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How Can Appetite Loss After Chemotherapy Be Treated?
My father is 74 years old he has been operated for GE junction on 7th October 2016 and has been given radio as well as chemo therapy. His treatment has almost been fulfilled. Nowadays he is denying to take soups except milk. He likes milk and is not ready to take protinex or meat soup with meals. What can I do to gain his weight and make him healthy.
Wed, 19 Dec 2018
Hello,
The reason for the loss of appetite, in this case, could be the radiation or chemotherapy that makes him feel like not eating. It might even be his mental health, emotional well-being, stress or anxiety that’s causing him not to feel hungry.
While it can sometimes be very hard to deal with the loss of appetite during cancer treatment, there are several key things he can do to make sure he's getting the proper nutrition.
Here are some practical tips I give my patients who are dealing with weight loss and a poor appetite:
1. Start with small meals
2. Rely on clock, not your appetite
3. Eat cold food... If the smell or taste of food makes you feel sick, try eating food that is cold or at room temperature. This will help diminish the odor and taste.
4. Try Meal Replacement Drinks
5. Do Some Light Exercise... people with cancer tend to feel better (and hungrier) when they get regular exercise each day.
Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Prabhash Verma,
General & Family Physician
The reason for the loss of appetite, in this case, could be the radiation or chemotherapy that makes him feel like not eating. It might even be his mental health, emotional well-being, stress or anxiety that’s causing him not to feel hungry.
While it can sometimes be very hard to deal with the loss of appetite during cancer treatment, there are several key things he can do to make sure he's getting the proper nutrition.
Here are some practical tips I give my patients who are dealing with weight loss and a poor appetite:
1. Start with small meals
2. Rely on clock, not your appetite
3. Eat cold food... If the smell or taste of food makes you feel sick, try eating food that is cold or at room temperature. This will help diminish the odor and taste.
4. Try Meal Replacement Drinks
5. Do Some Light Exercise... people with cancer tend to feel better (and hungrier) when they get regular exercise each day.
Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Prabhash Verma,
General & Family Physician
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