Table of contents:
- Various kinds of things that can increase the appetite of cancer patients
- 1. Make small portions of food
- 2. Add the seasoning spices
- 3. Serve food in a beautiful and unique way
- 4. Invite to exercise
- 5. Make mealtimes enjoyable
Loss of appetite is sometimes one of the side effects of cancer chemotherapy. Because during the chemo process, drugs are used to kill cancer cells as well as break down digestive organ cells so that the digestive function and absorption of food are disrupted. Chemotherapy also causes fatigue and anemia, which can make cancer patients even more reluctant to eat food. Relax, there are various easy ways you can do as an appetite enhancer for cancer patients. Context below, let's!
Various kinds of things that can increase the appetite of cancer patients
Eating a variety of foods is an easy way to get all the nutrients your body needs to recover quickly. But first know what can and should not be served to cancer sufferers. Healthy foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates are two key intakes in a cancer patient's diet. While also avoiding junkfood , fruits or vegetables that contain pesticides, and fatty foods.
After you understand how to present a healthy diet, you can only find tips and tricks to increase appetite for cancer patients, such as the following:
1. Make small portions of food
For people who are sick, eating 3 large meals a day can be heavy. For that, try to serve a large meal menu in smaller divided portions. For 6 meals throughout the day, for example. But you still have to fulfill the adequacy of nutrients in one small plate. To make it easier, you can insert a protein powder drink, yogurt, or candied fruit between meals to increase the calorie intake of cancer sufferers.
2. Add the seasoning spices
Food for sick people does not only have to be chicken porridge and oatmeal which taste flat. But don't also add too much salt or MSG to the dish. Better, add garlic, onion, chives, turmeric, cumin, curry, ginger, cinnamon, red or green pepper to add flavor to the dish.
3. Serve food in a beautiful and unique way
Beautify the appearance of the food as creatively as possible, either by adjusting the colors of the food side dishes or adding garnish to the dinner plate, you can make a trick to increase the appetite of cancer patients.
For younger patients, make colorful ice cream or popsicles from fruit. Meanwhile, for patients who are adults, serve food with garnishes such as salad or fruit around the side dishes.
4. Invite to exercise
Furthermore, you can invite or make cancer patients do physical activity to arouse their appetite to increase. At least with relaxing activities such as morning walks in the neighborhood, folding clothes, or even preparing and cooking the food that will be eaten. If you want to exercise, consult your doctor first about the type of exercise and how hard the cancer patient should exercise depending on the condition.
5. Make mealtimes enjoyable
Some people have a taste for meals if mealtimes are made as enjoyable as possible. Eating with family members while enjoying time together can also make mealtime fun.
Occasionally, try combining mealtimes or watching food-themed TV shows. It is advisable for you not to mention anything about cancer suffered by patients, change and raise the topic of conversation that can arouse the patient's appetite.
