Your intestinal transit can be disrupted during chemo- and radiotherapy. Do not neglect these intestinal problems by speaking to your doctor as soon as possible.
DIARRHOEA
Certain chemotherapies can cause diarrhoea because certain foods move too quickly in the digestive tract which cause difficulties for the organism to absorb vitamins, minerals and water. Diarrhoea usually starts after the second cycle of chemotherapy.
Be aware of the risk of dehydration and make sure that you drink a lot!
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND DURING CHEMOTHERAPY
- Ask your doctor if you can take Imodium (available over the counter). If symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or if you have a fever, contact your doctor immediately.
- Drink 1.5 to 2 litres per day in small quantities (water, herbal teas (caffeine-free), rice water, vegetable broth, Gatorade…)
- Avoid fresh fruits and raw vegetables. Instead, you can steam cook your vegetables.
- Eat foods that are low in fibres, such as rice, pasta, steamed potatoes, crispbread, ripe bananas and carrots.
- Avoid any foods that will irritate your intestines, such as dairy products (except low-fat yoghurt), spicy dishes, rich fatty dishes, fibres (cereals and wholemeal bread) and flatulence-causing vegetables (cabbage, turnip, onion and corn).
- Avoid coffee and iced drinks.
- Gently wipe yourself after going to the toilet with baby wipes or rinse yourself with hot water.
- Do not hesitate to apply a fragrance-free nappy rash cream if your skin becomes painful and fragile.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Drink rice water: Boil 2 to 3 tablespoons of rice in 1 litre of water with 2 tablespoons of sugar and ½ tablespoon of salt.
- Eat without moderation: Homemade vegetable soups, chicken and noodle soup, dairy-free carrot soup.
CONSTIPATION
On the contrary, other medications can cause constipation, particularly the medication that you take for nausea, as well as treatments containing morphine or painkillers.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND DURING CHEMOTHERAPY
- Drink at least 2 litres a day to soften your stools (water, vegetable broth, prune juice…)
- Eat foods that are rich in fibres, such as fresh fruits, raw vegetables, cereals and wholemeal bread.
- Drink a glass of ice water or orange juice when you wake up in the morning.
- Try to walk or exercise daily.
- Ask your doctor for a laxative if your constipation persists.
