Treatment for cervical cancer can be exhausting, and eating might not taste as it normally does. There may not be an appetite following treatment, or there may be an upset stomach, weakness, and sickness. Some days, even your favourite foods may not taste good. Avoid forcing yourself to eat during this time; just try to eat as well as you can. Just eat little bits, drink lots of fluids, and select foods to make you a little stronger.
Eat small amounts all day long
If you are tired or sick, it may be difficult to get in a lot of calories. Take frequent small meals instead of a large meal. Keep simple foods at home, such as:
Yogurt, milk, or curd
Fruits that are soft, like bananas.
A plain biscuit, crackers, or toast
Foods like soup, khichdi, rice, or oats
Boiled egg, paneer, or roasted chana
When you're hungry, eat! There are those who like breakfast, and those who like dinner.
Try to include protein
Your body needs protein while you are undergoing treatment. It can be used to keep muscles strong and aid in recovery. Proteins are provided by:
Eggs, chicken, fish, paneer, milk, curd, and cheese
Dals, beans, chickpeas, sprouts, tofu, and soy
Nuts, nut butters, and peanut butter.
Don't substitute out all meals. If possible, include some small items. For instance, eat curd with rice, peanut butter with toast, or dal with roti.
Drink fluids throughout the day
It is easy to become dehydrated if you have vomiting, diarrhoea, or do not feel like drinking. Keep water near you and take small sips often.
You can also try:
Coconut water
Soup or clear broth
Lemon water, if it does not hurt your mouth
Oral rehydration solution, if your doctor suggests it
Milk or a light milkshake, if you can tolerate dairy
If you cannot keep fluids down, feel very dizzy, or have diarrhoea that does not stop, call your cancer doctor or nurse.
What to eat when you feel nauseous
The nausea can make food smells and big meals difficult. Eating simple meals can be simpler at times. Eat crackers, dry toast, rice, plain pasta, or banana. Eat slowly and take small bites. If you are sensitive to the aroma of cooking, cold food might be easier. If increasing your intake of oil, spice, or sweet foods makes you feel sicker, then you should limit the amount you eat. Take anti-nausea medicine as your doctor has told you. Avoid overeating. Too full a stomach can sometimes exacerbate nausea.
When you have diarrhoea
You might get diarrhoea while receiving chemotherapy or radiation. Inform you care, team, if it lasts more than 23 hours or gets more intense. Having easier-to-swallow foods such as rice and banana soups will help. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol. Coffee, spicy food, and anything that will make your tummy upset for days. Do n ot take any diarrhea medicine or supplements without a doctor's advice.
Take care of yourself
Your body may have a harder time fighting infections during cancer treatment. Wash hands before eating and preparing food. Wash fruits and vegetables well. Cook eggs, chicken, fish, and meat thoroughly, and avoid undercooked and raw foods. Cool and reheat food before using. If you are losing weight, are unable to eat enough, or feel unwell most of the time, let your doctor know. They might also have the ability to alter your medicines or refer you to a dietitian. Food issues don't need to be an issue that you cope with by yourself. You might be able to eat a small amount of food some days. That is okay. Eat a little at a time, drink as much as you can, take it one day at a time.