cancer-related fatigue is often made worse if you are not eating or drinking enough or if you are not eating the right foods. maintaining good nutrition can help you feel better and have more energy. the following are strategies to help improve nutritional intake: get plenty of protein. protein rebuilds and repairs damaged (and normally aging) body tissue. the best sources of protein include foods from the dairy group (8 oz. milk = 8 grams protein) and meats (meat fish or poultry = 7 grams of protein per ounce). drink plenty of fluids. a minimum of 8 cups of fluid per day will prevent dehydration. (that's 64 oz. 2 quarts or 1 half-gallon). fluids can include juice milk broth milkshakes gelatin and other beverages. of course water is fine too. beverages containing caffeine do not count. keep in mind that you'll need more fluids if you have treatment side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea. make sure you are getting enough vitamins. speak with your doctor about taking a vitamin supplement if you are not sure you are getting enough nutrients. a recommended supplement would be a multivitamin that provides at least 100% of the recommended daily allowances (rda) for most nutrients. note: vitamin supplements do not provide calories which are essential for energy production. so vitamins cannot substitute for adequate food intake. make an appointment with a dietitian. a registered dietitian provides suggestions to work around any eating problems that may be interfering with proper nutrition (such as early feeling of fullness swallowing difficulty or taste changes). a dietitian can also suggest ways to maximize calories and include proteins in smaller amounts of food (such as powdered milk instant breakfast drinks and other commercial supplements or food additives).
how does nutrition impact energy level when you have cancer?