Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and the therapies used to treat it can adversely affect appetite.
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images
1.
Manage Taste and Smell Changes That Trigger Nausea
You may experiencetaste changes during chemotherapy.
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images
Foods may also seem overly salted or too sweet.
Pain medication may also alter taste.
Some tips include:
2.
Don’t let yourself get too hungry.
There’s no need to wait to eat.
Eating small amounts of food may make managing nausea easier and eliminate vomiting.
This will be beneficial for meeting your nutritional needs.
Full-fat ice cream, which may have formerly been a “forbidden” treat, can now be enjoyed.
Try adding sauces to your favorite dishes or marinate protein.
Condiments can provide appetizing flavors as well.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can result from MBC and from cancer treatments of all kinds.
If you have side effects like vomiting or diarrhea, you may become dehydrated quickly.
Keep in mind that certainfoods have high water contentand can help provide the fluid you need.
These include fruit, vegetables, and ready-made foods like Popsicles and gelatin.
If you’re making smoothies at home, you’ll need a blender or other throw in of mixer.
Use high-nutrition ingredients like almond milk, soy milk, Greek yogurt, and bananas.
Silken tofu can add a velvety texture plus provide protein.
you’re free to also use dairy milk or fruit juice.
Experiment with flavorings you find tasty and palatable.
These can include maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract, or instant coffee.
you’re free to also throw in frozen fruit, like blueberries, strawberries, or mango.
Several dietary supplement drinks are specifically made to meet the nutritional needs of people with cancer.
They include Glucerna, Ensure, and Boost Soothe.
Talk to your oncology team to find out which ones they recommend for you.
These side effects can make exercising challenging or even daunting.
Even so, people with metastatic breast cancer get multiple benefits from exercising, including increasing their appetite.
These venues can provide you with socialization and friendship, as well as exercise.
Talk to your oncology team for recommend group activities you’ve got the option to join.
Talk to your oncologist about the symptoms you’re experiencing and their potential treatments.
Even low-level pain can interfere with your ability to eat and enjoy day-to-day life.
If pain is interfering with your life:
9.
They also provide socialization opportunities.
Pick your favorite restaurant or opt for at-home gatherings.
Talk With a Healthcare Provider About Appetite Stimulants
Several medications are used to treat reduced appetite in cancer patients.
Metastatic Breast Cancer and Reduced Appetite: What’s the Link?
This can make it hard for you to get the calories you need.
Medications that boost appetite or address underlying symptoms like pain can also help.
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Stanford Medicine Health Care.Nutrition services for cancer patients.
American Cancer Society.Loss of appetite (anorexia) and cachexia.
American Cancer Society.Eating well during treatment.
2022;14(23):4982. doi:10.3390/nu14234982
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Cancer treatment side effect: dehydration.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Dry mouth (xerostomia) in cancer patients: 5 things to know.
Boost.Boost Soothe nutritional drink.
National Cancer Institute.Cancer fatigue,
American Cancer Society.Non-opioids and other drugs used to treat cancer pain.
American Cancer Society.Non-medical ways to manage cancer pain.
Singh SK, Singh R.Cytokines and chemokines in cancer cachexia and its long-term impact on COVID-19.Cells.
2022;11(3):579. doi:10.3390/cells11030579
