Nutritional Support at BMCHRC

To schedule a nutrition counseling appointment, patients can contact our Nutritional Support Services department directly or request a referral from their healthcare provider. Our team will work with patients to schedule a convenient appointment time and provide guidance on what to expect during the consultation.

During a nutrition counseling session, patients can expect to undergo a comprehensive nutrition assessment, discuss their dietary habits, preferences, and challenges, and receive personalized nutrition recommendations tailored to their individual needs and goals. Our dietitians will provide practical guidance, education, and support to help patients make positive changes to their diet and lifestyle.

Yes, nutrition counseling can help manage treatment-related side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, taste changes, appetite loss, and weight changes. Our dietitians offer practical strategies, dietary recommendations, and meal planning tips to help patients cope with these side effects and maintain adequate nutrition throughout their cancer journey.

Dietary recommendations for cancer patients may vary depending on individual factors such as cancer type, treatment regimen, nutritional status, and personal preferences. Our dietitians provide personalized nutrition plans that may include recommendations for nutrient-rich foods, hydration strategies, portion control, and meal timing to support overall health and well-being during cancer treatment.

Yes, our goal is to help patients continue to enjoy their favorite foods and maintain a balanced diet throughout their cancer journey. Our dietitians offer guidance on incorporating a variety of foods into the diet, making healthy choices, and modifying recipes to accommodate individual preferences and treatment-related challenges.

While there are no specific dietary restrictions for all cancer patients, certain foods or dietary patterns may be recommended based on individual needs and treatment goals. Our dietitians provide guidance on foods to limit or avoid, such as those high in sugar, salt, or saturated fats, as well as recommendations for maintaining a balanced diet that supports overall health and well-being.

Changes in appetite or taste are common side effects of cancer treatment, but there are strategies that can help manage these symptoms and maintain adequate nutrition. Our dietitians offer tips for managing taste changes, enhancing flavor and palatability of foods, and incorporating nutrient-dense foods into the diet to support overall nutrition and well-being.

In some cases, nutritional supplements may be recommended to support patients' nutritional needs during cancer treatment. Our dietitians provide guidance on the appropriate use of supplements, including vitamins, minerals, protein powders, and meal replacement shakes, to help optimize nutritional intake and support overall health and well-being.

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and well-being, especially during cancer treatment. Our dietitians offer guidance on fluid intake recommendations, hydration strategies, and tips for managing treatment-related dehydration to ensure that patients remain well-hydrated and hydrated throughout their cancer journey.

Yes, nutritional support can play a vital role in helping patients maintain their weight during cancer treatment. Our dietitians can provide personalized dietary recommendations and strategies to ensure adequate calorie and nutrient intake, even if appetite changes or treatment side effects make eating challenging.

While there are no specific foods that cancer patients need to avoid entirely, our dietitians can provide guidance on foods to limit or modify based on individual circumstances. For example, patients undergoing certain treatments may be advised to avoid raw or undercooked foods to reduce the risk of infection, while others may need to limit foods high in sugar or fat to manage weight.

Yes, proper nutrition can help reduce the risk of treatment-related complications and support overall health and well-being during cancer treatment. Our dietitians can provide guidance on dietary strategies to manage side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth sores, minimizing their impact on treatment and recovery.

Our dietitians are experienced in working with patients who have dietary restrictions or food allergies and can help develop personalized nutrition plans that accommodate these needs. Whether it's avoiding specific allergens, following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or managing food intolerances, we can provide guidance on selecting nutrient-rich alternatives and ensuring balanced nutrition.