Loss of Appetite
Why is it important to eat well during treatment?
You may not feel as hungry as you usually do because of your illness or treatment. It is still very important
to try to keep up your appetite and eat well. Your body needs vitamins and nutrients more than ever during
treatment. This will help you to tolerate your treatment better. It is important to try not to lose weight.
What are some things that can cause me to lose my appetite?
• Treatment and medication can change how food tastes and cause you to dislike foods you used to like.
• Radiation and chemotherapy treatments may cause nausea or vomiting.
• Pain may make you not want to eat.
• Your body may change the way it uses or digests food.
• Being tired may cause you to lose your appetite.
• You may not want to eat if you are constipated.
• Side effects such as nausea, or mouth and throat problems may make it difficult to eat.
• Medication such as antibiotics or pain medication may make you lose your appetite.
• Complications from your illness such as infection, fatigue, depression and being discouraged may cause
you to lose your appetite.
• You may feel full earlier than expected.
What is the best time of day to eat?
• Have more calories early in the day.
• Eat small meals through the day and brush your teeth and rinse your mouth before and after every meal.
• It is best not to eat a heavy meal right before a treatment.
• Identify the time of day when your appetite is best. Plan your meals around those times, and have the
most calories then.
Is there anything I should know about drinking liquids or eating snacks?
• Drink liquids that are cool and clear like apple juice or light-colored soda. If you drink soda, stir it so the
bubbles are out of it or let it sit so it goes flat.
• Keep snacks close by for nibbling.
• Eat foods high in protein like eggs, milk, tuna, beans, and peas.
Is there anything else I can do that will help?
• Try to make your meals more enjoyable. Make your surroundings fun and pretty, and have good
company if possible.
• Eat slowly and chew your food well.
• Avoid any odors that you do not like such as smoke, food odors or perfume.
• Talk to your nurse or doctor about the need to use a nutritional supplement like Ensure or Carnation
Instant Breakfast.
When should I call my doctor or nurse?
• Weigh yourself and record it weekly. Call when you notice you are losing weight.
• Call if you have eaten poorly for several days for any reason.
• Call if the amount of your urine has decreased.
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