Nutritional Support

Learn more about the importance of a healthy diet during cancer care, and how the Registered Dietitians at UMC can help you feel better, maintain energy and recover faster.

Nutritional care

When you’re healthy, eating enough food to get the nutrients and calories you need is not usually a problem. Most nutrition guidelines stress that you eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products, limit the amount of red meat you eat, especially meats that are processed or high in fat, limit fat, sugar, alcohol, and salt in order to maintain a healthy weight. But when you’re being treated for cancer, these things can be difficult, especially if you have side effects or just don’t feel well.

Good nutrition is especially important if you have cancer because both the illness and its treatments can change the way you eat. They can also affect the way your body tolerates certain foods and uses nutrients. The type of cancer, treatment you are undergoing, and potential side effects must be considered when trying to figure out the best ways to get the nutrition your body needs.

Registered Dietitians

The nutrition needs of people with cancer vary from person to person. Your Registered Dietitian can help you identify your nutrition goals and plan ways to help you meet them. Eating well while you’re being treated for cancer can help you: 

• Feel better
• Keep up your strength and energy
• Maintain your weight and your body’s store of nutrients
• Tolerate treatment-related side effects such as nausea, dry mouth, and taste changes
• Lower your risk of infection
• Heal and recover faster

If you are interested in speaking with a Registered Dietitian regarding your nutrition, please speak with your physician or nurse, or call 806-775-9363.