Mayo Clinic on Nutrition A Cancer-Fighting Diet: Managing Symptoms and Food Safety
Sep 9, 2025
Peter Adintori, an oncology dietitian and professor at NYU, shares insights on how nutrition impacts cancer treatment. He discusses the importance of hydration and meal prep strategies to combat fatigue. Adintori clarifies myths about food choices, like the role of bacon in a cancer diet, emphasizing balance and moderation. He highlights the significance of personalized nutrition and safe food practices for patients. The conversation promotes a holistic approach to health, stressing that while diet helps manage symptoms, it’s only one aspect of overall care.
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Food Is One Tool, Not A Cure-All
- Food choices are one tool among many that can influence cancer risk, treatment tolerance, and survivorship outcomes.
- Combine diet with movement, sleep, and stress management rather than treating food as the sole solution.
Adjust Intake To Higher Needs
- Expect higher nutritional needs during active cancer and treatment because the body often burns more calories and struggles to eat.
- Track intake flexibly and aim for protein and calorie goals one meal at a time rather than rigid plans.
Choose Bland, Small, Frequent Meals
- When nausea and taste changes occur, eat smaller, more frequent meals and pick bland foods you won't mind discarding.
- Avoid exposing beloved recipes to nausea to prevent long-term aversions.