Brain tumours are a complex and challenging health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Dealing with a brain tumour diagnosis can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. While medical treatments play a crucial role in managing brain tumours, adopting a comprehensive approach that includes nutrition can significantly improve the quality of life and enhance overall well-being. On World Brain Tumour Day, we unveil the ultimate brain tumour survival guide, offering jaw-dropping nutrition tips to help patients boost their health and conquer symptoms.
Understanding Brain Tumours
Before delving into the impact of nutrition on brain tumours, it is essential to understand the nature of these tumours. Brain tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and their effects on the body vary depending on the location, size, and type of tumour. Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, cognitive changes, motor skill impairments, and sensory problems. Treatment options for brain tumours include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, which can often lead to side effects that impact nutritional status.
The Impact of Nutrition on Brain Tumours
Proper nutrition plays a critical role in supporting the body’s immune system, optimising treatment outcomes, managing side effects, and improving overall well-being for brain tumour patients. Good nutrition can help enhance the body’s ability to tolerate treatments, reduce treatment-related complications, maintain a healthy weight, preserve muscle mass, and support the body’s healing process.
Nutrition Tips for Brain Tumour Patients
- Ensuring Adequate Caloric Intake:
Brain tumour patients may experience a decreased appetite during treatment. To ensure proper nutrition, it is essential to follow these five steps:
- Eat small and frequent meals: Establish regular meal and snack times throughout the day to maintain a consistent caloric intake.
- Add a bedtime snack: A light snack before bed can help prevent overnight fasting and maintain energy levels.
- Calorie-containing fluids between meals: Consuming fluids such as milk or juice that contain calories can provide additional nourishment.
- Opt for nutrient-dense foods: Choose foods that are rich in essential nutrients to maximise nutritional intake.
- Take nutritional drink supplements or make your own: Nutritional drink supplements, such as whey protein mixed with milk or juice, can provide additional calories and protein.
- Managing Nausea and Vomiting:
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of brain tumour treatments. The following guidelines can help tackle these symptoms:
- Limit foods with strong odours: Strong-smelling foods can trigger nausea, so it is best to avoid them.
- Eat small and frequent meals: Consuming small meals throughout the day can help prevent feelings of fullness and nausea.
- Consume bland foods: Potatoes, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and curd are examples of bland foods that are easier to tolerate.
- Avoid overly spicy, greasy, or sweetened foods and fluids: These can irritate the stomach and exacerbate nausea.
- Try ginger tea or ginger water: Ginger has natural anti-nausea properties and can be helpful in alleviating symptoms.
- Stay upright for more than 30 minutes after eating: This can help reduce the chances of reflux and vomiting.
- Managing Diarrhoea:
Diarrhoea can occur as a side effect of brain tumour treatments. Here are some tips for managing this symptom:
- Eat small meals: Small, frequent meals are often easier to tolerate for individuals with diarrhoea.
- Try BRATY diet: The BRATY diet consists of easily digestible foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and yoghurt.
- Avoid greasy, fatty, or fried foods: These can exacerbate diarrhoea symptoms.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Non-carbonated and caffeine-free fluids help maintain hydration levels.
- Managing Constipation:
Constipation is another common side effect of brain tumour treatments. The following strategies can help alleviate constipation:
- Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining regular bowel movements. Prune juice or warm beverages can be particularly helpful.
- Adopt a bowel regimen and add activity to your routine: Establishing a regular bowel routine and engaging in light physical activity can promote regular bowel movements.
- Gradually add fibre to the diet: Adding fibre-rich foods to the diet can help alleviate constipation. However, it is important to introduce fibre gradually and monitor tolerance.
- Avoid gas-forming foods: Foods such as beans, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, and garlic can contribute to bloating and discomfort.
- Managing Fatigue:
Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by brain tumour patients. Consider the following tips to manage fatigue:
- Use oral nutritional shakes: Nutritional shakes can provide additional calories and nutrients to combat fatigue.
- Consume cool or room-temperature foods: Cold or room-temperature foods are often easier to tolerate than warm foods.
- Opt for soft, tender foods: Foods that are easy to chew and swallow can help conserve energy during eating.
- Use a straw: Using a straw can make drinking fluids easier, reducing fatigue during meals.
- Eat non-acidic foods and fluids: Acidic foods and fluids can cause discomfort, so it is best to avoid them.
- Practise good oral hygiene: Maintaining proper oral hygiene can prevent mouth sores and promote overall oral health.
- Consider mouth numbing rinses: Numbing rinses can provide temporary relief for mouth sores, making eating more comfortable.
Meal Planning and Preparation Tips
In addition to the specific nutrition tips mentioned above, the following meal planning and preparation strategies can further support brain tumour patients in maintaining optimal nutrition:
- Consulting with a Registered Dietitian:
Working with a registered dietitian who specialises in oncology nutrition can provide personalised guidance and support tailored to the patient’s unique needs.
- Balancing Macronutrients:
A well-balanced diet that includes adequate protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats is essential for meeting nutritional needs and supporting overall health.
- Adequate Hydration:
Staying properly hydrated is crucial for overall well-being. Drinking enough fluids can help prevent dehydration and maintain optimal bodily functions.
- Smaller, Frequent Meals:
Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help manage appetite, prevent overeating, and maintain stable energy levels.
- Mindful Eating:
Practising mindful eating techniques, such as paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, can promote a healthier relationship with food and enhance the overall eating experience.
- Managing Side Effects of Treatment:
Individuals should be aware of the potential side effects of their specific treatment regimen and make necessary dietary adjustments to manage these side effects effectively.
Dealing with a brain tumour diagnosis is a challenging journey, but by incorporating proper nutrition and adopting a holistic approach to well-being, patients can significantly improve their health, manage symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. On World Brain Tumour Day, let us raise awareness about the importance of nutrition in brain tumour management and support patients on their path to recovery and well-being. Remember, every small step towards better nutrition and overall health can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by brain tumours.
