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Stay out of the kitchen while food is being prepared if food odors provoke nausea. |
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Eat dry foods, such as toast or crackers, especially if nausea occurs in the morning {unless there are oral or esophageal lesions present or salivary flow is impaired}. |
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Soft, bland foods, such as rice, poached eggs, mashed potatoes, and custards are easier to tolerate. Avoid spicy foods. |
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Time meals and medications to avoid anticipatory vomiting whenever possible.
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If indicated, take anti-emetic medication prior to meals. Please inform the radiation oncologist before beginning any medications. |
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Replace fluids and salt lost by vomiting by consuming broths, ginger ale, Gatorade, Jell-O or apple juice. |
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Drink fluids between meals, rather than with meals. |
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Chew foods thoroughly and eat slowly.
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Rest after meals, but try to avoid reclining or lying down immediately after eating. Attempt to keep your head slightly elevated. |
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Antacids, such as Maalox or Mylanta, may be taken as directed to control gastric upset. |
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Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. |
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Unless otherwise prescribed, take non-aspirin preparations with food for pain control. |
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If swallowing medications in the form of tablets becomes problematic, crush them and mix with apple sauce prior to ingestion. |
