20 • Nutritional supplements, like prepared liquid meal replacements, may be helpful. If you can’t get enough calories and nutrition through solid foods, you may need to use liquid supplements for some time. Talk to your cancer care team about this. • Ask your cancer care team or dietitian about other foods or drinks you should consume or avoid. Mouth sores Mouth sores are areas that might look like little cuts or ulcers in the mouth and are caused by certain kinds of cancer treatment. What to do • Talk to your cancer care team about a plan for mouth care that is right for you. Ask about other medicines to help relieve pain. • Rinse your mouth regularly with a homemade mouth rinse. Each day mix one teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of salt in four cups of water (one quart).This solution helps prevent oral infections and helps your mouth feel better. Gargle with the mixture to relieve a sore throat, but don’t swallow it. • Eat soft, bland foods like creamed soup, cooked cereal, macaroni and cheese, yogurt, and pudding. Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry, or crunchy foods, such as chips or pretzels. • Puree or liquefy foods in a blender to make them easier to swallow. • Eat foods cold or lukewarm, rather than hot, to reduce mouth irritation. D C t S c a W
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