Good nutrition is important at every stage of your cancer journey

Whether it is to manage symptoms such as nausea or to help you get the nutrients you need, a dietitian can provide you with strategies to help you eat well through your cancer journey.

All Dietitians have a University Degree and at least 1250 hours of supervised, hands-on training. The title “Dietitian” is protected by law, just like Physician, Nurse or Pharmacist. “Nutritionist” is not a protected title in Ontario. This means anyone can be a nutritionist, regardless of their education or experience. 

Dietitians are members of  the College of Dietitians of Ontario, a provincially regulated profession with a mandate to protect the public. 

Here are some resources that can answer your nutrition questions while you are in treatment:

• Nutrition for the Person with Cancer during Treatment
• Eating Well: Canadian Cancer Society
• National Cancer Institute Eating Hints
• Nourish Online
• A Nutrition Guide for Women with Breast Cancer

Here are some reliable websites with good nutrition advice!

• Canada's Food Guide
• Unlock Food Cancer Prevention

What about Herbal Supplements, botanicals and other products?

Check out Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre's herb's database. It is full of evidence-based information that can help you judge a product's usefulness, like how it might interact with your cancer medicines. 

These guides will help you cope with symptoms like nausea, poor appetite, a sore mouth or bowel problems:

• Cancer Care Ontario Symptom Management Guides
• Food Ideas to Cope with Taste and Smell Change

Losing weight...not drinking enough? If you are losing weight, need more protein for strength and healing or you struggle with getting enough fluid in the day, here are some resources to help you:

• High Calorie High Protein
• About Fluids during your Treatment
• Food Ideas to help with Decreased Appetite [PDF]
• Adding Calories and Protein to Your Diet [PDF]

Oral supplements can help you maintain adequate intake of calories, protein and vitamins. There are a variety of products available, including name brands and store brands. All of these are nutritious.  You may find that you prefer the taste of certain brands or flavours. Or you can simply choose one based on price. The choice is yours! Below you will find some helpful information on choosing the right oral supplement for you. There are also some recipes you can use to make your own high calorie, high protein shake or smoothie.

• Use of Nutrients Supplements
• Recipes ideas for Nutrition Supplements
• Make It a Shake
• Smoothie Recipes

If you are registered with the Medical Day Clinic, referrals to the clinic Dietitian can be made through your health care provider or by contacting  519-621-2333 ext. 2347.