Children may have trouble eating while undergoing cancer treatment. Some may experience loss of appetite, nausea, or digestive upset/taste changes. At this time, food is no longer only a source of energy. It provides the child's body with the nutrients required for growth, recovery,y and to achieve optimum health while they are being treated. There is no single "cure" food or cure to take the place of cancer treatment. A variety of foods in a healthy eating pattern can provide a child with the nutrition they need.
Leafy vegetables
Dark green vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the proper functioning of the body and include leafy vegetables like spinach, fenugreek leaves, mustard greens, ns etc. They're packed with vitamin C, folate, vitamin K, and other plant compounds that help maintain good health. Kids don't always like the taste of leafy vegetables. These can be used in smoothies, parathas, dal, or soups as needed.
Flax seeds
Omega-3 fatty acids and fibre are found in flax seeds. Omega-3 fats are beneficial to growth and development, while fibre helps to promote healthy bowel movements. Constipation can happen while undergoing cancer treatment. Certain medicines can be the reason. Flax seeds can be added to porridge, yogurt,t or smoothies as a great source of fiber.
Curd
Curd is loaded with probiotics, the live bacteria that help maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Having a healthy gut is important for nutrient uptake and well-being. Plain, unsweetened curd is usually a better option than flavored varieties with added sugar. For some children, parents should talk to their health care professional about avoiding probiotic foods during treatment.
Protein-Rich Foods
The body needs protein, which is necessary for tissue repair, new cell growth, and recovery. Children with cancer should attend the treatment with sufficient protein to strengthen their bodies. To meet the daily protein requirement, eggs, fish, chicken, lentils, beans, milk, paneer,r and nuts can be included in the diet. If your child is not eating, add a source of protein to your treats and meals to complete protein intake.
Millets
Millets contain a lot of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can add variations and add nutrients a child needs to his/her diet. They have a mild taste and will not affect a child's diet when added to foods.
Supporting children during treatment to eat
Cancer treatment sometimes changes eating habits. One week,k a child may like a certain food, but the following week, he or she may not. This is considered to be normal,l and parents might worry. Eating smaller amounts of food or snacks may be easier than eating bigger meals. If appetite fluctuates from one day to the next, these healthy foods will help. A pediatric dietitian can offer age-appropriate and treatment/symptom-specific information. Before making any changes to the diet or supplements, parents should consult their health care team.