Nourishing Body and Mind During Chemo; 10 Tips for Eating During Chemotherapy

Nourishing Body and Mind During Chemo; 10 Tips for Eating During Chemotherapy

Keep Well-Nourished with Whole Foods;

As the name suggests, whole foods have their nutrients intact-unlike processed foods like white flour and sugar. When you eat a wide variety of these edibles, you can take full advantage of their healing powers-foods from broccoli to blueberries have multiple cancer-fighting properties, including the ability to control your blood-sugar, which is very important during chemotherapy-some steroid medications to control nausea can elevate your blood-sugar, and not eating enough can lower it.

Plan Your Eating Around Treatments;

In the two days leading up to a chemotherapy session, avoid fat-filled, fried, and greasy foods since they tax the liver and are difficult to digest. Instead, try keeping it light with things like steamed veggies, broiled fish, and whole grains. Also, avoid eating your favorite foods during this time so you won't develop an aversion to them if you get sick from chemotherapy. Remember how you felt about that cotton candy you hurled as a kid? Or even the tuna sandwich that poisoned you a few years ago? You don't want to feel that way about your mom's chicken soup or your beloved strawberry smoothie. Save those foods for days when you are least likely to get ill.

Work with Taste Changes;

Chemo can mess with your taste nerve circuitry, affecting your ability to perceive taste. The good news is that these nerves regenerate quickly. Meantime, you can try a few culinary tips to trick your taste buds into working better. If food has a metallic taste, add a little grade B maple syrup and a squeeze of lemon. You could also try adding fat, such as a nut cream or butter. When food tastes too sweet, add six drops of lemon juice, and keep adding it in small increments until the sweet becomes muted. If food tastes too salty, add ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice, which erases the taste of salt. On days everything tastes like cardboard, add sea salt until the flavor of the dish moves toward the front of the mouth.

Let Ginger Be Your Best Friend;

Ginger, you've probably known since childhood, is a time-tested, tasty remedy for nausea and an upset stomach. Its belly-calming effects are increased when consumed with some protein, which can also be helpful for chemotherapy-induced nausea. Try boiling some freshly sliced ginger root for 20 minutes, let steep, strain, and sip. Or you can even cut a small chunk and hold it in your mouth like a sucking candy. If you don't have access to fresh ginger root, ginger tea bags will do the trick.

Build a Culinary Support Team;

The people in your life who are already helping you or who have offered to do so can aid you in accomplishing the important goal of staying well-nourished during treatment. They can make food lists, print out recipes, shop for groceries, keep your fridge cleaned, and either prepare meals or make it easier for you by pre-chopping veggies, marinating proteins, and making sure you have proper utensils and appliances. They'll also keep any well-intentioned but food-sabotaging relatives or friends at bay, ensuring that you are well fed and relaxed about food. If you have a hard time asking for assistance, remember: Many people sincerely want to help and would love a specific, concrete task. Appoint a captain of your "Team Food" who can recruit members and dole out assignments.

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals;

During treatment, you should try to nibble every hour or so, even if you aren't especially hungry. Larger meals take more energy to digest, can make your bloodsugar spike and crash, and leave you lethargic. Small meals throughout the day will keep you fueled and energized. They also ensure that you won't often have an empty stomach-something that can contribute to nausea. If you need to, set an alarm to make sure you have frequent nutritious snacks-for example, keep little baggies of almonds, a small Thermos of soup, and or some crackers with hummus in your bag or car at all times.

Exercise-It Will Help You Eat;

Though you might not feel inspired, studies show that exercise during chemotherapy can increase your energy levels and help you tolerate treatment better. It can also stimulate your appetite, allowing you to pack in the nutrients. When you feel well enough, make sure you keep your body moving-even if it's with some gentle stretching on your living room floor or a walk around the block.

Get Cozy with a Cup of Broth;

Chemotherapy can cause dehydration which saps energy, sinks moods, and pulls vital nutrients from your system. A rejuvenating broth, like my , is chock-full of magnesium, potassium, and sodium, ingredients that will allow your body to refresh and restore itself. It can also be helpful to add a little sea salt and a squeeze of lemon to a glass of water-your own electrolyte-filled natural sports drink. Your doctor will tell you how much water to drink, but the general guideline is: More than you probably think. Staying hydrated and keeping toxins moving on out are essential.

Stock the Fridge and Freezer;

Making sure your fridge is never barren ensures that you'll have a wide variety of prepared foods available 24/7. This allows you to do your sustained nibbling and to eat whenever the mood strikes, including during treatment sessions or hospital stays. This is a perfect project for Team Food or for you to do on "up" days. My Magic Mineral Broth is perfect for freezing-as are other soups and stews. If you have difficulties going to the trouble for yourself, try thinking of a beloved friend or family member in your condition: What would you put in her fridge? Take that loving thought and apply it to yourself.

Don't Forget the Yum!;

Even though it can be tricky to get past all the obstacles that chemo presents in the way of sensory side effects-mouth sores, vomiting, lack of appetite, and oddly tweaked taste buds-you can still enjoy food. You just might have to try some things you aren't used to-suddenly you may love apples or mint tea or dark chocolate. Experiment-food is a sure way to feel pleasure in your body, which, especially during treatment, is not a luxury. Tapping into the power of yum can help uplift and nourish you in so many ways.