Eating well keeps the body healthy, efficient, and energized. We rely on food for healthy organ function from our brains to our guts and everything in between. This is true of everyone, but it’s particularly important for a) children, who are still growing and developing and b) cancer patients, whose bodies are working hard to fight a disease.
Kids with cancer must get the right fuel to keep their strength up, battle side-effects, and feel like themselves.
So what do childhood cancer patients need…and what challenges stand in the way?
Most of us struggle to stay hydrated in the best of times. If you’re also dealing with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to cancer and cancer treatment, it can be much harder! We’re made of mostly water, and good old H2O keeps organs running well, prevents constipation, and regulates body temperature. Kids with cancer need to pay special attention to their fluid intake. Water is always best, but hydration can also come from soup broth and juice.
Because kids with cancer often deal with a reduced appetite, what they eat needs to pack a nutritional punch. Prioritize whole, nutrient-rich foods over processed snacks. They may be easier to keep on hand, but they can be empty calories. While you don’t want to deprive your child of their favorite comfort foods or cravings, focus on getting those macro- and micronutrients in!
Cancer and its treatment can dramatically impact one’s appetite. This is one reason weight loss is so common among cancer patients. Kids need to eat to stay strong and as energized as possible while their body goes into overdrive to fight the cancer. It helps to offer nutritionally dense foods, even protein bars and shakes, if your child isn’t able to eat very much.
While these are blanket needs and guidelines, every child with cancer is going to have different dietary needs. Parents, consult a nutritionist and ask their care team. Don’t give your child supplements unless recommended by their doctor. If you’re not the parent? Keep your unsolicited diet advice to yourself! Parents don’t need you to suggest the latest cancer-fighting superfood or quack cure.
Radiation, chemo, and other cancer treatments can cause nausea as a side-effect. When this happens, kids won’t want to eat or drink very much. It’s best to offer smaller meals more frequently – even just a healthy snack – than to keep up with a three-square-meals routine. Nausea can be reduced by avoiding spicy, fatty, acidic, and rich foods. Opt for blander options. Avoid drinking while eating, and plan to offer lukewarm food rather than cold or piping hot.
Vomiting is often the crescendo of nausea. Kids can avoid this as much as possible by eating smaller portions, stopping when they are full, staying hydrated, and choosing mild foods. You’ll want foods that are easily digested – think liquids like soups and broth or dry, bland options like dry toast, cereal, and crackers. Avoid letting your child sit with an empty stomach – they may not feel like eating, but an empty stomach can make nausea worse, which may trigger vomiting when they do finally eat something.
Stomach pains, diarrhea, and constipation are all common in children with cancer. Regardless of symptoms, adequate hydration helps significantly. To help with diarrhea, reduce fiber intake, avoid greasy, fatty foods, gassy foods like beans and broccoli, and dairy products. For constipation, increase fluids and fiber.
A potential side-effect of cancer treatments is a change in taste and smell. This means that foods that once smelled and tasted amazing might trigger nausea or impact appetite. Avoid strong-smelling foods (this means sometimes serving foods cold or lukewarm) and compensate for palate changes by changing levels of seasoning. Focus on flavor (but not spice!) by adding ample seasoning. You may want to invest in miracle berry tablets. When dissolved on the tongue, they neutralize sour, acidic flavors and bring out the sweetness in any food. This has been known to help cancer patients dealing with changes in taste.
Pay attention to what smells are still appealing and which ones are not. It doesn’t have to be about food, either. Too-strong air fresheners, detergent, cleaning supplies, and other household and hospital smells can impact appetite.
Both nutrition and enjoyment of food are key in maintaining strength and morale in childhood cancer patients. Whether you’re a parent of a child with cancer or a friend dropping off a meal, keep these tips in mind!