4 Tips For Eating Right During and After Esophageal Cancer Treatment

Like most health conditions, esophageal cancer too can be dealt with more effectively by augmenting the treatment process with a nutritious diet that can help your body convalesce better. 

The esophagus is an indispensable part of the digestive system as it acts as a bridge between the rear portion of your throat and your stomach. Needless to say, any ailment let alone something as serious as cancer that affects the esophagus can quickly become a cause of great anguish. Unfortunately, close to 17000 people get diagnosed with this painful disease in the United States every year [1]. Along with a heaviness in the chest which is often accompanied by a burning sensation, vomiting, pain in the throat, and an inability to swallow due to the pain, comes a sharp drop in weight which can worsen the prognosis for the patient. Besides, a loss of appetite and a parched throat, both of which are associated with cancer treatment, can also exacerbate the condition further. 

Here are a few nutritional tips that can be helpful in preventing excessive weight loss during and after treatment:

• Consume High Calorie, Protein-Rich Food. Including calorie rich items like milkshakes made using full-fat milk, protein smoothies, peanut butter, legume soups, eggs, and cheese can be helpful in mitigating cancer-related weight loss. However, if you are suffering from post-treatment diarrhea, avoid milk products.

• Try Softer Food Options That Are Easier To Swallow. Since most esophageal cancer patients have trouble swallowing due to the cancerous growth, it is recommended to try dietary options that are not too coarse and difficult to gulp like soups, scrambled eggs, puddings, and minced meat.

• Eat Small Portions Multiple Times A Day. Treatment for esophageal cancer usually results in a contracted stomach which is satiated quickly. Eating multiple small meals throughout the day could be your answer to weight loss. Quick bites that are rich in calories like cheese cubes, bananas, hummus, and yogurt can be helpful in keeping your energy and weight up.

• Avoid Filling Yourself Up With Too Much Fluid. Drinking water or other fluids right before a meal can be detrimental to a healthy appetite since fluids tend to fill you up quickly, therefore, reducing your hunger.

Consulting your physician and a dietician to chalk out a diet plan that works for you is a good idea especially while your treatment is in progress as well as when you are recuperating after. 

For more information on various types of cancers and their treatments, please visit our website – Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers