Some chemotherapy drugs can prevent absorption or cause the depletion of certain vitamins and minerals. Your doctor or dietitian may advise you to take oral supplements to counter the depletion of magnesium caused by cisplatin . 5-fluorouracil may cause a loss of potassium , which can be replaced with medication and/or a diet rich in apricots, bananas, oranges and potatoes.
There are diets to prevent kidney stones from forming and diets to prevent diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting. There are diets to help improve taste and appetite. All of these preventive and palliative techniques, including occupational therapy to improve your ability to swallow, can be used along with other supportive programs to control depression, relieve any pain and promote physical activity.
Fad diets may be very tempting and appear to follow sound medical principles, but they can be dangerous. They may not supply the macro- and micro-nutrients you need during this special time. Macrobiotic diets are not recommended.
A Team Effort With guidance from your doctor, the nutritionist and a few good pamphlets and brochures, you and your family should be able to handle most nutritional problems at home.
And remember that good nutrition is a team effort. It requires not only the expertise of nutritionists and the medical team but the tact and concerned attention of family and friends. Your support team should know that you will be more likely to respond to enjoyable company and gentle encouragement than to harassment and manipulation. The preparation, serving and sharing of food expresses the concern of care givers, family and friends. And that concern can have a direct effect on your sense of well-being.
