Nutrition
Good nutrition plays a vital role at every stage of the cancer journey, from easing treatment side effects to supporting recovery. Use these practical strategies suggested from an oncology nutritionist to help guide your approach.
Nutrition during and after treatment
While practicing healthy eating habits and staying active is important for every stage of life, they become increasingly important during cancer treatment. Maintaining your strength, decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy, and feeling good are all benefits of good nutrition and exercise. If you count a dietitian or nutritionist as part of your care team, it’s important to consult them prior to creating a schedule or grocery list—every body is unique!
Eating Well: A dietician and survivor shares her best nutrition tips
Focusing on nutrition gives cancer patients a greater sense of well-being and control. People who have been diagnosed with cancer, are in remission or are living with cancer have a lot on their minds – a nutrition may not be high on their list. Yet, nutrition can be a critical part of one’s cancer journey.
Jean LaMantia, a Toronto-based registered dietitian, and cancer survivor, recommends approaching nutrition in two phases:
- Phase 1: Nutrition that helps you get through your treatment
- Phase 2: Nutrition Post-treatment as a positive step to potentially prevent reoccurrence
Phase 1
“During my lymphoma treatment, I had severe nausea and vomiting, so I had to get strategic about what I could eat and what I could keep down.”
Jean LaMantia, Registered Dietitian and Cancer Survivor
Top Tips During Treatment
While you’re going through treatment, don’t worry about eating the PERFECT diet. LaMantia recommends taking this pressure off and simply eating in a way that helps you manage your side effects.
Eat cold and room temperature foods. They have less aroma and are less likely to trigger nausea
Plate food beautifully on a small plate to combat low appetite
Prioritize highly-nourishing foods, especially protein sources
Add extra calories to your meal with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Phase 2
“After treatment, people who are in remission can experience a lot of anxiety, worrying about reoccurrence. Proactively doing your best to eat healthy foods that could lower your risk of recurrence can put your mind at ease. I find that it can be very empowering and can help you take back control.”
Jean LaMantia, Registered Dietitian and Cancer Survivor
Top Food Picks Post Nutrition
Post-treatment, nutrition can play an important role in your recovery and healing.
According to LaMantia, the key is to focus on foods that are supportive of the immune system, anti-inflammatory, and proven to target cancer cells.
Mushrooms
Foods high in vitamin E (particularly wheat germ and almonds)
Garlic and onions
Spices including ginger and turmeric
Omega 3 fatty acids (found in fish like salmon, mackerel, rainbow trout, sardines, herring, and anchovies)
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale)
Berries
Whole grains (quinoa, wild rice, and whole grain pasta)
Protein foods (skinless poultry, yogurt, dried peas, beans, or lentils)
You have questions?
We have answers, practical advice, and support in our Post-Treatment Nutrition Workshop.
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