what can a cancer patient eat to gain weight

To help patients maintain or gain weight during cancer treatment, Zachari Breeding, an Advanced Clinical Oncology Dietitian at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in Philadelphia, advises that they find ways to increase the number of calories they consume. Anyone can join. Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. If youre looking for a class, take a look at the fitness and yoga classes on offer at MSKs Bendheim Integrative Medicine Center. Increasing fat tissue in the abdomen, neck, face, or other areas with long-term use. Try to eat more fruits and vegetables every day in a variety of colors. A person with cachexia may look very thin. Maureen Salamon Increasing fats is one way to increase calories without adding volume. PubMed Central Always eat every few hours. Breeding offers the following tips for maintaining or gaining weight during cancer treatment: Learn more about the importance of sleep. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Can this cancer or its treatment cause weight gain? Many people dislike the taste but you can try adding a natural sweetener like honey. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This will help them find the best support for you. Healthy eating habits are important during and after cancer treatment. If the smell of food cooking causes nausea or vomiting, ask someone else to cook while you spend time away from the kitchen. Julie Hampton has worked as a professional freelance writer since 1999 for various newspapers and websites including "The Florida Sun" and "Pensacola News Journal." Try adding high-calorie foods such as whipped cream, sour cream, cream cheese, butter, or gravy to what you eat to increase your calorie intake. Some of the topics we can assist with include: For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor. Lose more than 3 pounds in a week (or in less than a week). They may even gain weight. Some meal replacement smoothies are actually manufactured specifically for cancer patients. Thinking of your food as medicine will help you take it more seriously. For more help from our Medical co-author, including how to use liquid supplements when your appetite is low, read on! Ask your health care team if wearing support or compression socks may help. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society;2018. Protein-rich foods include: fish eggs. Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through video calls and online chat. See the list on . Its always best to check with your primary doctor to determine if weight loss, gain, or maintenance is best.. Is there an oncology dietitian and/or other specialists that I can talk with about making food choices and my exercise routine? Try to walk daily if you can and if its OK with your doctor. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. anemia. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. One thing to keep an eye on is energy-dense foods. Read food labels to become more aware of portion sizes and calories. Try small, high-calorie portions or adding supplements to a smoothie. There are a variety of anti-nausea medication your doctor can prescribe. Regular physical activitycan also be helpful during and after cancer treatment. Cancer patients should eat a variety of foods and especially make sure they get enough protein, which is found in foods such as meat and seafood. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Hampton studied journalism and communications at the University of West Florida. Our nutrition experts help patients follow a healthy diet during and after cancer treatment. Checking Your Lymph Nodes in Your Head, Neck, Armpit, and Groin, Symptoms of Vulva Cancer (Plus Tips for Prevention), How to Shrink Your Prostate: Home & Medical Treatments. You canboost your diet by having high calorie and protein drinks. This is important because salt might cause your body to hold extra water. Dont forget extra slices of cheese on all your lunchtime sandwiches. Read our information about coronavirus and cancer. Since significant weight loss or gain can affect your prognosis (chance of recovery), careful weight management should not be an afterthought. Memorial Sloan Kettering was founded in 1884, and today is a world leader in patient care, research, and educational programs. information submitted for this request. You will not be able to eat the same quantity of food as before so it is important to get the calories in smaller amounts of high-calorie foods. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Weight management is important during cancer treatment and recovery. The key is to add new items to your diet one at a time to see if it is something that you can tolerate. Cancer and its treatments can cause fatigue and changes in schedule that result in decreased physical activity and weight gain. Protein is an essential nutrient for healing, tissue maintenance and growth. Avoid sugary drinks. . Is there a special diet for Crohn's disease? There are some suggestions, such as many small meals, that I will try. Be sure to check with your care team about supplements you may need to avoid. Privacy Statement. 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