Tips for eating at home or at a shelter, according to your symptoms

If you have nausea or vomiting:
In times of disaster, toilet conditions may change due to a cut in the water supply, and it could take time before garbage is collected. These often cause bad smells, which are likely to worsen your nausea. Pack garbage and vomit tightly in vinyl bags, and minimize the unpleasant smells.
Smooth and light foods are preferred when you are nauseous. Fruits are recommended because they can be eaten without cooking when lifelines are down. In particular, apples, oranges, melons, grapes, peaches and tomatoes are easy to eat, and contain lots of fluid. Take them with you if possible, when you evacuate. Also try to get them after a disaster strikes, if they are available.

If you have stomatitis:
If you often suffer from stomatitis during chemotherapy, you may be able to eat commercial baby food as a kind of rice porridge. Baby food is safe, less stimulant, soft, and easy to eat. Baby foods are easily available at shelters with infants. If you have bad inflammation that often prevents you from eating, also stock canned thick nutritional supplements.

If you have a taste disorder:
In addition to the impact of chemotherapy, a shortage of minerals often triggers taste problems. Try to get minerals from whatever is available (e.g., from milk). Also carry candies and caramels on you, to kill the bitterness.

If you have diarrhea:
In addition to the impact of chemotherapy, mental stress from a disaster and unusual life at a shelter may make you more vulnerable to colds and diarrhea.
Keep your body warm, and get sufficient fluids from soups and commercial sports drinks to prevent dehydration. Eat digestible foods with less dietary fiber to reduce burden on and stimulation to your intestines. You can also eat commercial baby foods as a replacement for rice porridge and liquid foods at a shelter.

If you have constipation:
In addition to the impact of chemotherapy, mental stress from a disaster, unusual life at a shelter, and imbalances in supplied foods may make you more liable to suffer constipation. If constipation continues long, be sure to get sufficient fluids. If you can get bananas and sweet potatoes at a shelter, and if you feel like eating them, add them to your meals.