A common side effect of both chemotherapy and radiation treatment is nausea and vomiting. I often hear my cancer patients struggling to get through a meal with nausea present. This is not surprising. Who would want to eat when they feel nauseous or after vomiting?
It has been found that 40-80% of radiotherapy patients will experience nausea and/or vomiting. Upwards of 70-80% of patients undergoing chemotherapy are at risk for nausea or vomiting.
Antiemetic medications are often prescribed for nausea and vomiting but are not always effective. Chemo and radiation patients still experience these symptoms. So what are some nutritional strategies to improve nausea and vomiting?
Nausea:
- Consume bland and soft foods – plain yogurt, broth, canned fruit and vegetables.
- Avoid raw and heavy foods – greasy and fried foods, spicy foods, raw vegetables. Also avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Consume small meals throughout the day – an empty stomach will often worsen nausea.
- Avoid lying down for at least 1 hour after any meal.
- Eat foods at room temperature – avoid hot and cold food and drink.
Vomiting:
- Wait for the vomiting and subsequent nausea to subside before eating or drinking again.
- Don’t lay down – sit up and bend forward after vomiting until the feeling subsides.
- Drink clear fluids only after vomiting until you can tolerate it well without difficulty.
- Consume small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals.
- Consume peppermint, orange peel or ginger tea to settle your stomach after vomiting.
Note: Vomiting can often lead to dehydration. Drink small amounts of fluids throughout the day.
It is also important to have a dietitian/nutritionist assess you for malnutrition. Malnutrition not only worsens these symptoms throughout treatment but also increases morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. 11-80% of cancer patients experience malnutrition. While strategies to improve nausea and vomiting are helpful, be sure to assess your nutritional status to prevent malnutrition.
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Resources:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/appetite-loss/nutrition-hp-pdq#_113_toc
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-004-0705-3
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to replace any recommendations or relationship with your physician. Please review references sited in article for scientific support of any claims made.