Cancer and Weight Loss

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

Weight loss is a common side effect experienced by those with cancer. This weight loss can occur for a number of reasons. To start with, having cancer can lead to weight loss. This is because in some cases cancer cells can release hormones that alter the sensation of hunger. This clearly leads to weight loss because if you’re not hungry you usually cut down what you eat leading to less calories being consumed and thus weight loss. Cancer cells may also “take up space in the GI tract or abdominal cavity” thus causing you to feel full after only a small amount of food. Additionally those who have cancer often experience extreme pain which can decrease appetite. Cancer can also increase inflammation. This increase in inflammation decrease’s the hormones that stimulate appetite while also increasing metabolism. Lastly a diagnosis of cancer can lead to depression and anxiety. Both of these can cause a general loss of appetite thus leading to weight loss. (1)

Constipation can occur as a result of both cancer itself and different cancer treatments. It can cause you to feel full fast. It can also reduce your appetite. Constipation can also cause nausea and vomiting. This can, as anyone who has ever been nauseous can attest to lead to a decrease in appetite. It also leads to a decrease in our ability to absorb nutrients. (1)

Cancer treatments of different types can affect our weight. This can occur for a number of reasons. To start with the different treatments can decrease our overall appetite. Different treatments can decrease our sense of taste.  On the same note different cancer treatments can change our perception of different flavors.  What this means is you may find foods to be unappealing. You may even find that you dislike some of your favorite foods. (1)

Another way that different cancer treatments lead to weight loss is by causing nausea and vomiting. As I said previously in this blog having nausea and vomiting can lead to weight loss by decreasing appetite as well as by decreasing your overall nutritional intake. (1)

Diarrhea is another cause of weight loss in those undergoing different cancer treatments. This is partly due to the loss of good bacteria which can allow the growth of pathogenic organisms that can trigger diarrhea to occur. Additionally certain treatments affect our GI tract in a way that can trigger diarrhea. (1)

Cancer treatments can also lead to mucositis, or mouth and throat sores that occur when healthy cells are damaged by cancer therapies. Cancer therapies are made to eliminate cancer cells, these are typically fast growing cells. However sometimes healthy cells that have a high turnover or fast growth rate can be targeted as well. These cells often include the cells in the mouth, throat and GI tract. When you have mucositis it can be painful to eat thus reducing food intake and leading to weight loss. (1)

What can you do if you have weight loss while undergoing cancer treatments?

• One method to help increase food intake is to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Rather than trying to “eat everything at once” it can often be easier to spread things out.
• As your taste buds change it can be helpful to try new things that you may not have considered! Be creative. You never know what you might find yourself fond of.
• Magnesium Citrate is a natural stool softener that can be helpful for those who suffer from constipation. (2) Studies have also found that magnesium can also help reduce anxiety. (3) Please see Invite’s Magnesium Citrate and Bioavail Magnesium!
• Probiotics have so many benefits! Studies have found that they can help with constipation and diarrhea, gas and overall digestive health. (4) Please see Invite’s Probiotic Hx, Probiotic Immune, Probiotic Women, Probiotic Gummy and Core Probiotic!
• Colostrum has been found to help with mucositis. (5) Please see Pure Colostrum which is available by order from Invite Health!
• Ginger has been found to help with nausea and vomiting. (6) Please see Invite’s Turmeric with Ginger.
• L Glutamine has been found to help with mucositis. (7) Please see Invite’s GI Maintain.
• Add a protein shake in between your meals! See Invite’s Whey Protein and Plant Protein. Here is a sample recipe:

HAPPY GUT SMOOTHIE† (this recipe is from BREAST CANCER AWARENESS~ HEALTHY RECIPE GUIDE)
By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
2 scoops InVite Vanilla Whey Protein
1 scoop G.I. Maintain
1 Probiotic Hx
1 cup water or non-dairy milk
1 cup ice cubes
1 banana
1 Tablespoons nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, etc.)
Empty the contents of the Probiotic Hx and combine with the other ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth, drink and enjoy! For more ideas please check out the original blog!

Our Product highlight will be Invite Protein Powders!

Sources

1. https://www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/diagnosis-treatment/emotional-physical-effects/weight-loss.html
2. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a619019.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452159/
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14598-probiotics
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9463213/#:~:text=Comparing%20the%20study%20group’s%20outcomes,days%3B%20P%20%3C%200.01).
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818021/#sec-a.e.ftitle
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4254677/