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Nutrition

Since your diagnosis you may have thought about what you should be eating and what foods can help with your treatment, as well as if there are any foods you should avoid eating. You may not have had time to consider what and how you are eating, there is a lot of information on what to eat which may be confusing.

The most important message is to eat as well as possible. Choosing a wide range of foods in the right proportions can help you feel better and maximise your energy levels. This is called a varied diet and includes eating enough protein, calories and other nutrients.

Eating well is something you can do for yourself which can positively impact your treatment outcome. Choosing a varied diet can help you:

  1. Maintain a healthy body weight
  2. Protect muscle and strength
  3. Reduce the side effects of treatment
  4. Promote physical resilience to complete planned treatment

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have been advised to follow a special diet by your hospital team, such as a low fiber diet or guidance on foods to avoid during treatment, you may find some of this information confusing. Please ask your hospital team to refer you to a dietitian.

If you have been trying to lose weight before treatment begins this is not generally encouraged. However, you may have been advised by your hospital team, and you should continue to be supported by them to reduce the risk of losing muscle and strength.

If you have been told to follow a particular diet by friends or family, or you have found information online or on social media about eating well with cancer, please take a look at the British Dietetic Association: Cancer Diets: Myths and More

Not all diets will be suitable for you. It is important to speak to your hospital team before starting a particular diet. You can also contact the World Cancer Research Fund Nutrition helpline for more information and support: Cancer and Nutrition Helpline

You can find more information about healthy eating here: Healthy Eating - Powys Teaching Health Board

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