Cancer nutrition must be personalised to treatment, symptoms and nutritional status. Dr. Poonam Vaswani addresses common myths about sugar and soy, treatment-related eating challenges, malnutrition risk and supplement safety.
Watch the Full Interview
Watch the Full Interview
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What You'll Learn
- Why cancer nutrition advice must be individualised
- How malnutrition can develop during treatment
- Why blanket bans on sugar or soy can be misleading
- How food texture and meal size may change with side effects
- Why an onco nutritionist works with the treating team
- Why supplements require oncologist approval
Practical Guide
- Prioritise adequate nourishment according to the treatment team's plan.
- Use small, frequent meals when appetite is limited.
- Adapt texture, temperature and flavour to treatment-related symptoms.
- Avoid restrictive internet diets without oncology-team review.
- Do not start herbs or supplements without oncologist approval.
Key Moments
- 00:00 The role of onco nutrition
- 03:15 Malnutrition risk during treatment
- 06:45 Sugar and cancer: correcting the myth
- 10:00 Soy and other food restrictions
- 13:30 Managing treatment-related eating problems
- 17:20 Supplements and medicine interactions
- 21:10 Emotional support and integrated care
- 25:55 Final advice
Meet the Speakers
Dr. Poonam Vaswani | Expert Guest · Senior Clinical Onco Nutritionist
Dt. Poonam Vaswani is a clinical dietitian and certified oncology nutritionist with more than 28 years of experience. Her work includes clinical dietetics, nutrition support for people affected by cancer, corporate wellness, nutrition education and food-product development.
Deepali Chaturvedi | Host · Food Technologist
Deepali Chaturvedi is a Food Technologist and Director–Marketing at BestSource Nutrition. Through the Expert Conversation Series, she engages dietitians and nutrition professionals in clear, practical discussions that help consumers better understand nutrition, supplementation and everyday wellness choices.
FAQs
How should sugar and carbohydrates be approached during cancer care?
The priority is adequate, individualised nourishment. An onco nutritionist can guide carbohydrate choices without unnecessary restriction that may reduce overall intake.
How can soy foods be considered during cancer care?
Suitability depends on the type of cancer, treatment, food form and individual context. The oncology and onco-nutrition team can provide personalised guidance.
How can nutrition help during treatment?
A personalised plan can support adequate energy, protein, hydration and symptom management alongside medical treatment.
What if appetite is poor?
Small frequent meals, energy-dense options and texture changes may help, but persistent low intake needs prompt professional support.
How should BestSource supplements be considered during cancer treatment?
BestSource provides clear ingredient information that can be shared with the oncology team. Use any supplement during chemotherapy or radiation only after the oncologist explicitly confirms suitability because interactions can vary.
How can nutrition support wellbeing during cancer care?
Individualised nutrition can help maintain nourishment, hydration and food tolerance alongside oncology treatment. It is supportive care and does not replace medical treatment.
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