Palliative care is an extra layer of support for adults and children with serious, advanced, or life-threatening illness. In adults, serious illness might include (but is not limited to) cancer, congestive heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, ALS or COPD. In children, serious illness might include (but is not limited to) cancer, genetic disorders, heart and lung diseases, and neurological disorders. Palliative care can be provided during any stage of illness, no matter your age, and alongside curative treatments.
Think of your illness as a boulder—when you carry it alone, the weight can be tremendous, and you may tire sooner than if you had someone helping you. Your palliative care team is there to help you carry the weight, so you have more energy to concentrate on being well—or whatever your goals may be. The main objectives of palliative care are to offer support, improve quality of life, and to provide relief from symptoms. The focus is on supporting the person, not on the illness.
How Can I Help?
Palliative care teams usually include a doctor, nurse, and social worker—they work alongside your primary care team or treating physician. Other specialists, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist, can be instrumental in achieving goals of palliative care, such as helping to relieve your symptoms and increase your quality of life.
Symptom Relief
Adjusting certain food and beverage choices can play a significant role in relieving symptoms. I can work alongside you and counsel you on ways you might be able to adjust your food and beverage choices to help relieve some of the symptoms you’re experiencing as a result of your illness and treatments.
Symptoms might include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Compromised skin integrity
Quality of Life
Incorporating certain foods, beverages and lifestyle changes can play a role in increasing your energy and quality of life. These choices also can play a role in relieving constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and may help you get better sleep, maintain your lean muscle mass and prevent weight loss. These factors work together to enhance your overall quality of life, making you better equipped to handle your illness and live as well as possible. I can work with you to determine what nutrition and lifestyle changes might directly impact your quality of life.
Supplement Guidance
Did you know certain supplements can counteract or interfere with your medications and treatments? Did you know that supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? Many may have more or less of the advertised ingredient—and some may have ingredients not listed on the label. If you’re interested in taking supplements, it is very important to seek the guidance of a professional before doing so. I can help you navigate the murky waters of supplements to help you stay safe.
Contact me to set up a complimentary call to discover if my services are right for you.