Protein shakes, nutritional smoothies, and fortified milk are good options for people with
oncological diseases, who want to gain weight.
Weight loss is an inevitable consequence of antitumor treatment. Radiation and chemotherapy cause nausea, loss of appetite, and painful swallowing. Therefore, during the procedures the patient loses weight. To gain weight and maintain it at the same level, experts advise people with cancer to add high-calorie drinks rich in protein to their diet.
“Cancer and its treatment process cause loss of appetite, nausea, difficulty digesting food, and changes in taste preferences. In addition, the patient may not feel hungry,” explains Rachel Dudley, clinical nutritionist at the Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dan L. Duncan (Houston, USA). And lack of proper nutrition during treatment leads to weight loss, muscle mass, as well as lack of energy and dehydration.
The best way to prevent weight loss is to eat a good, balanced diet. If you realize that you cannot eat as before, try changing your diet, making it more nutritious, rich in vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances. The National Cancer Institute (USA) recommends drinking high-calorie drinks such as smoothies, juices and soups instead of solid foods. According to Dr. Dudley, “...ready-to-drink dietary supplements and shakes are a convenient and well-tolerated option for people undergoing cancer treatment. They allow you to quickly and painlessly increase your calorie and protein intake throughout the day. If you're not sure if or what supplements you need, consult a nutritionist for advice."
Let's list high-calorie drinks that are useful for patients with oncology.