Cancer Diet: Best Recipes to Prevent Dehydration

Many cancer patients experience dehydration during treatment. We help you prevent this in three delicious ways.

 If you notice that your mouth and tongue are dry often, you might be at risk of dehydration. Other symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, extreme tiredness, dry skin, constipation, nausea and headaches. 

Dehydration results from not consuming enough water, or when your body loses water rapidly through diarrhea, vomiting or sweating. 

One of the easily noticeable symptoms of dehydration is dryness of the mouth and throat. But lack of sufficient water affects a lot more than just your mouth. Your cells and internal organs depend heavily on water for their proper functioning. 

If you do not consume enough water, you affects all of these:

• The temperature of your body
• The removal of wastes and toxins from your body
• Your heart rate and blood pressure
• Putting your eyes, mouth and ears at risk
• Reducing the nutrients and oxygen in your body
• Lubrication of your joints
• Production of saliva

How can dehydration be prevented?

Drinking too much water at a time might lead to vomiting. Try sipping water through-out the day instead. There are a variety of eco-friendly and convenient bottles designed specifically to allow you to carry them with you at all times. 

Home-made popsicles without any artificial colours, and ice cubes might help you soothe your mouth and tongue. You can also consume these in flavours that reduce your nausea.

Here are some simple and tasty recipes to help you consume more liquids to prevent dehydration. 

1. Muskmelon and Cucumber Cooler

Muskmelons are rich in vitamin C which improves digestion, and potassium which helps control blood pressure. Additionally, muskmelons also contain vitamin A which help with hair regrowth. 

This recipe uses a single cup of chopped cucumbers which complete 19% of your daily requirement of vitamin K. It also gives you vitamins B and C, along with copper, potassium and magnesium. 

Ingredients

Muskmelon: 2 cups, peeled, deseeded and cubed

Cucumber: 1 cup, peeled, deseeded and cubed

Mint leaves: 1 tbs, finely chopped

Salt: a pinch

Method

• Use a juicer to blend the muskmelon and the cucumber cubes.
• Strain the juice through a sieve, if you prefer a thin juice. 
• Add the mint leaves and salt.
• Serve chilled.

2. Green Smoothie

Green smoothies are made from leafy vegetables like spinach, kale or bok choy. Since spinach is easily available in India, we have used it in this recipe. 

Spinach is a superfood. It is loaded with vitamins, protein, iron and minerals. 

While spinach is extremely nutritious for you, consuming it in a smoothie can be difficult as it can taste bitter. To balance this taste, we use ripe and sweet fruits like banana and apple. You can also use mangos if they are in season. 

Ingredients

Spinach: 1/2 cup, chopped

Banana: 1/2 cup, ripe, chopped (you can also use mango or pineapples in place of banana)

Apple: 1/4 cup, chopped

Water: 1 cup

Method

Use a juicer to blend the spinach, the peeled fruits and the water together.

3. Sunset Juice

This juice contains orange ingredients to give you a boost or vitamin C while hydrating you. It helps repair body tissues while giving you plenty of antioxidants.  

Ingredients

Papaya:1 cup, peeled, cubed

Tomato: ½  cup, cubed

Carrots: ½ cup, peeled, cubed

Lemon juice: ½ tsp 

Method

• Use a juicer to blend all of the ingredients.
• You can add a pinch of salt if you prefer.
• Serve chilled.

4. Mara Mari Juice

Pineapples and sweet lime boost your immunity and are filled with antioxidants. Mara Mari juice can be a healthy substitute to satisfy your cool drink cravings, while refreshing you and keeping you hydrated. 

Ingredients

Pineapple: 2 cups, cubed

Sweet lime: I cup, pieces

Cumin powder (jeera): ½ tsp

Black pepper powder: 2 pinches

Salt: a pinch

Method

• You can refrigerate the pineapple cubes before preparation if you prefer the drink to taste chilled. 
• Blend the pineapple and sweet lime pieces together. 
• Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. 
• Serve immediately. 

5. Coconut Drink

This is a natural drink that is sugar-free and has a soothing flavour. Being a good source of medium chain triglycerides and potassium, it is particularly good for patients who have oral mucositis and those experiencing taste changes. 

Ingredients

Water from 1 tender coconut

Chopped coconut flesh: 50 gms

Salt to taste (optional)

Method

1. Using a mixer or a blender, blend the coconut water with the coconut flesh till it forms a smooth juice.
2. Add a pinch of salt if required.
3. Serve immediately.

If you enjoy cool dips for your salads or just by themselves, the next recipe is for you.

6. Cucumber and Radish Curd Dip

This dip not only combats dehydration but also reduces nausea. In addition to that, cucumber and radish provide vitamin B, copper, magnesium and phosphorus. 

Ingredients

Radish: ¼  cup, peeled and grated

Cucumber: ¼ cup, peeled and grated

Thick curd or yogurt: 150 ml

Lemon juice: 1 tsp

Olive oil: 1 tsp

sugar : ½ tsp

Salt: a pinch

Method

• Mix all of the listed ingredients together in a bowl.
• Refrigerate it for one hour and serve.

If you are craving something sweet then try the next recipe.

7. Watermelon and Mint Juice

Watermelon is packed with water and nutrients making it an ideal detox drink that keeps you hydrated. It gives you vitamin C and carotenoids like beta-carotene. It’s also refreshing and reduces inflammation. 

Ingredients

Watermelon: 1 cup, deseeded and cubed

Mint leaves: 1 tsp, chopped

Lemon juice: 1 tsp

Honey: 1 tsp (optional)

Method

• Blend all the ingredients together in a juicer or a mixer. 
• Refrigerate for one hour and serve cool.

You can find more recipes here.