After starting radiation/chemotherapy, how to prepare an appropriate diet plan for patients?

 

In order to improve the postoperative nutrition and immune status of tumor patients, reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications and infections, improve the cure rate of patients, and reduce the mortality rate, it is recommended to formulate more appropriate nutrition support plans for patients based on individualized needs at different stages of the tumor, to achieve better prognosis.

 

First of all, it is worth noting that nutritional support for tumor patients should start from the time of clear diagnosis. About 20% of tumor patients die not from the tumor itself, but from malnutrition and its complications. Therefore, actively participating in early nutritional screening and assessment, correcting malnutrition in a timely manner, and reserving energy for better tumor treatment plans.

 

Secondly, for patients who are already eligible for radiation/chemotherapy, sufficient energy, protein, and antioxidant nutrients should be ensured during anti-tumor treatment to maintain adequate muscle reserves, neutralize excessive free radicals in the body, and reduce the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

 

· It is recommended to regularly monitor plasma albumin, prealbumin, and C-reactive protein levels in patients during treatment, and supplement necessary nutrients such as protein according to the results.

· To help supplement sufficient protein to meet the body's needs, it is recommended to provide tumor patients with foods rich in high-quality protein, such as fish, poultry, lean red meat, eggs, dairy products, nuts, soy and its processed products, and to consume processed meats as little as possible.

· Foods rich in antioxidant nutrients include dark-colored vegetables and fruits, whole grains, etc.

 

Finally, when formulating a patient's diet plan, the patient's actual situation should be fully considered, and reasonable arrangements should be made:

· Anorexia: Diversified food, small frequent meals, snacks between meals, and creating a comfortable and quiet eating environment.

· Nausea and vomiting: Eat small, frequent meals, avoid drinking water before meals, chew slowly and swallow, do not lie flat for 1 hour after meals, and take moderate walks after meals to prevent food reflux.

· Oral mucositis: Eat soft or cold liquid foods, avoid irritating foods, maintain oral hygiene, and prevent secondary infections.

· Difficulty swallowing: Try soft or semi-liquid, liquid food, if coughing or other discomfort occurs during eating, be alert to the possibility of aspiration pneumonia.

· Diarrhea: Choose low-residue, low-fiber foods, avoid greasy foods, and correct electrolyte disturbances in a timely manner.