:
- Ginger tea or ginger candies
- Peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint candies
Both have soothing effects on the stomach and can help reduce nausea.
5. Take Your Medications
There are anti-nausea medications (called antiemetics) that can help manage nausea during treatment. Talk to your doctor about the medications that may be right for you. They may suggest medications that are taken before treatment or prescribed for daily use to prevent nausea.
How to Improve Appetite During Treatment
1. Focus on High-Calorie, High-Protein Foods
If you’re struggling with appetite loss, focus on calorie-dense and protein-rich foods that provide the most nutrients in smaller portions. Some options include:
- Smoothies with yogurt, protein powder, and fruit
- Nut butters spread on toast or crackers
- Cheese, eggs, or tofu for protein
- Full-fat dairy like milk or cream for extra calories
2. Make Meals More Appealing
If food is tasting bland or unappetizing, try adding spices or flavor enhancers like lemon, cinnamon, or fresh herbs to make meals more interesting. Serving foods in a visually appealing way can also help encourage eating.
3. Stay Social During Meals
Eating can feel like a chore when you’re not hungry, but it’s important to continue eating for your health. Try eating with family or friends, or listening to music while you eat. Socializing during meals can make eating more enjoyable and help stimulate your appetite.
4. Experiment with Temperature
Some patients find that they can tolerate food better if it’s served at a cool or room temperature, rather than hot. If you’re struggling with warm foods, try cold salads, smoothies, or popsicles to get the calories and nutrients you need.
5. Plan Ahead
If you’re experiencing fluctuations in your appetite, plan meals ahead of time so you have food available when your appetite returns. Consider prepping foods in advance that you can store in the fridge or freezer. Having easy-to-grab snacks like yogurt, nuts, or granola bars available will help when your appetite comes back.
When to Seek Help
If you’re unable to manage nausea or appetite loss despite these strategies, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Severe or prolonged symptoms may lead to weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition, which can affect your treatment and recovery. Your doctor may refer you to a nutritionist who specializes in cancer care or adjust your treatment to better control nausea.
Key Takeaways
- Small, frequent meals and avoiding strong odors can help reduce nausea.
- Focus on high-calorie, high-protein foods to improve appetite during treatment.
- Consider natural remedies like ginger and peppermint to soothe nausea.
- Stay hydrated and avoid drinking too much during meals.
- If symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare team for additional support and medications
