WHY DO CANCER PATIENTS NEED A NUTRITIONIST?
Cancer patients benefit significantly from the expertise of a nutritionist and a good diet for several reasons:
1.Optimizing treatment outcomes– Proper nutrition supports the body’s ability to tolerate and respond to cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. A nutritionist can help tailor a diet that provides the necessary nutrients to support treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects.
2. Preventing malnutrition-Cancer and its treatments can often lead to malnutrition due to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and changes in taste and smell. A nutritionist can develop personalized dietary plans to prevent malnutrition and ensure patients receive adequate nutrition to maintain strength and energy levels.
3. Managing treatment side effects– Certain foods and dietary strategies can help alleviate common side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and taste changes. A nutritionist can provide guidance on foods to include or avoid to manage these side effects effectively.
4. Supporting immune function– Good nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, which is crucial for fighting off infections and supporting the body’s defences against cancer cells. A nutritionist can recommend foods rich in immune-boosting nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein.
5. Promoting healing and recovery– Proper nutrition supports tissue repair and helps the body recover from the effects of cancer treatments, surgeries, and other medical interventions. A nutritionist can recommend foods and dietary strategies to promote healing and recovery after treatment.
6. Improving quality of life– A well-balanced diet can enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of cancer patients by providing energy, reducing fatigue, and supporting emotional well-being. A nutritionist can help patients make dietary choices that promote optimal health and well-being throughout their cancer journey.
Providing a nutritional diet plan to cancer patients with a “pay what you can” model offers several benefits:
Reason why The Real Health started “ PAY WHAT YOU CAN “ Initiative .
As some of the people we approached on the initial phase wanted to take the plans and advice but they didn’t wanted it to be free of cost and was continuously asking us for our monthly charges. So after much discussions we decided that lets meet in the middle grounds; hence our “PAY WHAT YOU CAN “. So we decided to use the money we will be getting for the marketing and advertisement of our initiative. As its important to spread the word;only then our mission will be fulfilled.
Other reasons which were considered was :-
1.Making service available-Proper nutrition is crucial for cancer patients to support their immune system, manage side effects of treatment, and improve overall well-being. Making this service accessible to all ensures that everyone can access the nutritional support they need for better health outcomes.
2.Financial Relief– Cancer treatment can impose significant financial strain on patients and their families. By offering the diet plan with a flexible payment model, it eases the financial burden, ensuring that patients can prioritize their health without worrying about additional expenses.
3.Empowerment -Empowering patients to contribute what they can fosters a sense of autonomy and dignity. It allows them to participate in their own care by investing in a service that they value, regardless of their financial situation.
4.Community Support- Adopting a “pay what you can” approach encourages solidarity within the community. Those who can afford to pay more can support those who are financially challenged, fostering a sense of compassion and support among individuals affected by cancer.
