Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1444902
Health Matters: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center | 3 I n her role as integrative nutrition and wellness coordinator at the Disney Family Cancer Center of Integrative Medicine at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, registered dietitian Rémy Leigh Peters offers free nutrition classes for cancer patients and the entire community. Here she describes her work and the value of good nutrition. What classes do you offer at the Disney Family Cancer Center? I like to focus not only on battling cancer and improving outcomes through nutrition, but also on taking a preventive approach. Current class topics include: Nutritional Toolbox, Diet Myths and Cancer Controversies, Inflammation and Diet, Trust Your Gut and What to Eat During Cancer Treatment. While undergoing cancer treatments, how can nutrition help keep energy up and maintain good health? What and how to eat (and hydrate) during chemotherapy and/or radiation plays a significant role in reducing nutrition- related side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dehydration, oral and digestive tract ulcers, altered sense of taste and smell, loss of appetite, diarrhea and constipation. Proper nutrition helps to maintain the body's nutritional stores, lean body mass/weight, energy and fluid balance. Proper nutrition (which includes not only quality and quantity of food sources but also temperature and timing of meals) can optimize treatment tolerance and overall outcome. Malnutrition risk is higher during cancer treatment, which can lead to impaired tolerance of the treatment. What do you wish people understood about the diet- and-health connection? That it is a key component to health. What you put into your body will either fight or feed health, and fight or feed disease. Most modern diseases and ailments— cardiovascular, diabetes, liver and kidney, autoimmune disorders, certain cancers, even depression, cognitive issues, energy, sleep and fatigue—can be improved through properly nourishing and hydrating our bodies. What one dietary change can anyone do to help avoid serious illness? I would say to concentrate on color at all meals. By incorporating varieties of super-nutritious vegetables and fruits at every meal and snack, you will be receiving more phytonutrients, fiber, minerals and vitamins, which will reduce systemic inflammation, sugar cravings and brain fog, improve blood flow, support gut health and act as a natural detox. Besides nutrition classes, what other services do you offer? The Integrative Medicine Department at the Providence Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center offers a patient- focused approach. Wellness services and activities include acupuncture, massage, hypnotherapy, yoga classes, tai chi, sound healing, therapeutic art and psychosocial support. All of which are open to everyone in the community. And our Thrivorship program, which we call a "road to wellness" for cancer patients in active treatment and those who have recently completed treatment (as well as a companion/support person), offers several integrative services free of charge. It is specially designed to help with physical, mental and emotional nourishment during cancer care and survivorship. With personal support and access to these tools and resources, cancer patients can not only survive but thrive on their journey. The Diet- Health Connection For more information, email thrivors@ providence.org or call 818-748-4701. Monica Orozco Photography