5 Healthy Eating Tips for People with Stomach Cancer

The problem of proper nutrition is especially acute for patients undergoing treatment for stomach cancer. But it is precisely the consumption of foods with a significant content of vitamins, minerals, proteins and calories that promotes healing.

There is no single diet recommended for stomach cancer. But experts have developed nutritional recommendations that can help a person during antitumor therapy.

1. Maintain your weight at a consistent healthy level.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, loss of appetite occurs with stomach cancer. This may be due to the use of anti-cancer drugs during chemotherapy, as well as surgical resection of part of the stomach. In such conditions, a person cannot eat in normal portions. The digestion process is difficult, and in some cases food leaves the stomach too quickly (the so-called dumping syndrome). This makes it difficult for a person to maintain a normal weight.

According to oncologist Rebecca Guterman, MD, the best foods for people diagnosed with stomach cancer will be those that the patient tolerates best. In general, the best way to eat is to eat small, frequent meals—an average of about six mini-meals a day.
Experts recommend that patients follow a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates (sweets, baked goods).

2. Choose foods high in protein.

"Include a source of easily digestible protein at every meal," says Dr. Guterman. It should be tender chicken or turkey, fish, pureed beans, hummus, nut butters, eggs or yogurts, she says.
According to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, it's best to avoid proteins that are high in fiber—too much of this component can make a person feel uncomfortable or full too quickly. For example, beef steak can be replaced with eggs, and fish with shellfish, tofu and avocado.

Additionally, the Canadian Cancer Society recommends adding whole milk or cream to soups and cereals. And to get additional calories, you can add vegetable oils to meat gravies and salad dressings. If we are talking about snacks, cheese, crackers, then whole grain bread with nut butter, as well as eggs, are good sources of protein.

If the patient refuses to eat solid food, then pudding and yogurt are a good alternative. And to increase the amount of calories, you can introduce protein shakes and smoothies into your diet.

3. Avoid high fiber fruits and vegetables.

As mentioned above, high fiber foods can make patients feel overeated. Therefore, oncologists recommend reducing to a minimum the consumption of beans, lentils, cauliflower and white cabbage, broccoli, and apples. All of these foods are rich in fiber. Patients tolerate softer fruits such as bananas, melons or pears much easier. If the doctor included vegetables in the diet, they should be well boiled or stewed.

4. Choose your carbohydrates carefully.

Whole grains (brown rice, bread and whole wheat pasta) are healthy, but shouldn't be eaten in large quantities due to their high fiber content, Dr. Guterman says.

It's also best to avoid sugary foods, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (USA). Candies and desserts are high in calories but not nutritious. Therefore, if you have digestive difficulties, focus on foods that are rich in protein.

According to the non-profit organization No to Stomach Cancer, dumping syndrome causes low blood glucose levels. Talk to your doctor about the best carbohydrate foods to include in your diet to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

5. Avoid food irritants

According to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, people with stomach cancer often experience nausea, so avoid eating foods that may make the syndrome worse. These are alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, spicy foods.

Conclusion

Poor nutrition can significantly aggravate the disease and weaken a person’s immune system. Therefore, to develop a diet, consult a specialist. Doctors at OncoCare Clinic 308 provide highly professional care to patients with stomach cancer. Call the numbers listed above.