Recommended foods for children with cancer

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Nutrition for children with cancer is an important part, affecting the treatment process of children. What should children with cancer eat? How should foods be eaten? This is a question people care about to help patients get enough nutrition, healthy enough to cope with their therapy.

Some notes on nutrition for children with cancer when symptoms appear during treatment will be mentioned in the article below.

1. Anorexia, loss of appetite

Give children small meals instead of 3 meals as usual. Ask your child what they want or like to eat to plan their daily menu in advance. Pay attention to the nutrient content of each meal. choose protein- and energy-rich foods first. Snacks are always available. Prepare dishes with attractive flavors and presentation to stimulate your baby's sense of smell and sight Minimize food odors by: Grilling outdoor meat, use ventilation fans when cooking; Limit hot food, eat cold or normal temperature foods Change the dishes often so that children do not get bored.

2. Nausea, vomiting

If your child has nausea/vomiting, some of the following foods should be avoided:
Hot spicy foods Fatty foods Very sweet and sugary foods Do not let your child overeat Foods with strong flavors Eating or drinking too quickly Drink soft drinks with meals Lie down immediately after eating. Try a diet for children with cancer if they feel nauseous/vomiting:
Should eat before the time the doctor recommends treatment Eat dry foods such as cookies, toast,...anytime your child would like. Children should eat soft, light, soft and easily digestible foods Drink water slowly with small sips After eating get up or lie down with your upper body for about an hour Rinse your mouth before and after eating To keep keep your mouth fresh, suck on mints or hard candies.

3. Diarrhea

When your child has diarrhea, avoid some of the following foods:
Hot spicy foods Foods rich in fiber, should avoid eating cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower. Fatty foods Nuts and dried fruit Drinks that are too hot or too cold Limit your intake of coffee, tea, cola and chocolate Limit your intake of dairy products as they can make diarrhea worse Limit your intake of sugar-free candies made from sorbitol. Ensure nutrition for children with cancer by:
Eat soup, bananas, canned fruits and add water and electrolytes to replace salt and potassium loss due to diarrhea Drink plenty of water throughout the day After Drink a glass of water every time you go out.

4. Constipation

If the child's bowel movements are less than 3 times a week, the child will be considered constipated. This is very common in children with cancer and can be caused by poor diet, lack of physical activity and possibly as a side effect of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and medications. .
If constipation occurs, children with cancer should eat:
Increase the amount of fiber in the child's diet Drink plenty of water, at least 8-10 cups/day. If possible, advise children to do light physical activity

5. Dry mouth

If the mouth feels dry, the child with cancer should eat:
Should eat soft foods with sauce Let the child chew gum to stimulate the salivary glands Should eat cold desserts or add crushed ice Make sure Make sure to drink enough water every day to keep your mouth from drying out. Limit your intake of foods that contain a lot of sugar. Use a straw when drinking. In addition, take care of your teeth properly and carefully by rinsing your mouth with salt water 4-5 times / day, avoiding mouthwash containing alcohol.

6. Sore mouth, mouth ulcers

Stomatitis, if prolonged, can become infected and bleed, making it difficult for children to eat and drink. By choosing certain foods and taking good care of their teeth, it will be easier for children to eat.
Apply the following diet to children with cancer:
Reduce jaw muscle activity with a diet of soft foods, pureed or liquid foods Avoid dry, rough foods No children should eat spicy hot or salty foods Avoid giving children acidic foods such as vinegar, pickled foods,... Please ensure the maximum amount of calories for children, can supplement with functional foods for children.

7. Change of taste

For children undergoing chemotherapy, taste changes are very common, especially the sensation of bitterness.
Apply the following nutrition to your child:
Rinse mouth with water before eating Encourage your child to eat snacks several times a day Try foods that contain plant-based proteins such as tofu, beans ,... Eat meat in combination with some sweet foods such as marmalade, apple sauce.

8. Decrease in white blood cell count

Children with leukopenia are often at high risk of infection. The following guidelines can help children prevent infections when white blood cells are low:
Make it a habit to always check the expiration date of foods before buying and using Store food in proper condition. Cook food thoroughly. Avoid eating raw eggs such as poached eggs or fish salad. Avoid salads and buffets.

9. Nutritional support

During cancer treatment, especially for children with cancer of the head, neck, esophagus or stomach, there may be some complications that make children unable to eat by mouth. This way, the baby can get nutrients through the feeding tube. Children will be advised by the doctor what children with cancer should eat to provide adequate nutrition, the composition of the food will depend on the needs of the child and the form of food. Tell your doctor if your child's symptoms do not go away and you cannot tolerate common foods or drinks, or if your child needs nutritional support. Nutrition for children with cancer is an important part of their treatment. The right diet, eating the right foods before, during, and after treatment can help your child feel better and healthier. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor immediately for timely advice and support.

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