Eating With Bile Duct Cancer – Cleveland Clinic

You may have noticed a loss of appetite while undergoing treatment for cholangiocarcinoma (or bile duct cancer).

“The cancer site itself can reduce appetite,” says Nikki Ketzel, MS, RDN, LD, R.D.N. “But if you’re undergoing aggressive treatment, whether it’s chemotherapy or radiation, it can often cause a loss of appetite as a side effect.

Also, decreased appetite often leads to weight loss.

“It also leads to increased risk of muscle loss and malnutrition,” says Ketzel. “And it’s almost like a domino effect, because that muscle loss leads to increased fatigue and weakness.” And you feel more tired and generally weak.”

So how does your diet help?

Kaetzel shares tips and what to eat to stay healthy during bile duct cancer treatment.

Why Bile Ducts Matter

Bile is a liquid that helps the body digest food. Bile ducts are small tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.

“Your bile helps break down the fats in the foods we eat,” explains Ketzel. Because if you’re not breaking down and absorbing them properly, you’re essentially not utilizing those calories either.

food to eat

Adequate intake of healthy foods containing vitamins and minerals is important during cancer treatment. Lean protein is also important. Kaetzel suggests:

• Boneless, skinless chicken.
• turkey.
• egg.
• cottage cheese.
• Yogurt.
• string cheese.
• peanut butter.
• Avocado.

“Focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet,” says Ketzel. “It can then be adjusted and changed as needed, depending on other potential side effects from the treatment.”

Foods to avoid

People with bile duct cancer should avoid or limit high-fat, greasy foods such as bacon, sausage, pepperoni, salami, and hot dogs.

“Eating these foods can increase stomach pain,” warns Ketzel. “If the bile ducts are blocked or partially blocked, the bile will not be able to help break down the fats in these foods.”

food for side effects

Nausea and vomiting may also be experienced during treatment for bile duct cancer.

Kaetzel suggests eating bland, low-fiber foods such as white bread, white rice, low-fiber cereals, and canned vegetables for short periods of time to mitigate the side effects.

She also warns that you might experience constipation, too. ”

Dietary Tips for Bile Duct Cancer

During treatment for bile duct cancer, you may not feel hungry or may be too tired to eat. Kaetzel says to keep these tips in mind.

hydration

“It’s always important to make sure you’re drinking enough water and fluids and pay attention to the types of fluids you’re drinking,” she says.

Also, if you are undergoing chemotherapy, you should check how many caffeinated beverages you are drinking each day.

“If you need your morning coffee, that’s fine, but drinking caffeinated coffee, tea, or soda throughout the day is not recommended as it can lead to dehydration.”

eat small meals throughout the day

“Especially if the patient has a reduced or no appetite, we recommend frequent small meals and frequent snacks rather than the traditional three large meals per day.” says Kaetzel.

If you stick to three large meals a day, you may not be eating enough to meet your calorie and protein needs at each meal.

choose full fat foods

Don’t think this is a free pass for devouring the high-fat greasy foods mentioned above.

Choose foods such as whole milk, full-fat yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, nuts and seeds.

“You need high-calorie, high-fat foods to avoid weight loss and prevent malnutrition,” says Ketzel. “It’s important to know the difference between why your body can tolerate whole milk or full-fat yogurt and fried foods.”

think about supplements

Starting vitamin and mineral supplements is not recommended if you are being treated for bile duct cancer.

“These supplements may be contraindicated for certain chemotherapeutic agents,” Kaetzel said.

If you are already taking vitamin and mineral supplements, we recommend that you ask your pharmacist to check the list.

“They can decide which ones to stop and which ones to continue,” she says.

Switch to protein shakes and powders as needed

This varies from person to person, but your doctor may suggest adding a protein shake or powder to your daily routine.

“If someone has a poor appetite, a protein shake can help ensure someone is getting enough calories and protein to maintain that lean muscle mass, preventing malnutrition and making malnutrition worse.” I would like to prevent

Thinking about diet can be overwhelming, especially when you are coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis. Working with a nutritionist during this time can help ensure you are making the best choices for your body and You can take the guesswork out of it.

A nutritionist can consider your medical history, daily routine, food allergies and preferences when creating a meal plan.

“A nutritionist is your nutrition expert. They can look at your specific scenario of how your cancer is affecting you and your nutrition,” says Kaetzel. You can create a personalized nutrition plan that fits your needs so you can preserve muscle mass, reduce your risk of malnutrition and ultimately help your body tolerate treatment.”