Food during chemotherapy treatment: appetite loss.

Spanish Association Against Cancer. Tips and Recipes Loss of appetite Loss of appetite is one of the most common side effects during cancer treatment. This decrease in the desire to eat is often accompanied by weight loss, which at times can be considerable.Generally this decrease in weight usually involves a lack of protein, which at this stage, are essential for tissue repair that have been damaged during it. The causes of anorexia in these patients are not well understood, but may be due to the disease itself, side effects from treatment such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, etc.. either side to a state of anxiety, fear or depression. Tips If you have less appetite than usual, it is important that whatever you eat is high in protein and calories, so to compensate for loss of intake. These tips can help you maintain or reduce weight loss during the same treatments. SPECIALIST CONSULTATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT IT Eat small amounts of food at each meal but more times a day, make sure you eat something every hour or two hours. Eat when you're hungry, though not mealtime. It is generally not advisable to include a variety of foods to choose from, and is preferable to use smaller plates. It is important to try new tastes and textures, as the taste can vary from day to day, especially if you are being treated with radiation therapy and neck tops. Are preferred protein-rich foods (cream cheese, whole milk, eggs, meat, fish ...) and calories (nuts, cream cheese, butter, honey, sugar ...). Avoid light products. Avoid drinking fluids with meals to lessen the problem of quench-ing early (except in the case of dry mouth and dysphagia). It is preferable that the copious meals match the times of day when you feel better (usually in the mornings). Stimulate your appetite by light exercise.Ask your doctor what exercises you can do (usually a daily walk is enough). Make sure that the environment when meals will be nice (company, presentation of meals). plus size clothing It is preferable that meals are warm or cold. Avoid foods that have strong scents that you can be unpleasant. Preferably someone else prepare food