Decreased appetite (anorexia) and taste and smell changes
The normal cells that line your mouth, stomach, and bowel may be destroyed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Therefore, foods and liquids may taste different to you. In addition, you will not be feeling as well as usual and be less active which may decrease your appetite.
This decreased appetite is temporary. It gets worse during the few days and weeks after the chemotherapy then slowly but gradually improves as you recover from the transplant.
It can take several weeks for your appetite to return to normal, so be patient with yourself.
You may lose the desire to eat, but it is important to eat as nutritiously as you can to help your body to recover. Try the following suggestions to increase your nutrition:
- Make every mouthful count. Don't fill up on low calorie foods and beverages such as coffee, tea or "diet" drinks.
- Eat small frequent snacks (six per day) that include foods you best tolerate, even if you are not hungry.
- Make an effort to eat regularly, even if it is only a few bites at a time.
- Eat high protein foods, for example, milk, eggs, cheese, and peanut butter. Meat may taste bitter. Meat can be marinated in soy sauce or sweet juices and cooked with fruit over them to improve their taste.
- Plastic rather than metal utensils may reduce the bitter taste.
- Eat a high calorie diet by including cream, butter, margarine, sugar, syrup and jellies.
- Put non-fat dry milk in your cooking and baking.
- Add one to two small scoops of ice cream to milk beverages. Add one to three tablespoons of nonfat milk powder to each glass of milk.
- Dilute condensed cream soups with milk instead of water and add extra nonfat dry milk or undiluted evaporated milk.
- Use high-protein, high-calorie sandwich fillings including eggs, chicken, turkey, or tuna salad with mayonnaise; peanut butter with banana; and cream cheese.
- Try high calorie milkshakes or nutritional supplements like Ensure® and Boost®. The dietitian can advise you on the most suitable product and quantity for your individual taste and needs.
- Take advantage of the many convenience foods available, such as frozen dinners.
- Drink acidic beverages such as lemonade; they may increase your appetite.
- If your doctor approves, try a small glass of wine before meals. It may stimulate your appetite.
- Have someone else prepare your meals if odours bother you.
- Try to eat one third of your daily protein and calorie requirement at breakfast if you tolerate breakfast well.
- Eat when you are hungry even if it is not your regular mealtime.
- Leave room for solid food by limiting fluids.
- Keep easy-to-prepare snacks on hand, such as peanut butter, cheeses and crackers.
- Try delicious and nutritious desserts to add calories and nutrition. Blender drinks with fruit, yogurt, milk, and ice cream can be easy to drink even when your appetite is poor.
- Socializing increases your appetite, so eat with someone whenever possible.
- If possible, go for a walk or engage in light exercise before mealtimes. Fresh air can help stimulate your appetite.
- Try to have pain under control prior to meals.
- If an emotional problem is bothering you, talk to the social worker or other team member.
- Try relaxation techniques before meals.
- Foods that seem unacceptable today may be appealing tomorrow. Keep an open mind when trying foods, and experiment often.
