How Can ONS Products Help Cancer Patients?
Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) are sterilized semi-solids, powders or liquids designed to provide the human body with micro and macronutrients.
ONS is a common part of treatment within the acute health settings for individuals who are incapable of meeting their nutritional needs via oral diet alone.
These supplements help you get more protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins, and there various flavors and forms, such as Juice-based, yogurt or milkshake-type supplements, pudding or dessert type, savory flavored supplements that can be gently heated to prepare a nourishing soup and finally, liquids and powders.
People with advanced cancer usually notice changes in their appetite due to the disease itself, the treatment, or other side effects like nausea, vomiting, lack of activity, depression, pain, changes in taste and sense of smell, among many others.
When you control your appetite, your body’s function, strength, and quality of life improve dramatically. However, it is not always necessary to force yourself to eat; this may make you even more uncomfortable and worsen your side effects like vomiting and stomach pain.
If you find yourself unable to consume solid foods, then you might want to opt for oral nutritional supplements that will help increase your nutrient intake. You can use these as snacks between meals. A lot of supermarkets and pharmacies sell these specifically formulated ONS, but experts recommend that you get in touch with your dietician or doctor first before consuming them.
That’s because many supplements can interfere with your cancer treatment. Your hospital or cancer treatment may have an integrative division. That’s an excellent place to get started if you wish to know what teas, herbs, or nutritional supplements can assist you in helping you stay strong and manage the treatment’s side effects.