Tips to reduce loss of appetite during breast cancer chemotherapy

Adding protein, fruits, vegetables, and dividing meals into small portions helps breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy reduce loss of appetite and ensure nutrition.

Chemotherapy is a method of introducing chemicals into the body to destroy remaining cancer cells and prevent metastasis. Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience many side effects such as: loss of appetite, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, oral mucositis.

Master, Doctor Huynh Ba Tan, Department of Breast Surgery, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that anorexia and not wanting to eat cause patients to not receive enough nutrition. Patients are easily exhausted, have no energy for daily activities, weaken the immune system, increase the risk of infection, and have difficulty continuing treatment.

Dr. Tan suggests ways to help improve anorexia.

The daily menu should have a lot of protein-rich foods such as eggs, chicken, pork, beef. Protein contributes to healing tissues and fighting infections.

Vegetarian patients should supplement protein from plant sources such as beans, soybeans, whole grains, walnuts, and almonds. Nuts also contain healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids that help fight inflammation and improve heart health. People with other underlying diseases should consult a doctor to eat properly.

Dividing meals into 5-6 meals a day helps patients reduce anorexia. (Photo: Freepik).

People with breast cancer eat fruits and vegetables to supplement fiber, vitamins, and minerals . This is a group of substances that support metabolism, enhance immunity and fight inflammation. Eating directly instead of using juice helps ensure adequate fiber supply, supporting the digestive system.

Patients divide 5-6 small meals instead of three main meals , and do not wait until they are hungry to eat. Limit drinking tea, coffee, and soda because they can easily cause bloating and loss of appetite.

Dr. Ba Tan advises people with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy to drink plenty of water, about 2-3 liters of water per day. The kidneys need a lot of fluid to excrete chemotherapy drugs. People who do not urinate frequently or whose urine is dark in color should talk to their doctor to find a solution.

Eat vegetables and fruits with lots of water such as carrots, cucumbers, celery, berries, apples, grapes, plums, pears, peaches, oranges. good for health. Regularly eating porridge, soup, and smoothies also contributes to adding water to the body. When going out, patients should bring water to drink regularly, not waiting until thirsty. You can add a little lemon and sugar if your mouth is dry.