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Nutrition and Cancer: Getting protein in my diet
I am having difficulty getting enough protein in my diet. I can't 'break down' chicken, due to no saliva. I can tolerate beef if rare and fish rare or raw..sashimi.
Scrambled eggs are great! But can't eat them every day. Carbohydrates are tolerated more easily, but like with the protein, I need to 'wash' everything down with water. I also eat a lot of watermelon with my food, as it helps to get the food down. I don't tolerate dairy well, and do not like the taste of Boost or Ensure. Wondering if anyone else has these issues.
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You might want to check out "Beneprotein" by Nestle. It is an unflavored powder that mixes well in many foods and beverages.
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2 ReactionsMore ideas...Visit your nearest health food store, such as GNC. They have a variety of protein supplements. Also consider plant based protein such as beans. Many vegans use these as their only source of protein. I have used these in soups and chili which combines beans with meat. Google vegan sources of protein and you will find many sources and recipes to try. How about soy or almond milk if you cannot tolerate dairy.Have you consulted a dietitian? Mine at Rochester Mayo gave me samples of supplements to try before I committed to buying. Hang in there...I still do not have saliva but have adjusted my eating habits and found a new normal.
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1 ReactionThanks so much! Will look into protein supplements. Had one appointment with Nutritionist and did not find her helpful.
I went to Trader Joe’s and got the chocolate whey for my husband and shook with really cold milk. There did come a time where my husband could no longer take food by mouth and ending up with the nutritist’s formula we got through Mercy and he ending up 100 % feeding tube until about 2 months after treatment. I hope this helps.
Thank you! Hope your husband is doing better!
Thank you for asking. He just had his 2nd CT scan and he is still in remission. Still has trouble with saliva when he eats and his tasting is not back 100% but like his Dr said it could take up to 12 mo or he may not ever get back to 100%. His disposition is great and his engery level is back. I know it’s a lot for you right now, keeping fighting. Because in the end it’s all worth it! Good luck kiddo!
I don't have cancer but did have to have part of my intestines removed. Getting enough protein takes a lot of work and is an ongoing problem since I don't digest meats properly. I'm not a big fish eater but have found a mild grilled cod I eat once a week. I do eat a lot of full fat yogurt, eggs, avocado. . I don't particularly care for Ensure either and hate Boost, but I've found a new Ensure called Ensure Max. 30gms of protein and 1gm of sugar. The taste isn't bad and the mocha is actually good. One of those a day gets me started toward my goal of a minimum of 50-60gms a day. Also, making chicken stock is easy and it's chalk full of protein. I drink it hot from a cup and add it to soups. You can buy really good chicken stock from most stores. Good luck.
You can find out from GNC for protein powder and protein bar. Tofu is a good food to provide protein as well. You can get protein by eating beans as well. Lentils and kidney beans are my favorite. I hope you can enjoy taking bean soup and can obtain protein you need for your body. I wish you find protein as necessary. With regards, Soul
Thank you!
How much protein is in it?