Nutrition Services for Patients with Cancer

One of the most common questions Oncologists get asked is: "What should I eat?"

Dietary habits have a significant impact on health, disease progression and cancer. Optimising your nutrient intake, managing your weight, and supporting your digestion are all important parts of a comprehensive cancer management plan before and during treatment. After treatment, clinical research shows that risk of recurrence can be significantly reduced through nutritional modifications.


At MIOG, our experienced Nutritionists focus on the unique dietary and nutritional needs of patients with cancer. We focus on clinically researched interventions that are shown to add success to your treatment, recovery and quality of life.

Whilst there are many websites and books for "anti-cancer diets", it is important to work with a qualified and experienced practitioner to find an approach that is clinically appropriate, suitable and safe for you as an individual.


Our approach

Our approach is compassionate and kind. We do not force strict diets on you, but work together with you to make manageable changes that will have a long lasting impact.

We believe in natural, whole foods and an overall balanced approach, and use specific foods, nutrients and interventions that are supported by clinical research.

The goal of Nutritional Medicine in Cancer Care is not only to reduce the risk of disease, but also to provide you with the energy and vitality to enjoy a rich quality of life, and engage with friends and family.


When cancer impacts your eating habits and digestion

Side effects from cancer treatment as well as symptoms of the disease can be difficult to manage and often interfere with eating. You may be experiencing low appetite, taste changes, feeling full, fatigue and energy loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, weight gain, or other nutritional challenges. The cancer itself and cancer treatments can also affect your body's ability to tolerate certain foods and absorb nutrients. It is important to take all of these into account when creating a nutritional plan to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

Nutritionists can assess and manage your nutritional needs before, during, and after you have completed treatment for cancer.


Food as Medicine

As part of a nutritional assessment, our Nutritionists take not only macronutrients and energy values into account, but also realise the importance of micronutrients in food, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes. Food is much more than just calories, and it is important to fuel and nourish yourself in the right way to support energy production, reduce inflammation, support the immune system and assist with healing and detoxification. We may also recommend specific Functional Foods have been clinically researched to have compounds that are significantly beneficial in various types of cancer.


Specific diets in Cancer Care

Clinical research is showing that specific diets can have a significant impact on treatment outcomes, side effects, tumour progression and mortality rates in certain types of cancer. Particularly the ketogenic diet, pescatarian diets, veganism and various fasting regimes are gaining a lot of attention in both clinical research as well as mainstream media. So which one is right for you? It can be very confusing!

Above all, it is very important to realise that not all cancer types are the same, and what may work for one individual may not work for another. At MIOG, we recommend only those approaches that are researched as effective and safe, suitable and manageable in your current situation.


Curious about Intermittent Fasting, Ketogenic Diet, vegan or plant based approaches and more?

With all the contradicting information on the internet, it is totally understandable that you are confused!

We can work with you to clear the confusion, and find the approach that is best for you. It is never one size fits all. We treat you an individual to find the approach that is supported by clinical research for your specific cancer type, and is sustainable for you and your lifestyle.


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MIOG offers evidence-based Complementary Medicines to patients with cancer: before, during and after medical treatment. MIOG staff are not Medical Oncologists. MIOG recommends that patients with cancer consult a Medical Oncologist for appropriate support.


 

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