Tips To Help You Keep Up Your Appetite From Radiation Therapy Side Effects

When a diagnosis of cancer has you fighting for your life, most people are willing to try anything that might work. Unfortunately, many of the treatments have unpleasant side effects, particularly when it comes to your digestive tract. If you are undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy, you may have to deal with some of these. Here's what you can do to help yourself get through it.

Nausea And Vomiting

This is a common side effect, but you will most likely be prescribed medication to help counter the effect. Here are some tips to help you cope.

Eat small meals frequently throughout the day. This will be easier on your digestive system. Avoid getting overly hungry as this can exacerbate nausea.

Choose foods that are easily digested. Greek yogurt, while a dairy product, is high in protein and has probiotics, which help to keep your gut in balance. Sauerkraut is also useful for the same reason; it has lactic acid bacteria, which is good for your digestive tract. Salmon and other fish are easy to digest, as is other lean protein, like chicken breast. Brown rice is a good choice. Eggs, oatmeal, Cream of Rice, and bananas are also easy on the tummy. Avoid dairy products other than yogurt, wheat, corn, peppers, and milk chocolate.

Eat warm or cold foods. Hot foods can increase nausea.

Drink plenty of fluid so you don't become dehydrated, but you may need to drink between meals rather than with meals to avoid nausea from temperature changes.

Ginger tea and ginger ale with real ginger is a great time-tested natural health remedy for treating nausea.

Odd Taste In Your Mouth Or Sense Of Taste Changes

An off-putting taste in your mouth can increase nausea. A common complaint is a weird metal taste. Food may also taste really bland, which may decrease your appetite. Here are a few things you can try.

Eat sour fruits. This will help alleviate the metal taste, awaken your taste buds, and provide Vitamin C, which will be helpful in preventing mouth sores, another common side effect of treatment. Sucking on sour candies can also be useful.

Cold foods, such as lemon sherbet and popsicles, may taste better.

Use extra fresh herbs and spices to add extra zest and flavor to your food. This will help you avoid adding extra salt, too.

Meal-replacement drinks and shakes can also be a good way to get the nutrients you need if you find your appetite decreased. For more information on this topic, go to website.