Nutrition During and After Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

This video will help you learn how to get enough nutrition during and after radiation treatment.

You may have sores and a dry mouth a couple of weeks into treatment. If they cause trouble with chewing or swallowing, eat foods that are mashed, chopped, or pureed, and at room temperature.

You might find including gelatin or sherbet with bites of food will help you swallow.

Eat and drink foods high in calories and protein, as often as six to eight times a day.

Sauces or gravies may also help you swallow food, make foods taste better, and add calories. Marinating foods with fruit juices, nectars, duck sauce, or sweet-and-sour sauces can also add flavor.

Using plastic utensils will help reduce the metallic taste of foods.

You may need nutritional supplements to get enough calories and protein to maintain your weight. Talk with a member of your healthcare team about choosing the best formula for you.

If you prefer to make your own shakes, add peanut butter, heavy cream, honey, or even a couple teaspoons of oil to add even more calories and protein.

Use a straw if you have sores in your mouth. Try to alternate solid food with liquids.

Have warm liquids, such as soups, and drink eight to ten glasses of water, broth, coconut water, liquids with vitamins and minerals, fruit nectars, and tea or juice daily, especially if your mouth is dry or your saliva is thick.

Rinse your mouth after eating or drinking anything with sugar to help keep it clean. Rinsing your mouth before you eat can also help with any taste changes.

During treatment, avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy or fried foods, and foods high in acid, like tomato sauce and citrus fruits. Acidic foods can make mouth sores worse. Foods high in acid are fine if you're not having pain or mouth sores.

When you're having sores and a dry mouth, avoid your favorite foods. They may not taste like you remember, and you don't want to connect negative thoughts to them once your treatment is over.

Changes in the way foods taste are not permanent. Taste gets better over time.

If you have pain in your mouth while you're eating, call your healthcare provider. Don't wait until the pain is so bad that you can't eat. There may be medication that can help. Managing your pain early will help you later.

During treatment, eat high-calorie, high-protein foods. Eat soft foods that are easy to swallow. Drink plenty of liquids. Keep your mouth clean. Call if you have pain while you eat. Have the contact information for your healthcare providers.

For more information, ask your healthcare provider for printed materials. You can also find information online by visiting www.mskcc.org/pe.