No matter what age you are, cancer treatments are tough on the body. While there are many side-effects of chemo and radiation therapy that we are aware of, doctors cannot always predict the impact that treatment will have on a child’s growing, developing body.
We can outwardly support a child undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, but inward support is critical, too. Treatment and cancer both cause a shift in one’s nutritional needs. Because treatments can cause nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting, it’s all the more important that the foods a child is given are both easy on the stomach and supplying their body with essential nutrients.
Here are a few nutritional priorities to focus on throughout your child’s cancer journey.
6 Nutritional Priorities for Kids with Cancer
Stay Hydrated
Our bodies are composed primarily of water. Hydration is essential for healthy organ function from head-to-toe. When we drink enough water, our bodies perform each process with greater efficiency. It can better dispose of toxins, metabolize foods, and heal itself. Unfortunately, dehydration is likely because treatments can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Adequate hydration can ease the occurrence of constipation in cancer patients while giving the body essential fuel to fight back against cancer.
While hydration from filtered water is ideal, it can also come from tea, soup, and juice. However, be wary of drinks that contain extra sugars and empty calories, such as sodas.
Get Enough Calories
Your child’s caloric needs will fluctuate as they receive cancer treatment. Where some treatments will decrease appetite and cause weight loss, others, such as steroids, will cause increased appetite and weight gain. Regardless, it’s key that your child is getting enough calories. Calories are the body’s source of fuel and energy. It allows for muscle repair, growth, and daily function.
Unplanned weight loss may negatively impact outcomes, as it hinders the body’s ability to rebuild healthy cells when combined with malnutrition.
Because your child may lose their appetite due to medications and treatments, it is all the more important to track their caloric intake to ensure that they are eating enough throughout the day.
It’s best to avoid low-calorie foods that still fill the stomach. There’s only so much room, so make it count!
Whole Foods
Nutritionally speaking, all foods are composed of macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Each is essential to healthy bodily function. Proteins aid muscle development, growth, blood cell generation, and the replenishing of the immune system. Carbohydrates provide energy for daily activities and organ function. Whole carbohydrates are best because they also contain fiber. This can keep kids feeling fuller longer while also reducing constipation.
Fats help the body store energy, transport nutrients, and insulate the organs. Because fats are also high-calorie, they can easily increase daily caloric intake to meet changing dietary needs. Of course, unsaturated fats are key. Focus on fats sourced from fish, nuts, avocados, and olive oil rather than fats from red meat and fried foods.
Whole foods ensure that your child is getting a well-rounded and efficient supply of macro and micronutrients.
Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Cancer treatments can impact appetite and cause nausea. Because of this, you will want to avoid large meals in the traditional breakfast-lunch-dinner pattern. Your child may not feel like eating at these times or in the portions they are accustomed to. Sprinkle smaller meals throughout the day, focusing on nutritional and caloric content. It will be easier for your child to manage without upsetting their stomach.
Serve food on smaller plates as not to overwhelm them. Protein bars and shakes, nuts with fruit, and cheese and crackers, and cups of soup make for good meals.
Avoid GI Irritation
Cancer treatments can make your child more sensitive to the foods that they eat. Whether it’s a sore mouth or throat, an upset stomach, or angry intestines, it is all-too-easy for foods to cause problems. Because of this, avoid spicy and acidic foods. Experiment with food temperatures as well. The smell of hot food may increase nausea. Many cancer patients prefer room temperature or cold foods because of this. If your child is feeling particularly bad, offer blander foods such as potatoes, rice, and bread or crackers. Buy whole-grain versions whenever possible. If their throat or mouth is hurting, prioritize soothing smoothies, soups, and soft foods that do not demand much chewing.
No Empty Calories
Empty calories are an ever-present enemy in the world of nutrition. For children with cancer, every calorie counts — not only as fuel but as a source of essential vitamins and nutrients. Because of this, avoid “empty calories.” These are foods that may offer calories but not enough nutritional benefits to match them. Avoid foods with added sugars and high sodium as well as highly processed or artificial foods.
As a team of Cancer Kickers, we need to arm ourselves with knowledge. When we know how to support these brave kids and their families with the right kind of help — including the snacks we gift and the meals we bring — we make a meaningful impact.