Nutrition

Expert, Focused Guidance for Your Dietary Needs

Highlands has registered dietitians on staff to support our patients.

Our team of registered dietitians, along with other clinical personnel, is dedicated to addressing the needs of our patients to provide them with the best possible chance in their fight against cancer.

Proper nutrition is essential during cancer treatment for maintaining strength, managing side effects, and aiding recovery. A balanced diet that is rich in plant-based foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help patients better tolerate treatment and may improve outcomes. Some patients may have difficulty eating due to the type or location of their disease and may require specialized methods to ensure they receive vital nutrients.

Before Treatment Begins

Good nutrition is an important part of cancer care. Be sure to keep your care team informed about any medications, vitamins, minerals, herbs, or supplements you take.

Many people assume supplements are safe because they are “natural.” However, many are not regulated by the FDA, and there may be limited information about how they interact with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Always discuss supplements with your care team.

If you have questions or concerns about your diet, supplements, or nutritional needs during treatment, talk with your care team about meeting with a registered dietitian.

Preparing Yourself for Cancer Treatment

Side effects from cancer treatment vary depending on the type, dose, and frequency of treatment. Most side effects are temporary and can often be managed. Maintaining good nutrition can help you:

Better tolerate treatment
Manage side effects
Maintain strength and energy
Heal and recover more quickly

Have a Purpose to Eat

It is important to stay nourished during treatment so your body can heal, repair, and replenish.

There may be times when you do not feel like eating. It is easy to fall into a routine with limited food choices, but increasing variety can make eating more enjoyable and nourishing. Try new foods and explore different options when possible.

A registered dietitian is available in clinic. Free monthly group sessions provide:

Meal and snack ideas
Strategies for managing side effects
Practical nutrition guidance

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead can make it easier to maintain good nutrition throughout treatment. To help prepare:

Keep your kitchen stocked with nutritious foods and easy-to-prepare meals.
Have grab-and-go snacks available for days when you do not feel like cooking.
Ask friends or family for help with shopping, meal preparation, or other daily tasks.
Use services such as Meal Train to coordinate meal delivery.

Preparing for treatment can reduce stress and make it easier to meet your nutrition needs on days when you do not feel well.

tips for days when eating is difficult

Eat small, frequent meals (6–8 per day).
Try to eat within 2 hours of waking.
Eat even if you are not hungry.
Use nutritional supplements (Ensure®, Boost®, etc.) if needed.
Focus on foods with protein, calories, and carbohydrates.
Stay hydrated, even if you are not eating much.

If you can only tolerate a few foods, it is okay to stick with them temporarily.

If you are unable to eat for several days, please notify your care team.

Nutrition Facts

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy, and also supply needed vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other nutrients that support healing and overall health.

The best sources of carbohydrates can be found in:

Dairy
Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains

Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. Look for labels such as:

“Whole grain”
“Whole wheat”
“Stone-ground”

Fiber is the part of plant foods that the body cannot digest. There are two types of fiber:

Insoluble fiber, which helps move waste through the body.
Soluble fiber, which helps keep stool soft.

Foods high in sugar (desserts, candy, sweet drinks) provide calories with little nutrition.

Protein

Protein is important for the growth and repair of body tissue, and strengthening the immune system. Without enough calories, your body may use muscle for energy, which can slow recovery and increase the risk of infection.

Good sources of protein can be found in:

Fish, poultry, and lean meats
Eggs and dairy products
Beans, lentils, nuts, and soy

Fat

Fats and oils are rich sources of energy for the body, help absorb vitamins, insulate body tissues, and support body function.

Choose healthy fats more often:

Olive, canola, and peanut oils
Sunflower, flaxseed, and seafood

Limit saturated fats, found in:

Red meat
Full-fat dairy
Coconut and palm oils

fluids (Water)

Water is essential for all body functions. If you do not take in enough fluids or if you lose fluids through vomiting or diarrhea, you can become dehydrated. If this happens, the fluids and minerals that help keep your body working can become out of balance.

Aim to drink about half your body weight in ounces every day.
All fluids count; this includes soups, milk, gelatin, and ice cream.
You may need more fluids if you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Tip: Pale urine is usually a sign of good hydration.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential for:

Metabolism
Wound healing
Organ function

Food is the best source of vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet usually provides the nutrients your body needs, although this can be more difficult during cancer treatment. If you choose to take a multivitamin, select one that contains no more than 100% of the Daily Value and does not contain iron.