Some tips from our oncology dietician & nurses when Val was having trouble with nausea and heartburn:
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GI tract might slow down a bit with skimpy eating; probiotics (yogurt etc.) could help.
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Make calories count: go for full-fat things (whole milk, ice cream, yogurt, cheese, etc.). Baked potatoes have lots of good nutrients but are easy to eat.
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For protein & calories, try: nuts, cheese, avocado, nut butters, cottage cheese, stirring peanut butter into oatmeal…
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Protein: protein powder doesn’t add volume but adds protein — stir into other beverages, soups, etc.
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Good to stay hydrated. Dehydration can decrease appetite among other things.
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Try smaller, more frequent meals. Don’t necessarily wait to feel hungry. Try eating and drinking things often, every 2-3 hours.
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Try crackers (or similar shelf-stable simple foods) by bedside for midnight/morning nosh. This could also help even things out re: heartburn.
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Greek yogurt has 2 times the protein of regular.
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Try to add calories to beverages. Avoid citrus but try mild juices like white grape juice, grape juice, etc. (Apple?) Silk would be fine.
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If juice is overwhelming, try ½ juice, ½ water.
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Reglan promotes stomach emptying to GI tract — can make room in stomach. You don’t have to be nauseated to take this; can just take regularly. Take Reglan ½ to 1 hour before eating. (Obviously check with your medical people about this.)
Heartburn (notes from oncology dietician):
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For heartburn, the nutritionist said to avoid: citrus, caffeine (which keeps the sphincter between stomach and esophagus open for 2 hours), chocolate, strong mint (like Altoids; gum is okay), spicy foods, heavy/deep-fried foods (which delay the stomach from emptying), some red wines.
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Crackers (or similar) by bedside for midnight/morning nosh could also help heartburn.