Skip to main content

The UNC Cancer Network's Behind the Scenes' newsletter banner

News and Information from the UNC Cancer Network

 

Jennifer Spring, RD, CSO, LDN

Spotlight on Nutrition

by Mary King, UNC Cancer Network Operations Coordinator

Jennifer Spring currently serves as an oncology dietitian in the Outpatient Oncology Nutrition Program at the NC Cancer Hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In this role, Jennifer works with patients to develop individualized eating plans to meet specifics needs or concerns related to cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. Jennifer is a 2016 UNC Oncology Excellence Award recipient. During a recent interview, Jennifer provided some intriguing information on how mushrooms could impact your health.

Q: Jennifer, what is the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian?
 
strong>A: Dietitians and nutritionists are both experts in food and diet. Dietitians are typically more regulated—they are required to have certain licensures and certifications in order to work, whereas nutritionists are not required to have these. A dietitian has to earn a bachelor’s of arts degree at an accredited university in a field like nutrition science, and then must complete a supervised internship or practice program at a health care facility, food service company, hospital, or other organization.  After completing an internship, dietetic students must pass a national examination in order to practice as an R.D, or registered dietitian. Dietitians are considered to be nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.

Q: During the UNCCN February, 2017 RN/AH Lecture you spoke about how incorporating mushrooms into your diet could have some health benefits (To watch lecture, go to unccn.org). Were you referring to a particular type of mushroom, or would any variety of mushroom produce the same result?  
 
A: Mushrooms have several bioactive compounds including prebiotics which play a role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Several clinical trials show that mushroom beta glucan extracts either improved survival, improved immune cell response, or improved bone marrow recovery after chemotherapy. Mushrooms may also help with weight maintenance and regulation of glucose. There are many varieties of mushrooms and some have more anti-inflammatory benefits, while others are better at promoting a healthy gut environment, or are stronger immune boosters. When considering consuming mushrooms as part of a healthy diet, the best option would be to include a large variety including white (button), brown, Portobello, Shiitake, Oyster, Maitake, etc.   

Q: How did you learn about the effect mushrooms have on the body/your health?
 
A: My most recent investigation into the immune boosting power of mushrooms was via an online series offered in 2014 by the NCI”s Nutritional Science Research Group, “Cancer Prevention Through Immunomodulation. Does Diet Play a Role?” Susanna Cunningham-Rundles, a PhD and professor of immunology at Cornell University presented her research on mushroom beta glucans, immune response and cancer prevention.
 
Q: Is this information scientific?
 
A: Yes, the information provided on mushrooms comes from evidence-based research.
 
Q: What do you do to stay up to date on the changing nutrition and science?
 
A: I am a member of the Academy of  Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)  and also participate in the AND Oncology Dietetic Practice Group. I read the Continuous Update Project reports put out by the AICR on a regular basis to keep up with new evidence. And I receive nutrition and cancer updates from the UNC Health Sciences Library resource librarian whose focus is nutrition and cancer research.
 
Q: What is the one best piece of nutrition advice you can give our readers?

A: Eat mostly plant foods and move more throughout the day.
 
Special thanks to Jennifer Spring, RD, CSO, LDN  |  Oncology Dietitian.