Onco Nutrition
Onco Nutrition is a specialized branch of nutrition science focused on supporting cancer patients before, during, and after treatment. Proper nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining strength, managing side effects, enhancing recovery, and improving quality of life during cancer care.
Why OncoNutrition Matters in Cancer Care:
- Cancer and its treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) can lead to loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle wasting, fatigue, nausea, and malabsorption.
- Nutrition therapy helps:
- Preserve lean body mass
- Support immune function
- Enhance treatment tolerance
- Promote faster recovery
- Improve survival rates in some cases
Core Components of OncoNutrition:
- Individualized Meal Plans:
- Based on cancer type, treatment plan, and metabolic needs.
- Focus on high-protein, high-calorie diets if weight loss is an issue.
- Symptom Management Through Diet:
- Adjusting food choices to combat nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or taste changes.
3. Nutritional Supplements:
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- Use of shakes, enteral nutrition (tube feeding), or parenteral nutrition when eating is difficult.Nutritional Supplements:
- Immune-Supportive Foods:
- Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
- Omega-3 fatty acids from nuts, seeds, or fish
- Post-Treatment Nutrition:
- Focus on rebuilding strength and supporting remission or survivorship.
- Often includes anti-inflammatory, plant-based diets.
OncoNutrition Services By Oncowell:
Many hospitals and cancer centers (like OncoWell, GCRI, etc.) have onco-dietitians or nutritionists as part of their multidisciplinary teams. They offer:
- Regular dietary consultations
- Monitoring and adjustment during treatment cycles
- Nutrition counseling for family caregivers.