Handbook of Nutrition and
Diet in Palliative Care
Second Edition

Optimal terminal and palliative care requires consideration of the patient and family unit as well
as cultural and religious sensitivities. The patient’s well-being in terms of mobility, anxiety, stress,
social interaction and pain control needs expert focus and attention. However, there is an increasing
awareness that diet and nutritional support play an integral part of the patient’s holistic well-being.
Many books on nutrition will have material aimed at prolonging life, preventing disease, or alleviating
symptoms with a long-term view of complete rehabilitation. Occasionally, such books are directed
toward subgroups, for example, infants or the elderly. However, there are no comprehensive books
on nutrition in terminal or palliative care that simultaneously cover physical, cultural and ethical
aspects. Nor are there many nutrition books that bridge the intellectual divide and are suitable for
novices and experts alike. This book is aimed at addressing such deficiencies.