Nutritional drinks, protein shakes and smoothies provide calories and protein suitable for cancer patients losing a lot of weight.
Cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy can cause side effects including nausea, loss of appetite, and pain when swallowing. This makes it difficult for patients to absorb nutrients, leading to weight loss, muscle loss, and low energy.
To gain weight, in addition to eating healthy foods, patients can refer to the drinks below.
Ready to drink nutritional drink
According to the Mayo Clinic , people undergoing cancer treatment often have a poor appetite and have difficulty eating three full meals. High-energy meal replacement products such as ready-to-drink nutritional drinks (liquid) are a good choice. They are mostly prepackaged and have added calories, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Ready-to-drink shakes and supplements are also nutrient-dense and easy to digest. Chemotherapy patients who have difficulty eating and are prone to nutritional deficiencies should prioritize products that are high in calories and protein (at least 250 calories and 15 grams of protein).
Fruit smoothie
According to the Cleveland Clinic , fruit smoothies are delicious and healthy drinks for cancer patients because they provide many important nutrients. People with head and neck cancer may experience side effects from chemotherapy such as sore mouth, throat, difficulty swallowing or chewing. A refreshing smoothie can ease these symptoms and give them an energy boost.
Patients can combine fruit with other ingredients such as peanut butter, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, nuts, oats, avocado. Add milk or plain yogurt, cream to supplement protein for the body.
People with lactose intolerance related to antibiotics or radiation can replace animal milk with yogurt or ice cream made from soy, rice, almond, or coconut milk.
Fruit smoothies are delicious and nutritious. Photo: Freepik
Protein shake
Protein shakes are a popular nutritional supplement drink. They are made by shaking or blending protein-rich ingredients such as a few scoops of protein powder (whey protein), fruit, water, and milk.
Popular protein powders today are often made from soy, rice, egg whites, or whey. Adding protein powder to shakes and smoothies also helps increase your calorie intake.
Fortified milk
Fortified milk is milk that has been supplemented with certain vitamins or minerals such as vitamin A, D, folic acid, iron, zinc. They meet the nutritional needs of sick people, helping to maintain good health for treatment. Fortified whole milk can also be used in smoothies to create a delicious, easy-to-enjoy flavor.
Cancer patients should eat enough meals combined with rest and sleep to avoid weight loss. Eat regularly and snack instead of just main meals. Prepare small nutritious drinks such as milk, soy milk, liquid foods, fruit juice to use immediately when hungry.
Bao Bao (According to Livestrong )
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