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Nutrition during radio- and/or chemotherapy

Małgorzata Solecka - dietetician, specialist in nutrition and education of oncological patients

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Nutrition during radio- and/or chemotherapy

Panthermedia

Monitoring vital functions during surgery

Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy are currently the most common methods of cancer treatment. During the period of intensive treatment with these methods, the patient is subject to special dietary recommendations. However, it is important to ensure that the diet during this time is tailored to the individual needs of the patient and the individual tolerance of certain foods and nutrients.

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During this period, the patient's diet should be: easily digestible - products boiled in water, steamed or baked in foil are recommended. It is also worth increasing the amount of complete protein in each meal; good sources of protein are: lean fish, lean meat, eggs, milk and milk products. It is advisable to eat 4-5 meals a day, small in volume.

Consume about 500g/day of vegetables and fruit, in such a form that they do not cause gastrointestinal pain. During the intensive treatment period, the absorption and tolerance of lactose may be impaired and milk should be avoided. It is important not to eat any food approximately two hours before and after taking a cytostatic or radiation fraction in order to reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting.

Throughout the treatment, do not forget to keep your body well hydrated, so drink a minimum of 2 litres of fluids per day, this can be: still water, fruit or vegetable juices, weak tea or fruit compotes. It may be helpful to eliminate fatty foods, which put additional strain on the digestive tract. During the period of chemotherapy, it is advisable to refrain from eating favourite foods or to eat them between cycles so as not to develop a permanent aversion to them.
Adherence to the above principles during intensive anticancer treatment can improve the comfort of life and protect against or alleviate adverse side effects.