Warm Beverages for Comfort and Nutrition
As the temperatures drop, warm beverages can be a source of both comfort and essential nutrition for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. They not only provide warmth and hydration but can also be enriched with ingredients to support health and recovery. Below is an expanded look at the topic, complete with tips and recipes.
Why Warm Beverages Matter During Cancer Treatment
- Hydration: Treatment can cause dehydration due to side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, or reduced fluid intake. Warm drinks can be easier to consume than cold ones, especially for those with mouth sensitivity.
- Comfort: Warmth can soothe throat discomfort, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
- Nutritional Boost: Beverages are an excellent way to sneak in extra calories, proteins, and nutrients for those struggling with appetite or chewing difficulties.
- Digestive issues and Constipation: Warm beverages may help with those experiencing digestive problems and/or constipation
Recipe Ideas for Nutrient-Rich Warm Beverages
Fortified Nutritional Hot Chocolate
- Ingredients: Cocoa powder, milk or plant-based alternative, honey, and a scoop of protein powder.
- Benefits: Cocoa contains antioxidants, while milk provides protein and calcium. Add cinnamon or nutmeg for an anti-inflammatory boost.
Turmeric Golden Milk Latte
- Ingredients: Unsweetened almond milk, turmeric, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Benefits: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and ginger can help combat nausea.
Bone Broth-Based Sips
- Ingredients: Bone broth enriched with a splash of miso paste or nutritional yeast, and optional pureed vegetables like carrots or spinach.
- Benefits: Rich in protein, collagen, and minerals that support healing and digestion.
Fortified Herbal Tea
- Ingredients: Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or rooibos, infused with a splash of fruit juice or honey and an optional spoonful of unflavored collagen powder.
- Benefits: Soothes the digestive system and provides mild flavor options for those with taste changes.
Nut Butter Hot Drink
- Ingredients: Warm almond or cashew milk blended with a spoonful of nut butter, a dash of vanilla extract, and a touch of cinnamon.
- Benefits: High in healthy fats and protein, making it a filling snack.
Green Tea
- Ingredients: Camellia sinensis leaves and buds. Does contain caffeine, but decaf green tea is available.
- Benefits: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Tips for Preparing Warm Beverages
- Temperature Sensitivity: Avoid overly hot drinks if patients experience mouth or throat sensitivity. Warm but not scalding temperatures are ideal.
- Personalization: Tailor flavors to the individual’s current taste preferences, as treatment can alter taste perception.
- Nutritional Add-Ins: Incorporate ingredients like protein powders, collagen peptides, or flaxseed oil for extra calories and nutrients.
- Small Portions: Offer beverages in small amounts to prevent overwhelm and encourage gradual consumption.
How to Incorporate These Beverages into Daily Life
- Morning Rituals: Start the day with a nutrient-packed latte or hot chocolate.
- Midday Snacks: A bone broth or nut butter drink can serve as a light, energizing snack.
- Evening Wind-Down: Herbal teas or golden milk lattes can help promote relaxation and better sleep.
Support Beyond the Recipes
Including warm beverages in a cancer patient’s diet can provide more than just nutrition—it offers moments of calm and comfort during what can be a stressful and physically demanding journey. Share these recipes with family members and caregivers as easy, thoughtful ways to support loved ones through the holiday season.