The Bristol Approach to healthy eating

Introduction 

Scientific research highlights the powerful cancer-protective properties of many foods and indicates that a healthy diet can be very beneficial for people diagnosed with cancer. These guidelines provide details of our approach to healthy eating which is based on current research and, together with our supplement guidelines, form the basis for the Bristol Approach to nutrition.

Evidence suggests that the level of nourishment of a person diagnosed with cancer can influence the effectiveness of their medical treatments and the way in which they cope with these treatments. A healthy eating plan will help to provide the body with sufficient levels of nutrients to ensure a good level of nourishment. It will also help guarantee intake of the vital nutrients required to support the body’s immune and repair functions, both of which can become weakened due to the cancer or its necessary medical treatments.

These guidelines include lists of foods that we encourage people to eat plenty of, the foods we suggest in moderation and those we would encourage people to minimise. These are presented alongside practical suggestions on how to add healthy foods high in cancer- protective agents into the daily diet, while gradually cutting down on or avoiding those foods containing compounds that may undermine health.

Please note that these guidelines provide general advice on healthy eating that may need to be adapted for those with specific nutritional needs such as difficulty swallowing or weight loss. Those with particular nutritional needs should seek the advice of a nutritional therapist. 

Getting Support

Penny Brohn Cancer Care’s experienced and qualified nutritional therapists provide practical help and advice on cooking and healthy eating. You can find this support through one-to-one sessions with nutritional therapists and healthy eating talks available on our Bristol Approach two-day and Bristol Retreat five-day residential courses for people with cancer and their supporters. We also offer single day courses in nutrition. Alternatively, for help finding a qualified nutritional therapist in your local area contact our National Telephone Helpline on 0845 123 23 10.

Introducing dietary changes>>

Download our nutrition guidelines here

Click here for a PDF file of our Bristol Approach to Healthy Eating.