The Role of Nutrition in Cancer Prevention & Recovery – Advice From an Aberdeen Nutritionist
Why your diet could be one of your most powerful tools for better health
When it comes to cancer, many of us focus solely on treatment, but what if we paid just as much attention to prevention and recovery? At Livingspring Wellbeing, we believe that nutrition is more than just fuel—it’s a foundation for healing, resilience, and long-term health.
More research than ever supports the idea that what we eat can influence our risk of developing cancer and how well we recover after treatment. And while no single food or supplement can prevent or cure cancer, a balanced, whole-food diet can certainly tip the odds in your favour.
Here, we explore the role that nutrition plays in cancer prevention and survivorship, why our personalised nutrition therapy in Aberdeen works, and how we support clients with expert guidance rooted in science.
Can Nutrition Really Help Prevent Cancer?
Yes—it absolutely can.
Studies have shown that poor diet is one of the leading lifestyle factors contributing to cancer risk, alongside smoking, inactivity, and alcohol consumption. According to a 2022 study in the National Library of Medicine, diets rich in plant-based foods and low in ultra-processed products can reduce the incidence of multiple cancer types.
The reason is simple: many whole foods—especially vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats—are packed with nutrients that protect your cells from damage and support immune defence.
Foods that Support Cancer Prevention:
- Cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cabbage)
- Berries and citrus fruits
- Nuts and seeds (rich in selenium and zinc)
- Oily fish (for anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats)
- Whole grains (packed with fibre and antioxidants)
On the other hand, regularly consuming processed meats, refined sugars, and excess alcohol has been linked with higher cancer risk, particularly bowel and breast cancers.
How Nutrition Supports Cancer Recovery
After diagnosis, it’s common for people to feel like their health is out of their hands. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can leave the body fatigued, depleted, and vulnerable. This is where targeted nutrition can step in—not to replace medical treatment, but to support recovery and strengthen resilience.
At Livingspring Wellbeing, we see firsthand how personalised nutrition can:
- Improve energy and reduce fatigue
- Support tissue repair and immune function
- Manage digestive issues or nausea caused by treatment
- Help clients maintain a healthy weight
- Prevent nutrient deficiencies that may develop during treatment
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, nutrition is a vital part of cancer survivorship. It not only enhances quality of life but may also reduce the risk of recurrence.
The Mind-Body Connection
Recovery isn’t just physical. Nutrition also plays a role in mental wellbeing, supporting mood, focus, and emotional resilience. Our clients often report feeling more in control and less anxious once they adopt supportive food and lifestyle habits. Knowing that every meal is a step toward healing can be incredibly empowering.
This is something we prioritise – helping you rebuild not just physically, but emotionally too.
What About Supplements?
Supplements can be useful, but they should never be used in place of a healthy diet, or without guidance. Some supplements may interfere with cancer treatments, while others could be essential for restoring depleted nutrients.
We’ll work with you to determine whether supplementation is appropriate and which options are safe based on your treatment plan, lab results, and personal needs.
Nutrition Support in Aberdeen & Online
If you’re based in Aberdeen or the surrounding area, you’re welcome to visit our clinic in person. We also offer online consultations for clients across the UK, making it easier than ever to access expert nutritional support, wherever you are in your journey.
Our services are ideal for:
- People with a family history of cancer who want to take proactive steps
- Individuals currently undergoing treatment
- Cancer survivors focusing on recovery and long-term health
- Anyone looking for evidence-based nutritional therapy rooted in compassion
FAQs
Why Choose Livingspring Wellbeing?
✔ Based in Aberdeen, with online options available
✔ Accredited functional medicine practitioner
✔ Highly personalised service
✔ Empathetic, science-backed, and results-driven
With deep expertise in cancer nutrition, functional testing, and nutrigenetic analysis, we’re committed to helping you live with strength, confidence, and clarity.
Prioritise Your Health & Well-Being Today
Whether you’re looking to prevent illness or support recovery, your diet could be one of the most impactful tools you have. At Livingspring Wellbeing, we’ll guide you with compassion, expertise, and a personalised plan tailored to your body’s unique needs.