Many patients with glioma will suffer from anorexia.
Anorexia means loss of appetite. Anorexia is a problem with many forms of cancer, because cancer can affect the body's hormones, digestive system and brain. It is also a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Good nutrition is an important part of successful cancer treatment. Adequate nutrition can boost the immune system and help increase the effectiveness of cancer therapy.
Home care for anorexia includes:
- Avoid stomach irritants such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Avoid excessive caffeine and other stimulants.
- Check with your doctor about drinking alcohol.
- Do not force yourself to eat at standard times. Eat when you are hungry instead.
- Concentrate on eating a healthy diet. Avoid junk foods.
- Select healthy, high-calorie foods that you enjoy.
- Eat more frequent, smaller meals.
- Get some exercise every day.
- Keep a daily log of your weight.
- Don't smoke. Nicotine can suppress the appetite.
- Ask your doctor or nutritionist about dietary supplements.
- Ask your doctor if any medications you may be taking can cause anorexia.
- Take any prescribed medications as directed.
- Anti-nausea medications:
- Appetite stimulants:
Continue to Glioma Diet
- Laperriere N, Zuraw L, Cairncross G; Cancer Care Ontario Practice Guidelines Initiative Neuro-Oncology Disease Site Group. Radiotherapy for newly diagnosed malignant glioma in adults: a systematic review. Radiother Oncol. 2002 Sep;64(3):259-73. 
- Salvati M, Caroli E, Orlando ER, Frati A, Artizzu S, Ferrante L. Multicentric glioma: our experience in 25 patients and critical review of the literature. Neurosurg Rev. 2003 Oct;26(4):275-9. 
- Stewart LA. Chemotherapy in adult high-grade glioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data from 12 randomised trials. Lancet. 2002 Mar 23;359(9311):1011-8.