Weight loss is one of the major challenges for patients who undergo immunotherapy in India. Immunotherapy has dramatically changed the treatment of cancer, as it uses the body’s immune system to kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy usually comes with such side effects as weight loss, loss of appetite, and malnutrition. One of the best doctors in India providing immunotherapy is Dr. Vikesh Shah, who is also reckoned as the best doctor of cancer in India. He wants to emphasize the fact that this treatment should be accompanied by a customized nutritional support plan.
This blog will provide practical nutrition tips to manage weight during immunotherapy, including insights from Indian diet practices, strategies to increase calorie intake, and methods to maintain strength throughout your treatment.
Weight Loss During Immunotherapy: Why It Happens
Weight loss may be an effect of various causes that include the following:
- Appetite: Nausea, fatigue, or anorexia may influence your hunger.
- Increased Metabolism: Cancer treatments sometimes increase the body’s metabolic rate, causing unintentional weight loss.
- Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive issues can hinder proper nutrient absorption.
- Emotional Stress: Coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment can lead to anxiety or depression, impacting eating habits.
Role of Nutrition in Immunotherapy
Nutrition plays a very important role in keeping the strength up, the immune system intact, and dealing with side effects during immunotherapy in India. Good nutrition can:
- Provide necessary nutrients for energy and healing.
- Help manage treatment-related side effects.
- Prevent muscle loss and maintain body weight.
- Improve overall quality of life.
Let’s get to specific nutrition strategies tailored to the Indian context.
Nutrition Tips to Manage Weight Loss During Immunotherapy
1. Focus on High-Calorie, Nutrient-Dense Foods
When appetite is low, the best thing to do is try and focus on nutrient-rich food. Indian cuisine has innumerable high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods:
Ghee and Butter: Use a little ghee with your dals, rotis, or rice for healthy fats.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are calorie-dense and easy to snack on.
Paneer and Yogurt: Use paneer in your sabzis or have yogurt smoothies to get in protein and calcium.
2. Small, Frequent Meals
Have 5-6 small meals a day instead of three big meals. Some mini-meal ideas are:
A bowl of curd rice with ghee.
A handful of roasted makhanas (fox nuts).
A fruit smoothie with honey and almond butter.
3. Hydrate Wisely
Hydration is essential, especially when on immunotherapy in India, as heat aggravates dehydration. Have:
Coconut water for electrolytes
Buttermilk with a pinch of salt
Herbal teas like ginger or mint as nausea soothers
Dump sugary beverages and caffeine, as they worsen dehydration.
4. Incorporate Easily Digestible Proteins
Protein is vital for muscle repair and immunity. Indian diet sources are:
Moong dal khichdi is easy on the stomach
Boiled eggs or omelets.
Lentil soups or chicken broth.
Talk to a dietitian to know your personal needs during the treatment.
5. Fight Loss of Appetite with Yummy Choices
Immunotherapy will make the taste buds less sensitive to food and food unattractive. So, add spice to your dishes using herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander for flavor and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chutneys and pickles: A tangy lemon pickle or mint chutney can help stimulate the taste buds.
Be very careful with very spicy or oily foods that might cause stomach upset.
6. Help Your Gut
For nausea, diarrhea, or constipation:
Nausea: Take ginger tea or dry toast.
Diarrhea: Bland diet: banana, rice, curd
Constipation: Fiber fruits like papaya and increased water intake.
Indian Superfoods to Take on Immunotherapy
India is a storehouse of superfoods that will assist a cancer patient during treatment:
- Turmeric: Curcumin is anti-inflammatory and increases immunity.
- Amla or Indian gooseberry: A source of vitamin C, helps to boost immunity and enhance digestion.
- Moringa: Drumstick leaves are rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
- Flaxseeds: Have omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation.
Indian Immunotherapy Diet
This is an example diet, with food, taste, and nutritional demands for the Indian palate:
Breakfast
- A glass of almond milk with a banana and a spoonful of peanut butter.
- Vegetable upma or poha made with ghee.
Midday Snack
- Fresh papaya bowl with a little honey on top.
- Coconut water or buttermilk.
Lunch
- Moong dal khichdi with curd and sautéed vegetables on the side.
- A chapati with paneer curry.
Evening Snack
- Roasted chana or a fistful of mixed nuts.
- Ginger tea with whole grain biscuits.
Dinner
- Grilled fish or tofu with steamed rice and vegetable soup.
- One tiny kheer is prepared in jaggery for dessert.
Sleep Time
- Drink turmeric milk warm as always with a sprinkling of black pepper.
Seek Opinion from Experts: How Does an Immunotherapist Function in India?
The patient should be counseled about nutrition as a part of the immunotherapy procedure depending on their needs, preferences, and side effects of the treatment. Dr. Vikesh Shah is one of the leading immunotherapists in India who is very cooperative with dietitians and delivers holistic care to his patients. His approach has been counted among the best cancer doctors in India.
Support Structures Available in India
In India, there are many structures supporting cancer patients who are under immunotherapy:
- Nutritional Consultations: All hospitals and clinics have specialized dietitians in oncological nutrition.
- Support Groups: Shared experiences with others who are getting treated can provide emotional as well as practical support.
- Online Resources: For instance, one can seek advice on the Indian Cancer Society’s web page.
This is one of those weight loss programs during immunotherapy in India, which can only be taken proactively. Food should be nutrient-dense, and small, frequent meals should be taken. If nausea or loss of appetite appears as an undesirable side effect, it is easily corrected. Indian superfoods combined with local dietary habits could smooth this journey.
Dr. Vikesh Shah, one of the best cancer doctors in India, says that an appropriate diet, balanced according to an individual’s needs, is essential. Patients may retain their strength, support their immune system, and get the best out of their treatment under expert guidance and the right nutrition plan.
If you, or someone close to you, is undergoing immunotherapy treatment, it is best to ask a specialist, such as Dr. Vikesh Shah, for proper care and weight management. His clinic is in Ahmedabad; if you have any queries, contact us now!