Personalised Nutrition Guidance for Cancer Patients
- Meredy Birdi
- Jan 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 18
Putting You Back in Control of Your Health with Cancer Nutrition Support
A cancer diagnosis can feel like your world has been turned upside down. You might be experiencing a mix of emotions - uncertainty, fear, determination, hope. And often, food becomes one of the few areas where it feels like you might have some control.
But the information out there can be overwhelming. You may be asking:
What should I eat? What should I avoid? What about sugar, dairy, or soy? Should I fast before chemotherapy? Are there any nutritional supplements I should be taking?
It’s easy to feel like you don’t know where to turn.
Over the years, I’ve supported thousands of people living with cancer, and one thing I hear time and again is how confusing and emotionally charged food choices can become during this time. My role is to help ease that burden.
As a specialist cancer dietitian and nutritional therapist with over 25 years of experience, I bring together the science of oncology nutrition with a more holistic approach to support your whole self - body and mind. My focus is on what we can add, not restrict - and helping you feel confident that you are doing what’s right for you.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, going through treatment, recovering, or navigating life after cancer, I’m here to walk alongside you with clarity, compassion, and truly personalised support.
How I Bring It All Together to Support You
When it comes to cancer nutrition, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. You’re not just looking for generic advice - you want support that understands your treatment, your specific needs, your goals, and your life.
This is where my dual perspective as a registered dietitian and a nutritional therapist comes in. It allows me to bring together the best of both worlds: up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge from oncology nutrition, alongside a broader, whole person approach to health and wellbeing.
My training means I can support you with everything from navigating hospital advice and managing treatment side effects, to gently exploring ‘what else’ might help you feel more confident, more in control, and more like yourself during this time.
With years of experience working in both NHS and private care settings, I understand how cancer care works on the ground - and I’ll always work alongside your treatment team to make sure your nutrition plan fits safely and supportively within your overall care.
My Focus is All About Adding, Not Taking Away
You've probably heard a lot about what you "shouldn't" eat with cancer. That kind of messaging can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing.
My approach is different. Instead of a list of restrictions, we focus on:
What we can add to nourish your body
How to make meals more nourishing and satisfying
What helps you feel well, strong, and more like you
By focusing on the things that support you, the foods and habits that are less helpful tend to fall into the background naturally. This shift not only supports your nutritional needs, but can also reduce anxiety around food and help bring more enjoyment back to mealtimes.
Tailored Nutrition Support at Every Stage of Cancer Care
Nutrition plays an important role at every stage of your cancer care. Here’s how it can support you:
Pre-Treatment: Build up your nutrition to help you feel stronger, more resilient, and better prepared.
During Treatment: Support your energy levels, manage side effects, maintain muscle mass, and bolster your immune system.
Recovery: Rebuild your strength and support healing as your body recovers.
Survivorship: Stay well-nourished beyond cancer and reduce the risk of cancer coming back while supporting your overall health.
Supportive Care: Ease symptoms and improve quality of life with compassionate, practical guidance. There is always something we can do to help you feel better.
The Impact of Good Nutrition on Your Cancer Treatment
Adding nutrition to your cancer care can:
Promote healing and repair
Recover faster from treatments
Strengthen your defences to reduce your risk of infection
Support your immune system
Increase your strength and energy
Better cope with the side effects of treatment
Maintain muscle mass, strength, and resilience
How I Can Help
As a specialist cancer dietitian, I offer personalised nutrition support that's designed around you.
Whether you need help managing a side effect, want clarity around what to eat, or just need someone to listen and guide you gently through this time, I’m here.
We might explore:
Ways to reduce overwhelm and confusion around food
Managing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, taste or appetite changes
Supporting gut, digestive, and immune health
Nutrition for bone health, heart health, or menopause-related changes
Working towards a healthy weight - whether that’s regaining weight you’ve lost, or finding a safe, balanced way to lose it
Practical ideas for meals and snacks that work for you
Whether supplements are helpful - and how to use them safely
Long-term strategies for recovery, resilience, and reducing the risk of recurrence
Extra Resources You Might Find Helpful
If you’d like to explore more, here are a few free resources you can start with:
Immune system support eBook
Looking for Personalised Nutrition Support?
Cancer treatment is demanding, and managing your nutrition might feel like one more thing to worry about. You may have questions about what to eat, how to maintain your strength, or how to support your body's needs during this time. Together, we can create a plan that feels clear, kind, and completely tailored to you.
I offer one-to-one consultations online and by phone, so you can access support from the comfort of your own home. Evening and Saturday appointments are also available to fit around your needs.
If you’d like specialist nutrition guidance and compassionate support, I’d be delighted to help you.
☎️ 020 8064 2865
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