You never expect food to become a problem. Once treatment begins, things change. Eating food that you usually like seems different. Eating food that you normally like tastes different. You start to feel full after eating a little bit. Sometimes you don't feel like eating. People may be trying to get you to eat more, but eating seems like a chore. These changes are typical of those that occur in individuals undergoing treatment for a brain tumour.
Surgical, radiation, pharmaceutical, and treatment side effects can affect appetite and food consumption. Your body might become too weak or damaged to receive treatment and improve if you aren't getting enough calories and nutrients.
Appetite changes
There are several reasons why a loss of appetite occurs. You may be tired all day long. Some medicines can alter the taste of food. Nausea makes eating hard, causes headaches, or results in trouble swallowing. This means that many people start to eat less without being aware of it. That can result in weight loss and loss of muscle over time, making everyday tasks more difficult.
When eating less, make protein count
Protein supports the body's repair and recovery when needed. Try to include a source of protein with every meal. Good choices include:
Eggs
Fish
Chicken
Paneer
Milk and curd
Lentils and dals
Nuts and seeds
Eating smaller meals throughout the day might be easier if large meals seem too hard.
Fruits and veggies on your plate
Many people tend to only eat foods that feel filling when they have a poor appetite. There's still room for fruits and vegetables. They provide minerals, vitamins, and fibre, which are essential to your body during treatment and recovery. The most convenient to prepare are spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, bananas, apples, berries, and bell peppers. Fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables, and cooked vegetables may all be good options.
Stay hydrated
While food receives a lot of focus, fluids are just as important. Some medications can cause poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting, which can cause dehydration. Water is a good choice, but it isn't the only one. Soups, smoothies, coconut water, buttermilk, and milk can also help keep you hydrated. It's easier for many to consume fluids over the course of the day than to drink a lot in one sitting.
Keep food simple
A bowl of dal. A boiled egg. A banana. A fruit smoothie. While they might sound ordinary, these foods can be nutritious when it's hard to eat. It's not a matter of having a perfect diet. The most important thing is to eat regularly, get a sufficient amount of protein, and increase your fluid intake, if possible, with fruits and vegetables. Simple, regular exercise can help the body stay strong during and after treatment.