Good sources of protein include lean meat, fish, poultry, dairy products (cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, cottage cheese), eggs, nuts, beans & lentils, soyfoods (tofu, soymilk, tempeh, edamame), commercial nutrition beverages (like Ensure® , Boost®, or Orgain™, Enu™) and protein powders.
Eat a variety of protein-rich foods that are low in fat. Include seafood, lean meat and poultry, Greek yogurts, eggs, beans, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds. Some soy products are highly processed and not as good for you as other types of soy.
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It's also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.
Early in radiation treatment, most patients are able to eat regular food. As long as you can tolerate doing so, eat foods with a variety of textures and consistencies to help maintain the strength of your swallowing muscles. If you start finding it hard to chew or swallow, you might transition to a soft or liquid diet.
Ask your radiation therapy team before you use anything on the skin in the treatment area. Powders, creams, perfumes, deodorants, body oils, ointments or lotions can irritate skin or may affect your response to the radiation treatment.
It is important that you are well hydrated (drinking plenty of fluids) even before you start your treatment. We ask that you aim to drink 1.5-2 litres (6-10 average mug sizes) of fluid a day. Try to drink water or non- caffeinated drinks. It is best to avoid caffeinated, fizzy and alcoholic drinks.
Rhodiola and vitamin A should be used with caution during radiation therapy.
Abstract. Radiation resistance is a serious issue in radiotherapy. Increasing evidence indicates that the human gut microbiome plays a role in the development of radiation resistance. Vitamin D is an important supplement for cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.
Try high-protein foods that may taste better cold or at room temperature. Examples include cheese or cottage cheese plates; macaroni salads with shrimp, ham or cheese; tuna, egg, ham or chicken salad; cold meat or luncheon meat sandwiches; or cold salmon.
Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, and selenium, among others. Antioxidants repair damage to cells and also prevent damage.
Radiation therapy causes fatigue because the body is working so hard to repair the damage that treatment has caused. Symptoms include exhaustion, mental fatigue, pain, nausea, short-term memory problems, and more. Asking for help and self-care are important for coping with fatigue.
During radiation treatment, the mean weight loss was 4.33 kg, and 53.6% (1303) patients had high weight loss (HWL; ΔW≥5%). The proportion of HWL was higher in patients with advanced T stage, N stage, high BMI level and who received chemotherapy.
You can have high energy drinks such as milkshakes or soups. And you can add high protein powders to your normal food. Your doctor or nurse can prescribe these for you. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, at least 2 litres a day if possible.
Loss of appetite
Feeling sick and tired during radiotherapy can make you lose your appetite, which could lead to weight loss. But it's important to try to eat healthily and maintain your weight during treatment. Tell your care team if you do not feel you're eating enough.
Most side effects generally go away within a few weeks to 2 months of finishing treatment. But some side effects may continue after treatment is over because it takes time for healthy cells to recover from the effects of radiation therapy. Late side effects can happen months or years after treatment.
Skin changes usually occur one to two weeks after your treatment begins and may last one to two weeks after your last treatment. You may shower or bathe throughout your radiation therapy. Your nurse will recommend a mild soap for you to use. It is important to keep skin folds clean and dry.
Guidance to keep your rectum (bowel or back passage) empty
Use a Glycerin suppository (inserted via the back passage) at least one hour before you leave home on the day of your CT planning scan. Then continue taking every day whilst having your daily radiotherapy sessions.
By having a full bladder, a portion of your small bowel can be pushed out of the radiation field. This may decrease your chances and severity of diarrhea. You can ask your health care team why it is important to have a full bladder for treatment.
The researchers explain that the blueberry extract does not only make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, but it also reduces the abnormal cell growth that fuels cancer development.
Long-term consumption of tomato juice increases serum carotenoid concentration and contributes to the recovery of early and late skin adverse events caused by radiotherapy.
Furthermore, some evidence also shows that a green tea extract can reduce the acute skin-induced reactions after radiation including pain, the burning-feeling, itching, pulling and tenderness.