Info about Nutrition
Nutrition and sexuality during chemotherapy
Proper nutrition during chemotherapy means choosing a balanced diet containing all nutrients. A good way to follow this guideline is the inclusion in the diet of foods from each of these groups: fruits and vegetables, fish and meat, cereals and breads as well as dairy products. Also, proper nutrition requires a sufficiently high protein diet to restore the skin, hair, muscles and organs. You need to drink more fluids to protect your kidneys and bladder.
• You have no appetite!
Even if you know it's important to eat enough, are days that feel like you can not. This may be due to the adverse effects of chemotherapy like nausea or mouth inflammation, or throat that make eating painful or difficult. You lose your appetite if you are depressed or tired. If you suffer from these effects consult your doctor.
• If you don't have appetite try these tips:
• Eat several times throughout the day in small portions;
• Try a varied diet with new recipes;
• Try changing table routine, for example, eat by candlelight or elsewhere;
• Eat with friends or family members, when you listen to radio or watch TV alone;
• Whenever possible take a ride before the table, this will increase the appetite.
• Alcoholic drinks
Small amounts of alcohol can help you relax and can increase appetite. On the other hand, alcohol can interact with certain medications, reducing their effectiveness or aggravate side effects.
• Vitamins and supplements
There is no sure answer to this question, but it is clear that no diet or nutritional plan will not cure disease, cancer, and vitamin and mineral supplements are not a substitute for medical care.
• Sexuality
Sexual attitudes vary depending on the person during chemotherapy. Some people feel closer to their partners and have stronger sexual desires. Others do not notice any change in sexual desire and energy level. Others see a drop in interest in casual sexualityal and physical stress caused by cancer chemotherapy. Stress may include concern about appearance changes, anxiety caused by health, family and financial situation.
Many of these concerns can be clarified talking. Both you, and your partner can discuss these issues with thector or other counselor who can provide the necessary information.
You and your partner must try to share feelings. If it is difficult to talk about cancer, about sex or both, you can contact the help of a counselor. People who can help are psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, marital counselors and church members.