Cancer and Nutrition 🍳🍎🥔🌮
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be a huge change to someone’s life and can be physically and emotionally draining. Through seeing patients 1-1 in my clinics; I feel as though it has become very common to take to social media and the internet; in the hope of finding a quick fix or special diet that can navigate this diagnosis better. I suppose it takes back some control for patients - which is great and empowering for each patient. But there comes a cost if the information is conflicting or promoting restrictive diets. I tell my patients to be careful of what information they read and give tips on how to sieve through the endless chaotic nutrition messages!
So why a Dietitian?
Depending on the cancer; it can have detrimental effects to your nutrition, at an important time when you need the nutrition to prepare for the treatment and Cancer itself. Dietitians are the experts in assessing your diet through treatment and what you will need to recover or deal with side effects through treatment. We work with the whole Multi-Disciplinary team as part of your treatment and provide specialist input as you come to terms with your cancer diagnosis.
How we support people with cancer;
Assess nutritional status and provide 1-1 dietary advice to ensure nourishment before treatment, during treatment and after treatment.
Encourage regular eating habits that are tailored to their needs;
Food fortification advice - tips for making the most out of the meals, snacks and drinks you’re able to manage.
Can provide advice on what foods may be best for you
Advice for side effects through treatment
Advice on what supplements can be best for you
Foods to avoid if immunity is low during treatment
Specialist diets if you have Diabetes, Colostomy or previous surgery that make is difficult to digest foods.
Nutrition is extremely important to improve treatment outcomes and the quality of life. It is also helps to minimize any side effects of treatment and helps healing and recovery after treatment. While Weight loss is very common during cancer and treatment; weight loss during cancer treatment can be detrimental to your recovery. It can slow down healing and recovery and make that process so much longer than it needs to be. Avoiding weight loss as best you can - is the key!
My role working with cancer patients; involves working with a team of Health Professionals as part of your care; your GP, Consultants, Pharmacists, Specialist Nurses, Speech and Language Therapists and other Health Care Professionals. Depending on how you are managing through treatment I review patients regularly to assess any side effects, concerns, diet changes and symptoms which may impact on their cancer treatment.
If you need specialist advice from a dietitian to help you navigate this challenging time or just want some advice to recovery from treatment or surgery, please get in touch via the form on my Home page. With compassion and empathy, I can help guide and support you 1-1. Contact me via the number 07943545923 or email jodurkindietitian@gmail.com to arrange a consultation.