Chemotherapy and radiotherapy is an important part of the treatment of gastric cancer, which will bring great physical and psychological challenges to patients. Especially in terms of diet, how to ensure nutrition and reduce side effects has become a topic of common concern for patients and their families. Imagine a person who usually loves food, because of the influence of illness and treatment, suddenly finds that the food has become tasteless, and even just swallowing a mouthful of food requires great courage and effort. It's not just a physical challenge, it's a mental one.
In this process, proper dietary adjustment and management are like a beacon to guide patients through the long night of treatment. The right diet can not only help alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but also improve the overall physical fitness of patients and support them throughout the treatment process.
1. Analysis of patients' nutritional needs
During chemotherapy and radiotherapy for stomach cancer, the patient's body undergoes drastic changes. During this period, the body's demand for nutrients increases significantly. However, due to the side effects of treatment, such as loss of appetite and nausea, getting enough nutrients becomes a major challenge.
First of all, there is protein intake to pay attention to. Protein is essential for repairing and rebuilding tissues, especially during physically demanding treatments such as chemoradiotherapy. Recommended protein sources include lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Plant-based proteins, such as legumes and nuts, are also excellent options.
Second, carbohydrates are essential for maintaining a patient's energy levels. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, oats, and quinoa, are more desirable than processed and refined carbohydrates because they provide long-lasting energy and are rich in fiber, which helps maintain gut health.
Fats are another important nutrient, especially unsaturated fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. They play a key role in reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. Good sources of fat include olive oil, fish oil, nuts, and seeds.
In addition, vitamins and minerals should not be overlooked. Patients undergoing chemoradiation should ensure that they are getting enough vitamins C, D, E, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc, which are necessary to support the immune system and overall health.
2. Food choices and dietary modifications
When choosing food, problems such as mouth ulcers, indigestion, etc., which may occur during chemotherapy and radiotherapy, should be taken into account. Soft, easily digestible foods, such as cooked vegetables, purees, and rice porridge, are often better choices.
On the one hand, avoid foods that are too irritating, such as spicy, excessively hot, or too cold foods, as they may exacerbate discomfort in the mouth and esophagus. On the other hand, the intake of high-fat, fried foods should be reduced to avoid aggravating the digestive burden.
Staying hydrated is also crucial. Patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy should ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration and help the body eliminate toxins produced during treatment. It is advisable to drink plenty of water every day, and you can also replenish your hydration by drinking soups or eating water-rich fruits.
When it comes to food preparation, the best cooking methods include steaming, stewing, or boiling. These methods not only preserve the nutritional value of the food, but also make it easier to digest.
3. Dietary management strategies
Proper diet planning is especially important for gastric cancer patients during chemoradiotherapy. An effective strategy is to eat in small portions, with five to six meals a day instead of three large meals. This reduces the burden on the digestive system while ensuring a continuous supply of nutrients.
The choice of food should be appropriately adjusted according to the patient's taste and preference. If the patient has a loss of appetite, try to increase the taste and color of the food to stimulate the appetite. At the same time, patients are encouraged to participate in the food preparation process, which can increase their interest in food.
When dealing with chemoradiotherapy side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, they can be managed by adjusting the type of food and the timing of eating. For example, avoid eating immediately before and after treatment and choose foods that are easier to digest.
4. Common problems and solutions
During chemoradiotherapy, patients with stomach cancer often face a variety of diet-related problems. For example, patients may be reluctant to eat due to treatment-induced loss of appetite. At this time, you can try eating smaller, more frequent meals and choose foods with richer flavors and more appealing colors.
For nausea and vomiting problems, it is advisable to rest immediately after eating and avoid strenuous exercise right away. At the same time, choose some foods that can relieve nausea, such as ginger.
If people develop mouth sores, they should avoid irritating foods, such as spicy, acidic foods, and choose softer, easy-to-swallow foods. At the same time, maintaining oral hygiene and rinsing your mouth regularly with salt water can help reduce symptoms.
Conclusions: Reasonable dietary management has an important impact on the recovery and quality of life of patients during chemotherapy and radiotherapy for gastric cancer. By carefully choosing food, adjusting dietary habits and strategies, we can help patients better cope with the challenges in the treatment process, improve the effectiveness of treatment and the quality of life of patients.