Essential nutrition in the treatment of head and neck cancer

Malnutrition accounts for 35 to 75% of patients with head and neck cancer. Depletion accounts for a high rate, causing a heavy impact on nutrition for patients being treated.
Head and neck cancer patients may continue to be malnourished due to side effects caused by cancer treatments. These can include loss or change in taste, inflammation of the lining of the mouth (mouth sores), gastroesophageal reflux disease, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. It is important to limit these side effects and to intervene early in nutritional problems in cancer treatment.
Need to get enough nutrition before, during and after cancer treatment. Having the right amount of nutrients will help you:
Maintain the body's resistance Keep the patient's weight stable Fight infection Fight side effects of treatment Heal after surgery Important It is important that head and neck cancer patients must follow a scientific and balanced diet to get enough nutrition during treatment. This will help keep your weight steady, maintain your muscles, and stay healthy.
Dietitians who specialize in clinical nutrition recommend eating enough nutrients like calories, protein, and fluids. Remember and plan a nutritious meal each day.

To promote better nutrition, a dietitian can instruct patients with head and neck cancer to change the consistency of foods in the diet.
The following are dietary changes commonly recommended for patients being treated for head and neck cancer. You may be able to switch from one diet to another depending on your dietitian's recommendations. For example, when you are on a complete liquid diet, you can switch to a puree diet if it is well absorbed or if you are still having trouble maintaining proper nutrition,
Nutritional Supplements suitable for your diet
If a head and neck cancer patient is still unable to maintain adequate nutritional status, a dietitian may suggest adding dietary supplements to the patient's daily diet core. There are a number of products, including prescription and over-the-counter supplements in pharmacies/grocery stores, that can provide nutrition. Popular supplements include protein powders that can be added to smoothies, milkshakes, some cooked dishes, and high-protein and high-calorie drinks such as Ensure® and Boost® products. Talk to a dietitian about which products are best for you. Some products advertised as healthy supplements may contain large amounts of sugar, which may not be right for your needs.
Eat food as it is absorbed through the line
Despite best efforts, people with head and neck cancer may not be able to meet their nutritional needs by eating foods and supplements. The side effects of cancer and its treatments can be so severe that you will have to use a feeding tube to supplement your nutrition.
There are several types of tubes that can be placed and your doctor will determine which is best for you. These tubes can be temporary or permanent. Head and neck cancer patients will be prescribed a liquid nutrition that can be given through a tube into your stomach with a pump or by hand. This liquid nutrition replaces nutrients that the person cannot eat or drink.
Remember that these diets may only be temporary. It is important to stay in touch, in consultation with a dietitian and physician, to jointly determine the best way to provide nutrition to maintain appropriate nutritional status throughout treatment.

A regular diet makes it easy for the body to absorb
A regular diet will have a variety of foods from all the different food groups including vegetables, fruits, fresh fruits, whole grains nuts, protein and other low-fat dairy products... During head and neck cancer treatment, add high-calorie, high-protein foods to maintain nutrition but Still manage my weight.
Eat soft foods.
A soft food diet includes foods that can be easily crushed, which are easier to chew and swallow such as:
Chicken, turkey or pork cooked tenderly, cut into small pieces or meat moistened with gravy. Fish. Tuna, chicken or egg salad, finely chopped and moistened. Soft cooked or canned vegetables cut into small pieces. Ripe bananas or soft canned fruit. Thoroughly cooked pasta or pasta cooked with gravy or sauce. Puree or Blend Diet
Most foods can be pureed or put in a blender and made into a food mixture that is easier to swallow. These foods include:
White or mashed sweet potatoes. Smooth apple sauce or other pureed fruit Vegetable puree. Pureed chicken, turkey, pork, red meat or fish. Use broth or gravy to easily puree. Full Liquid Diet
A full liquid diet includes foods that are smooth, pourable liquids. These foods may include:
All beverages including water, milk, juice, coffee and tea. Cream of wheat or oatmeal. Yogurt, pudding, ice cream (without fruit, chocolate, nuts, etc.), smoothies, milkshakes. Puree soup. Pureed fruits and vegetables. Different thickness of liquid can be defined to use:
Thin. Thick as nectar, is the consistency of apricot or tomato juice. Thickeners can be added to increase the consistency. Thick like honey. Thickeners can be added to increase the consistency. When using a thickener, it's important to use the correct thickener and follow the directions on the package. Consult a nutritionist about using thickeners.

References: mskcc.org, oncolink.org