Nutrition Tips for Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Treatment
Nutrition Tips for Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Treatment
Nutrition Tips for Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Treatment
By Katrina Fu | Reviewed by Patty McDonnell, RD, CD
By Katrina Fu | Reviewed by Patty McDonnell, RD, CD
Cancer and cancer treatment can cause side effects that make it harder to eat well. Proper nutrition is important for maintaining strength, supporting healing, and improving quality of life during treatment. Use the tips below to help manage nutrition-related side effects of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) treatment.
Common Treatment Side Effects That Affect Nutrition:
Cancer treatments used for PTCL can affect appetite, digestion, and taste. Common side effects include:
• Fatigue
• Low appetite, Early fullness, Taste changes, Difficulty swallowing and Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores and dry mouth
Common Treatment Side Effects That Affect Nutrition:
Common Treatment Side Effects That Affect Nutrition:
Cancer treatments used for PTCL can affect appetite, digestion, and taste. Common side effects include:
Cancer treatments used for PTCL can affect appetite, digestion, and taste. Common side effects include:
• Fatigue
• Low appetite, Early fullness, Taste changes, Difficulty swallowing and Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores and dry mouth
General Tips:
General Tips:
Stay Hydrated
Drink fluids throughout the day. Many people aim for about 6–8 cups daily, but your needs may vary.
Eat small, frequent meals
Try eating every 2–3 hours instead of three large meals.
Include protein at each meal
Helps maintain strength and support healing.
Examples include eggs,beans, tofu, fish, chicken, or smoothies.
Keep easy foods and snacks available
Such as protein drinks, nuts, or cheese and crackers.
Light activity
If tolerated, may help stimulate appetite and improve energy.
Stay Hydrated
Drink fluids throughout the day. Many people aim for about 6–8 cups daily, but your needs may vary.
Eat small, frequent meals
Try eating every 2–3 hours instead of three large meals.
Include protein at each meal
Helps maintain strength and support healing.
Examples include eggs,beans, tofu, fish, chicken, or smoothies.
Keep easy foods and snacks available
Such as protein drinks, nuts, or cheese and crackers.
Light activity
If tolerated, may help stimulate appetite and improve energy.
Food Safety During Treatment:
Some cancer treatments weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Practicing safe food handling can help reduce this risk.
✗ Avoid raw or undercooked meat, seafood, and eggs.
✗ Avoid smoked seafood unless it is canned or shelf stable.
✗ Reheat deli, processed, or cured meats until steaming hot.
✗ Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, honey, juice, or cider.
✗ Avoid raw sprouts (such as alfalfa, clover, radish, or mung bean).
✗ Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
✗ Avoid foods past their “use-by” or expiration dates.
✗ Refrigerate leftovers promptly and eat them within 1–2 days.
Talk with your care team if you have questions about food safety during treatment.
01
Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. It can make preparing and eating nutritious meals difficult. Focus on easy-to-prepare, energy-dense foods.
Use convenient options such as ready-to-eat foods, frozen meals, or canned goods. Choose options lower in sodium and higher in protein and fiber when possible.
• Keep healthy snacks readily available.
Cook when you have the most energy. Prepare large batches and freeze leftovers in single servings.
Ask friends or family for help with meals. Consider grocery delivery, restaurant takeout, or meal kit services.
03
Constipation
Constipation can occur with some cancer treatments and pain medications.
• Increase fiber-rich foods, if tolerated.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Start the day with a warm beverage and a high-fiber breakfast.
• Gentle physical activity may help stimulate bowel movements.
Talk to your doctor if fiber supplements or laxatives are a good option for you
02
Low appetite, early fullness, taste changes, difficulty swallowing, and nausea
These symptoms can make it difficult to eat enough.
Eat small, frequent meals and prioritize protein first.
Try to eat when you feel your best during the day. Consume easy-to-swallow foods that are nutrient-dense, such as smoothies, mashed foods, or purees.
Experiment with different seasonings or recipes. Try cool, bland foods and avoid greasy, fried, spicy, very sweet, or strong-smelling foods.
• Avoid foods or smells that trigger nausea.
Stay upright while eating and for about one hour afterward.
• Sip fluids between meals.
Peppermint or lemon candy may help with nausea or unpleasant tastes.
04
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can occur during treatment due to medications, infection, or changes in digestion.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Choose low-fat, easy-to-digest foods.
Drink fluids with electrolytes, such as broth or oral rehydration drinks.
Ask your care team whether temporarily following the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) may be helpful.
05
Mouth sores and Dry mouth
Cancer treatment can affect oral health and make eating uncomfortable. Choose soft foods served cold or at room temperature.
• Avoid acidic foods or rough-textured foods.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
o Brush your teeth and tongue and rinse your mouth before eating. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
o Rinse your mouth before and after meals with a baking soda solution (1 quart of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of baking soda).
Your care team may also recommend
meeting with an oncology dietitian,
who can help create a
personalized nutrition plan during
treatment.
Food Safety During Treatment
Some cancer treatments weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Practicing safe food handling can help reduce this risk.
✗ Avoid raw or undercooked meat, seafood, and eggs.
✗ Avoid smoked seafood unless it is canned or shelf stable.
✗ Reheat deli, processed, or cured meats until steaming hot.
✗ Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, honey, juice, or cider.
✗ Avoid raw sprouts (such as alfalfa, clover, radish, or mung bean).
✗ Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
✗ Avoid foods past their “use-by” or expiration dates.
✗ Refrigerate leftovers promptly and eat them within 1–2 days.
Talk with your care team if you have questions about food safety during treatment.
01
Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. It can make preparing and eating nutritious meals difficult. Focus on easy-to-prepare, energy-dense foods.
Use convenient options such as ready-to-eat foods, frozen meals, or canned goods. Choose options lower in sodium and higher in protein and fiber when possible.
• Keep healthy snacks readily available.
• Cook when you have the most energy. Prepare large batches and freeze leftovers in single servings.
Ask friends or family for help with meals. Consider grocery delivery, restaurant takeout, or meal kit services.
02
Low appetite, Early fullness, Taste changes, Difficulty swallowing,
and Nausea
Low appetite, Early fullness, Taste changes,
Difficulty swallowing, and Nausea
These symptoms can make it difficult to eat enough.
• Eat small, frequent meals and prioritize protein first.
Try to eat when you feel your best during the day. Consume easy-to-swallow foods that are nutrient-dense, such as smoothies, mashed foods, or purees.
Experiment with different seasonings or recipes. Try cool, bland foods and avoid greasy, fried, spicy, very sweet, or strong-smelling foods.
• Avoid foods or smells that trigger nausea.
• Stay upright while eating and for about one hour afterward.
• Sip fluids between meals.
• Peppermint or lemon candy may help with nausea or unpleasant tastes.
03
Constipation
Constipation can occur with some cancer treatments and pain medications.
• Increase fiber-rich foods, if tolerated.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Start the day with a warm beverage and a high-fiber breakfast.
• Gentle physical activity may help stimulate bowel movements.
• Talk to your doctor if fiber supplements or laxatives are a good option for you.
04
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can occur during treatment due to medications, infection, or changes in digestion.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Choose low-fat, easy-to-digest foods.
• Drink fluids with electrolytes, such as broth or oral rehydration drinks.
Ask your care team whether temporarily following the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) may be helpful.
05
Mouth sores and Dry mouth
Cancer treatment can affect oral health and make eating uncomfortable. Choose soft foods served cold or at room temperature.
• Avoid acidic foods or rough-textured foods.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
Brush your teeth and tongue and rinse your mouth before eating. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Rinse your mouth before and after meals with a baking soda solution (1 quart of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of baking soda).
• Avoid acidic foods or rough-textured foods.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
o Brush your teeth and tongue and rinse your mouth before eating. Use an alcohol-free sldklsmouthwash.
o Rinse your mouth before and after meals with a baking soda solution (1 quart of water sjakjamixed with 1 tablespoon of baking soda).
Your care team may also recommend meeting with an oncology dietitian, who can help create a personalized nutrition plan during treatment.
References
References
Your care team may also recommend meeting with an oncology dietitian, who can help create a personalized nutrition plan during treatment.