Cancer/Oncology Nutritionists and Dietitians in Knox County, TN
I am 1 of only 16 dietitians in the state of TN who holds a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology (CSO) credential for registered dietitians.
Many diets have us thinking about what we need to remove from our life. My approach focuses on what you can add to your life. My goal is to provide you a sustainable, personalized roadmap to achieve your health goals. Together, we will target your unique needs by setting practical, achievable goals that empower change toward a healthier you.
I am 1 of only 16 dietitians in the state of TN who holds a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology (CSO) credential for registered dietitians.
Many diets have us thinking about what we need to remove from our life. My approach focuses on what you can add to your life. My goal is to provide you a sustainable, personalized roadmap to achieve your health goals. Together, we will target your unique needs by setting practical, achievable goals that empower change toward a healthier you.
Are you seeking nutrition strategies for long-term wellness, but feel overwhelmed with where to start? At Radiant Nutrition, our philosophy is to heal the body using a science-based, inquisitive, and simple approach. We look at our client's physical and emotional stressors from a holistic lens and work with you to create a behavior-based plan that is both doable and enjoyable. We work with individuals and families who seek education and support related to eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and weight concerns, polycystic ovarian syndrome, general nutrition, diabetes, digestive issues, and sports nutrition.
Are you seeking nutrition strategies for long-term wellness, but feel overwhelmed with where to start? At Radiant Nutrition, our philosophy is to heal the body using a science-based, inquisitive, and simple approach. We look at our client's physical and emotional stressors from a holistic lens and work with you to create a behavior-based plan that is both doable and enjoyable. We work with individuals and families who seek education and support related to eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and weight concerns, polycystic ovarian syndrome, general nutrition, diabetes, digestive issues, and sports nutrition.
Cancer/Oncology Nutritionists and Dietitians
Why is nutrition important for cancer treatment?
Nutrition can play a key role in cancer treatment. The symptoms of cancer and its treatments—such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite—can lead to malnutrition, resulting in weight loss and potential nutrient deficiencies. This can hinder the patient's ability to combat cancer and respond effectively to treatment. Therefore, ensuring sufficient caloric intake is critical and may require specific dietary strategies to ensure high-enough caloric and protein intake. This might involve the consumption of high-calorie foods and beverages. In some cases, tube feeding may be required to ensure the patient receives sufficient calories during the cancer treatment process.
Can diet help prevent cancer?
Diet is a significant lifestyle factor that research has shown to influence the risk of certain cancers. One of the strongest links is between obesity and cancer, with about 4-8% of cancers being related to obesity. Specifically, breast, colorectal, esophageal, pancreatic, kidney, and liver cancers are most strongly associated with obesity. Thus, maintaining a healthy diet that prevents obesity can be highly effective in reducing the risk of these cancers. Other than obesity, certain foods, such as processed meats, have been linked to colorectal cancer specifically. In general, lifestyle modifications that lower the risk of other chronic diseases, such as consuming a primarily plant-based diet and getting enough exercise, are also highly effective habits in reducing the risk of developing cancer.
Can cancer be cured with proper nutrition?
While there is no evidence to suggest that nutrition alone can cure cancer, a proper diet can be a crucial component of successful treatment for certain types of cancer. For cancers linked to obesity, weight loss through a healthy diet can lead to more positive treatment outcomes. Even for cancers not related to obesity, diet can still play a significant role by influencing the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. Most experts recommend that cancer patients focus on eating enough to prevent malnutrition, as maintaining sufficient strength is vital for the body to effectively combat cancer and respond to therapies such as chemotherapy. Thus, while nutrition is not a cure, it is an important part of the cancer recovery process.
What role does a dietitian play in a cancer patient's care team?
Because diet plays a significant role in the successful treatment of cancer, either through lifestyle modification or through the prevention of malnutrition, dietitians can be a crucial member of a cancer patient's care team. Dietitians who specialize in working with cancer patients often have a deep understanding of how certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can impact a patient's ability to meet their nutritional needs. They can thus assist patients in developing nutrition strategies that help alleviate common cancer treatment symptoms like nausea and vomiting. For patients with cancers linked to obesity, dietitians can suggest lifestyle modification strategies that aid in both the treatment process and lead to lasting positive changes after treatment.