Malnutrition and Consequences
Learn to spot the signs
Consequences of treatment
Nausea, loss of appetite, a change to your sense of taste and tiredness are just some of the side effects that you have to fight during the course of treatment. People often lose weight without intending to.
Ensuring the body is well supplied with energy, protein, vitamins and minerals is beneficial during this stressful phase.
Spotting the first signs of malnutrition
- Unintentional weight loss in the past 3 – 6 months
- Feeling tired all the time
- Weak muscles
- Side effects from therapy influencing food intake, e.g. pain or dryness in mouth or throat, nausea, diarrhoea
Changes that may affect your dietary intake during treatment
• Loss of appetite
• Oral dental problems
• Changes in taste and smell
• Depression
• Inflammation of the mucous membranes (mucositis), pain when swallowing and/or chewing
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Digestive problems, constipation or diarrhoea
• Exhaustion, tiredness and fatigue
Read how Mary gets help
The therapy took a lot of Mary’s energy and courage. On good days though Mary wanted to contribute something to the treatment herself. She asked her doctors for information on additional actions she could do to counteract the weight loss and fatigue.
By changing her eating habits she was able to prevent further weight loss. With her improved nutrient intake and regained energy she became stronger to get through the treatment.
Read about Mary's new life here!