Meal pattern and Feeding Considerations

Meal pattern and Feeding Considerations

Meal timings play an important role in ensuring adequate food intake. Cancer patients often complain of decreased ability to eat as the day progresses. This might be because of delayed gastric emptying, Decreased production of gastric secretions and mucosal atrophy of the gastrointestinal tract. Small frequent meals with greater emphasis in the morning are recommended.

Patients with altered taste sensations may benefit by increased use of flavorings and seasonings particularly those which are rich in antioxidants (Mint, coriander and turmeric).

Some patients may experience meat aversions due to chemotherapy; This may necessitate the elimination of red meats (lambs, Pork, buffalo and cow etc.) which are stronger in flavor as compared to lean meats (Marine foods and chicken etc.) For such patients alternative sources of protein should be incorporated in the diet.

Semi-soft/full fluid diets should be given to those who experience dysphagia, have lesions in the mouth or oesophagus.

Although oral route is always the preferred form of feeding, it is recommended to use alternative methods of feeding (enternal, parental) as a supplement/ substitutes according to the feasibility. Soy based or milk based formulas are very popular for long term enteral feeding particularly for home based patients.