Did you know that 70% of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy experience significant weight loss? When faced with a cancer diagnosis, radiotherapy often becomes essential to the treatment plan. While medical professionals focus on the technical aspects of radiation therapy, it's crucial to recognize the role of nutrition in supporting your body through this challenging journey. Proper nutrition can play a significant role in helping you cope with treatment-related side effects and enhance your overall well-being. In this blog, we'll explore essential nutrition tips for different stages of radiotherapy: before, during, and after.

 

Before Radiotherapy: Preparing Your Body

 

To ensure a successful course of radiotherapy, it's important to prepare your body adequately. Here are some crucial steps to keep in mind:

• Consultation with a Registered Dietitian: Seeking advice from a registered dietitian specializing in oncology should be one of your initial steps. They can offer personalized recommendations based on your requirements and treatment regimen.
• Balancing Your Diet for Strength and Energy: Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining strength and energy during treatment. Make sure to include a variety of food groups in your meals, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy or dairy alternatives.
• Staying Hydrated: Staying hydrated is crucial during radiation therapy because it can cause increased fluid loss. Ensure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain proper hydration levels.
• Managing Weight, If Necessary: Addressing weight concerns is crucial before starting radiotherapy, whether underweight or overweight. A dietitian can assist you in developing a personalized plan to achieve and sustain a healthy weight.

 

Nutrition During Radiation Therapy: Nourishing Your Body

 

During radiation therapy, your body's nutritional needs may shift, and you might encounter some side effects. To help manage these changes, here are a few crucial tips for maintaining proper nutrition throughout your treatment:

• Understanding Potential Side Effects: When undergoing radiation therapy, it's important to be aware of potential side effects such as nausea, mouth sores, and diarrhea. Understanding these possible issues allows you to make dietary choices that help manage them effectively.
• Protein: Protein is crucial for repairing tissues in the body. Include protein-rich sources like lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and tofu in your diet.
• Antioxidants and Vitamins: To protect your cells from radiation damage, including antioxidants and vitamins in your diet is important. You can find antioxidants in foods like berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits. Your healthcare team may also recommend vitamin supplements.
• Fibre-Rich Foods: Fibre-rich foods in your diet can help support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Incorporate whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for maximum benefit.
• Nausea and Vomiting: For nausea and vomiting, there are a few remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms. Ginger, whether in its raw form or as ginger tea, is known to be effective in soothing nausea. Additionally, consuming bland and easy-to-digest foods like crackers can also provide relief.
• Mouth Sores: If you're experiencing mouth sores, it's best to stick with soft, cool, and non-irritating foods like yoghurt, smoothies, and pureed soups. Avoid acidic or spicy foods as they can worsen any discomfort in your mouth.
• Diarrhoea: For those experiencing diarrhoea, it is recommended to follow the BRAT diet, which consists of easily digestible foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Additionally, ensuring proper hydration is essential.
• Staying Hydrated and Monitoring Fluid Intake: Staying hydrated and monitoring your fluid intake is important for helping your body recover and reducing the impact of treatment side effects. Make sure to drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
• Small, Frequent Meals: Opt for smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large ones. This can help maintain energy levels and minimise the chance of feeling nauseous.
• Potential Use of Nutritional Supplements: Considering your needs and any side effects you may be experiencing, your healthcare team might suggest incorporating nutritional supplements into your regimen. These can include protein shakes, vitamin supplements, or oral nutrition supplements to ensure all essential nutrients are adequately provided for.

 

Recovery and Healing

 

Once you have finished your radiotherapy sessions, it's important to support your body in its recovery and healing. Here are some helpful nutrition tips for this phase:

• The Role of Nutrition after Radiotherapy: Proper nutrition is crucial after completing radiotherapy treatment as it promotes healing and helps minimise the risk of complications.
• Gradual Reintroduction of Restricted Foods: Gradually reintroduce foods that were restricted during your treatment. Discussing this with your dietitian to ensure a smooth transition is important.
• Rebuilding Strength and Immunity: Prioritise lean protein sources to support tissue repair and immune function. Incorporate whole grains for sustained energy and essential nutrients. Ensure your meals include plenty of fruits and vegetables to benefit from their antioxidant properties and overall health benefits.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Make sure to include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your meals. They are packed with antioxidants and offer numerous health benefits.
• Hydration and Maintaining Digestive Health: Stay hydrated by monitoring your fluid intake. Maintaining digestive health through a balanced diet is also important, as this can help prevent complications.
• Addressing Weight Changes: If you encounter fluctuations in your weight during treatment, it is advisable to collaborate with a registered dietitian to help you achieve and sustain a healthy weight.
• Maintaining Bone Health: It is essential when undergoing radiation therapy. It's important to ensure you have a sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D, as they play a crucial role in supporting bone strength.
• Emotional Well-Being and Nutrition: The importance of emotional well-being in relation to nutrition should not be overlooked. It is crucial to recognise the influence of our emotional state on our dietary choices. If necessary, don't hesitate to seek guidance and support from mental health professionals.

 

Conclusion

 

Nutrition is crucial for your overall well-being during and after radiotherapy. It's important to prepare properly, maintain a balanced diet, and be mindful of potential side effects to better cope with treatment and aid in your body's recovery. Remember that you don't have to face this journey alone; seek guidance from healthcare professionals who can offer personalised nutrition recommendations specific to your circumstances. By taking these steps, you can empower yourself to navigate radiotherapy with strength and resilience as you work towards a healthier future free from cancer.