|
Dealing with a sore mouth:
When it hurts to swallow and eat
Report new mouth sores to the doctor or nurse.
Clean mouth often; use an anesthetic mouth rinse
before eating.
Avoid foods that are acidic, spicy, or hot.
Try frozen popsicles or other frozen foods to
help decrease pain.
Try soft foods that are easy to swallow.
Moisten foods with liquid to soften.
Nausea and vomiting:
Help for feeling queasy
Salty foods may decrease nausea.
Avoid heavy, creamy, or fried foods.
Try bland, low-fat foods.
Loosen clothes, get fresh air and sit upright
for 1/2 hours after eating.
Try small frequent meals rather than large meals.
If nausea or vomiting can be predicted, avoid
favorite foods during this time.
Report unrelieved nausea or vomiting to the doctor,
nurse, or dietitian.
|
Loss
of appetite:
When eating is a chore
Prepare (or have someone else prepare) your favorite
foods. Store properly in a convenient place.
Consume at least a third of daily calories for breakfast.
Appetite tends to be better in the morning and diminishes
as the day goes on.
Try small, frequent meals instead of large meals.
Just looking at a large meal can make your appetite
go away.
Have a high-calorie, high-protein snacks readily
available.
Light exercise (5-10 minutes) about 1/2 hr before
eating may help stimulate appetite.
Create a fun, pleasant atmosphere for eating.
Make
eating a social event.
Encourage luscious, caloric desserts!
Add powdered milk to foods to increase protein content.
Work with your doctor, nurse, and dietitian to learn
other ways to improve appetite.
|
Dealing
with taste changes:
When things don't taste right
Keep your mouth feeling fresh. Gently brush, floss,
and rinse frequently, unless unable.
Increase liquids like water, club soda, or fruit
juices to remove some unusual tastes.
Try sucking on hard candies or chewing sugar-free
gum to decrease bitter or metallic tastes.
If metallic taste is a problem, prepare foods in
non-metal containers and use plastic utensils.
Cold foods may taste better than hot foods. Experiment
to find what's best for you.
Extra spices or garlic may improve flavor. |
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