How do you deal with malnutrition during chemotherapy?

Malnutrition is the most common case in people with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy. In fact, when people with cancer are malnourished, their body's response to cancer treatment and ability to tolerate the side effects of treatment gets worse. This is of course very disturbing the healing process. Therefore, malnutrition in cancer patients must be addressed properly. Here's how to deal with malnutrition during chemotherapy.

The role of food during chemotherapy

Nutrients during cancer treatment are of the utmost importance and should not be neglected. With adequate nutrition, this makes the body stronger to face all the side effects of treatment while speeding up recovery.

The stronger the body, the faster the cancer patient can recover. Nutrients are very important during chemotherapy because they function to:

Supports immune function
Maintain body muscle mass
Rebuilding tissue that has been damaged
Increase overall energy and strength
Reducing the risk of infection
Improve the patient's quality of life

How to deal with chemotherapy patients who are malnourished

How to deal with malnutrition, of course, will vary for each patient. This depends on the needs and care of each. However, these are basically what a malnourished person needs during chemotherapy:

A diet high in protein and high in calories. To meet the high protein and calorie needs during chemotherapy, people who are already malnourished must eat more foods high in protein and high in calories. Such as bread, green bean porridge, fish, eggs, milk, rice, chicken, nuts, and others.
Take vitamin and mineral supplements recommended by your doctor or nutritionist.
Adding liquid foods such as smoothies, juices or fruit juices. You can also eat other foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Especially after chemotherapy. Usually after chemotherapy you will feel nauseous so you need food that is easy to swallow.
Eat small portions but often, for example 5-6 times a day. Eating small, frequent meals will help prevent nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy.
Include foods from all food groups. Food must be nutritionally balanced. Don't be too picky about food, let alone choose unhealthy ones like junk food.
Add more fruit and vegetables.
Maintain body fluid balance. Drink more water to prevent dehydration.
Avoid spicy, high-sugar, and strong-smelling foods while on chemotherapy.