Battling against esophageal cancer is tough, but eating well can help in this journey. Good food not only gives you energy but also helps you cope with treatment.
Good nutrition is essential before, during, and after esophageal cancer treatment. It can help you stay strong, maintain your weight, fight infection, reduce side effects, heal after treatment, and avoid vitamin deficiencies.
Eating Tips During Treatment
Esophageal cancer treatment can make eating tricky due to side effects like taste changes and loss of appetite.
If you’re struggling to eat enough or losing weight during treatment, follow these tips:
- Have small, frequent meals every 2 to 3 hours, aiming for 6 to 8 small meals a day instead of 3 large ones.
- Stick to a meal schedule, and don’t wait until you’re starving.
- Ensure your diet includes a variety of food groups unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
- Get more calories from liquids, such as milkshakes or nutritional supplements.
- Enjoy your meals in a stress-free environment and consider nutrition as important as your medication.
Managing Treatment Side Effects
Chemotherapy and radiation can also lead to side effects like dry mouth, swallowing difficulties, and nausea.
Here’s how to deal with them:
- If chewing or swallowing is hard, try pureed or soft diets and include high-calorie drinks daily.
- Combat dry mouth by choosing moist foods and always having water nearby. Sugar-free candies or gum can also help stimulate saliva production.
- Ease mouth sores by avoiding hot or acidic foods and using gentle toothbrushes. Rinse your mouth with saline solution for relief.
- For nausea, stick to low-fat, starchy foods and avoid spicy or high-fat items. Eat small, frequent meals and sip on ginger tea for relief.
If these measures don’t help, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
Tips for Managing Common Problems
Keeping a food record and noting any symptoms or issues you encounter may help you understand why these problems occur. If the following tips don’t provide relief, consult your clinical dietitian, nutritionist, or doctor for guidance.
Tips for Managing Reflux
Reflux happens when swallowed foods or liquids come back up into your mouth. Follow these tips to manage reflux:
- Sit up straight during meals and for at least 60 to 90 minutes afterwards.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes around your abdomen.
- Have your last meal of the day at least 2 hours before bedtime.
- Finish your last drink of the day at least 1 hour before bedtime.
- Keep the head of your bed elevated at a 30-degree angle or higher. Use a wedge pillow to raise your upper body and head.
- When bending down, bend at your knees rather than your waist.
- Avoid overeating or drinking too much at once.
Tips for Managing Nausea
Avoid foods that are too rich, spicy, or greasy. Eat and drink slowly, pausing between bites or sips. Limit the amount you consume at once and avoid lying too flat after meals.
Tips for Managing Fullness
During treatment, your stomach may empty more quickly or slowly, causing you to feel full more rapidly.
Follow these tips to manage fullness:
- Pay attention to signs of fullness to prevent overeating and reflux.
- Avoid excessive eating or drinking at once.
- Eat and drink slowly, giving your brain time to register fullness.
- If struggling with smaller, more frequent meals, establish a meal schedule.
TLDR;
While battling esophageal cancer can be hard, eating the right foods can be a big help. From dealing with treatment side effects to getting better afterward, good food makes a difference. By following these simple tips and talking to your doctor, you can make sure you’re eating the best way possible. Remember, your body is strong, and with the right food, you can face anything that comes your way. Keep eating well, stay strong, and keep moving forward toward better health.