Nutrition for Cancer Patients: Eating Well During Treatment

Eating well during cancer treatment can help you feel better, maintain your strength, and support your recovery. However, side effects like nausea, appetite loss, and changes in taste can make it challenging. This guide provides practical tips tailored for patients in Kenya.

Managing Common Side Effects

• For Nausea: Try small, frequent meals. Eat dry foods like crackers or toast. Ginger tea (tangawizi) can also be soothing.
• For Appetite Loss: Focus on nutrient-dense foods. Add healthy fats like avocado (parachichi) or groundnuts (njugu) to your meals. Smoothies with yogurt and fruit are also a great option.
• For Mouth Sores: Stick to soft, bland foods. Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods. Soups, ugali, and mashed bananas are good choices.

Locally Available Superfoods

Incorporate local foods rich in nutrients into your diet:

• Leafy Greens: Sukuma wiki (kale) and terere (amaranth) are packed with vitamins.
• Root Vegetables: Nduma (arrowroot) and sweet potatoes (ngwaci) provide complex carbohydrates for energy.
• Fruits: Mangoes, papayas, and passion fruit are rich in antioxidants.