Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer that can be caused by the disease itself, chronic pain, depression or emotional distress.
Another cause is poor nutrition brought on by treatment side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and an altered sense of taste and smell.
The food you eat provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function each day.
When you don't eat well, your body doesn't have the fuel it needs and you tire very easily.
Carbohydrates -- Eat complex carbohydrates (whole grain breads and cereals, potatoes, pasta and fruits, vegetables) and limit simple sugar intake (candy, desserts, other sugary foods).
Iron -- Eat iron-rich foods to help prevent anemia (red meats, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, dried beans).
Nutrients -- Include nutrient-dense foods that provide a lot of nutrition in a small volume (cheese and crackers, root beer float, nutritional supplements, oatmeal made with whole milk or heavy cream instead of water).
Snacks -- Eat small, frequent meals/snacks every two to three hours to help you consume adequate amounts of calories and protein.
Fluids -- Drink plenty of fluids (8-10 glasses per day, 8 ounces each), and drink fluids between meals if you are having trouble eating enough at meal time.
Vitamins -- Take a multivitamin with minerals daily.