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Nutrition Benefits

Individuals being treated for head and neck cancer face unique and sometimes very difficult challenges in eating and maintaining a healthy nutrition level during treatment. Treatments for head and neck cancer can cause side effects including weight loss, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, low blood counts, and increased risk of infection.

These side effects can inhibit patients’ ability to stay nourished which can interfere with treatment. In addition, depending upon the treatment plan, patients may experience discomfort and pain in chewing and swallowing, as well as loss of taste.

The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance provides the following recommendations to help patients maintain healthy nutrition during cancer treatment.

Nutrition Benefits

Maintain Hydratation

  • Be sure to drink plenty of water and liquids to minimize dry mouth symptoms.
Maintain Hydratation

WHIP UP PROTEIN SHAKES

  • Add plenty of protein in your diet to help to meet nutritional needs.
  • Make shakes or smoothies out of protein powder, milk, soy milk, or rice milk, and add a flavorful fruit. Other additives that can help increase the nutritional value include yogurt, silken tofu, ice cream or frozen yogurt, wheat germ, flax seed or flax oil, and chocolate syrup.
Protein Shakes

ADD CANCER FIGHTING FOODS

  • High levels of phytochemicals from plants build up the immune system and help fight infections, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is beneficial.
  • Red berries and green tea are beneficial in a cancer-fighting diet.
Cancer Fighting Foods

CONSIDER FISH OIL

  • Fish oils contain fatty acids that are an important part of the oral, head and neck cancer diet.
  • Fish oils come in liquid or capsules.
  • Fish oils contain natural anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Fish oils promote healing and help maintain weight.
Fish Oil

AVOID FOODS THAT CAUSE DISCOMFORT

  • Cut out foods that are sharp and crunchy and require a lot of chewing.
  • Limit foods that are spicy or acidic, as they can cause mouth pain. Even small amounts of spice can seem overwhelming.
  • Rule out drinks or foods that contain alcohol.
Avoid Foods That May Cause Discomfort

DISCUSS NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS WITH YOUR DOCTOR

  • Vitamin supplements, especially vitamins D and B, are important.
  • Zinc may stimulate taste, which is important in the oral, head and neck cancer diet.
Nutrition Supplements

EAT SMALLER MEALS MORE FREQUENTLY

  • Try to have smaller meals 4-5 times per day. This can help with fatigue and discomfort with eating.
  • Make sure every bite counts. Adding protein or calorie boosts to your foods can help to make sure you are getting the nutrition you need.  Examples of things you might consider adding include:
    • Powdered milk
    • Healthy fats like olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, or nut butters
    • Nuts or seeds (hemp or chia seeds are softer alternatives to nuts)
    • Benecalorie or other commercially available dietary supplements
Healing & Easy Eats

Healing & Easy Eats

Alliance is proud to introduce the second edition of our cookbook, Healing & Easy Eats that offers some delicious options for patients and survivors.

Start Cooking

Recipe Cards

View More Recipes
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Head & Neck Cancer Alliance

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