Can Nutrition Really Help During Cancer Treatment? Yes—Here’s How.

Nutrition isn't just calories — it's care.

Functional nutrition can help support stability and healing — one layer at a time.

When you’re facing cancer, food might be the last thing on your mind. Between appointments, treatments, and fatigue, eating can feel like just another task. But the right nutrition support during cancer care isn’t about pushing kale or protein shakes — it’s about helping your body cope, recover, and stay resilient.

In my practice, I work with clients navigating active treatment, recovery, or survivorship. Many come to me feeling unsure about what to eat, what to avoid, and whether supplements or lab testing could actually help. The short answer? Yes — when used thoughtfully and individually, nutrition and functional support can make a real difference.

Common Side Effects That Nutrition Can Help Support

Chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy often cause side effects like:

• Fatigue and muscle wasting

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea or vomiting

• Taste changes

• Weight loss (or sometimes weight gain)

• Inflammation or GI disruption

Targeted nutrition can support these symptoms in meaningful ways. For example:

• Glutamine has been shown to reduce mucositis and GI side effects during chemo and radiation.

• Omega-3 fatty acids may help preserve muscle mass and reduce treatment-related cachexia.

• Antioxidants like curcumin have been studied for their role in supporting inflammation and oxidative stress — when used appropriately under professional guidance.

“Nutrition therapy is essential in oncology… it should not be limited to calorie support, but aimed at modifying the underlying metabolic and inflammatory processes.”

— ESPEN Guidelines for Cancer-Related Malnutrition (2021)

How Functional Nutrition Personalizes the Approach

This is where my practice goes beyond “eat more protein” or “try smoothies.”

Functional nutrition is about using advanced tools — like micronutrient and GI testing — to identify what’s happening inside your body, then tailoring your care accordingly.

We may look at:

• Micronutrient levels (vitamin D, B12, magnesium, zinc, selenium)

• Inflammatory markers like hs-CRP or calprotectin

• Gut health panels to assess post-antibiotic dysbiosis or digestive issues

• Mitochondrial markers that correlate with fatigue or poor recovery

These test results help us answer:

“What does your body need right now — and how can we support it through this phase of treatment or recovery?”

Supplements Can Help — But Only When Personalized

Supplements during cancer care can be incredibly supportive — but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Some nutrients or botanicals are contraindicated with certain treatments, while others are highly beneficial when timed appropriately.

That’s why I work with you (and, when appropriate, your oncology team) to build a safe, personalized plan that supports:

• Energy

• Detoxification

• Gut repair

• Immune modulation

• Mitochondrial health

• Sleep and stress balance

“Micronutrient deficiencies may compromise clinical outcomes, and personalized correction may enhance treatment tolerance.”

— Kozłowska et al., Nutrients, 2021

There’s light on the other side of confusion. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

The nutrition world can feel like a minefield — especially during cancer treatment. Should you eat soy? What about sugar? Are smoothies helpful or harmful?

My goal is to remove that confusion, help you feel empowered, and support your body’s resilience — not just during treatment, but well beyond.

Through functional nutrition, we can work together to personalize your care plan, reduce side effects, and help you feel more in control of your healing process.

How to Get Started

I offer two comprehensive programs to guide you through this process:

Resilience – Oncology Support Package

For clients needing short-term, focused support alongside treatment

VIP Oncology – Healing & Hope Program

For clients looking for in-depth care, advanced testing, supplement guidance, and longer-term recovery planning

Explore program options and book a consult

Ongoing support helps you chart a steady course — even after active treatment ends.

Ongoing Support After Your Program Ends

Many clients choose to continue their care after

completing one of the core programs. That’s why I offer the Oncology Vitality Plan — a monthly monitoring option that includes:

• Check-in sessions

• Lab tracking every 3–6 months

• Supplement protocol refinement

• Supportive guidance for ongoing resilience and recovery

It’s not required, but for many, it provides peace of mind and a structured way to stay on top of their health long after treatment has ended.

References

1. Arends J, et al. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer. Clin Nutr. 2021;40(5):2898–2913. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2021.02.005

2. Iniesta R‑R, Gerasimidis K, Paciarotti I, McKenzie JM, Brougham MFH, Wilson DC. Micronutrient status influences clinical outcomes of paediatric cancer patients during treatment: a prospective cohort study. Clin Nutr. 2021;40(5):2923–2935.

   DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.03.020

3. Law ML, et al. Cancer cachexia: pathophysiology and association with cancer‑related symptoms. *Front Pain Res*. 2022;3:971295. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpain.2022.971295/full

4. Skubisz M, et al. Clinical efficacy of glutamine in preventing and treating mucositis in patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy: A meta-analysis. Clin Nutr. 2020;39(7):2105–2113. DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2013.765017

5. Calder PC. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochem Soc Trans. 2017;45(5):1105–1115. https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20160474

6. Pedretti L, Pederiva F, Bozzola E, et al. Role of Nutrition in Pediatric Patients with Cancer. Nutrients. 2023;15(3):710.

   https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030710