Pancreatic Cancer Diet Tips

Sustain a Balanced Weight. Weight loss is common after pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, excessive weight loss and poor nutrition can weaken the body’s immune system and make it harder to tolerate treatment and fight infections. To help maintain a healthy weight:

Embrace Regular, Small Meals. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals while undergoing treatment. This will provide your body with enough nutrients to handle the effects of treatment. Smaller meals are easier to tolerate when dealing with side effects like nausea and lack of appetite. You may want to consider setting an alarm to remind yourself to eat five to six meals per day, spaced out every three to four hours.

Prioritize Hydration. It is important to stay hydrated during cancer treatment to prevent dehydration.

Aim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses (64 ounces) of fluid per day.
To avoid feeling full at mealtime, drink fluids one hour before or after a meal.
Choose beverages that contain calories and nutrients.
Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol, which may lead to dehydration.

Integrate High-Protein Options in Every Meal. Protein-rich foods aid in cell repair and support the immune system during recovery from illness. Including lean proteins in every meal and snack ensures easy digestion and optimal nutrition.

Opt for Easily Digestible Foods. Treatment for pancreas cancer can cause side effects that affect digestion. To make digestion easier, stick to chopped, soft, or boiled foods. It is best to avoid foods such as red meat, pork, or raw vegetables when digestion is difficult.

Explore Liquid Supplements or Shakes. Treatment can sometimes cause food to be less tasty or harder to digest. In such cases, consuming liquids can be easier on the digestive system and more tolerable. It’s important to ensure that these supplements are high in protein.

Include healthy fats. Consuming fried, greasy, and fatty foods can result in digestive problems and raise the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, healthy fats offer essential energy, promote cell growth, and safeguard vital organs.

Moderation with Sweets and Added Sugarss. Individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may experience difficulties in digesting sugary foods. Consuming foods like soda, cake, candy, or desserts can lead to elevated blood sugar levels while offering limited nutritional value. It is advisable to refrain from consuming these foods and instead opt for options that offer significant nutritional benefits.

Incorporate Whole Grains. Whole grains are an excellent source of energy for the body. They contain complex carbohydrates and fiber, which are beneficial for overall health.

Monitor Bowel Habits. Pancreatic cancer and treatments can cause changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas. Inform your healthcare team if you notice changes in your bowel habits. They may recommend changes in your diet or medications, or the addition of pancreatic enzymes to be taken with meals. These measures can assist in the absorption of nutrients and vitamins from your food.

Stay Physically Active. Exercise can increase appetite and release endorphins, promoting a sense of well-being and facilitating a larger food intake. It is advisable to incorporate social interaction with loved ones during meals to enhance the overall dining experience.

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