Both cooked and raw foods have benefits. Choices will depend on the season, preparation time and digestion, and it is advisable to have both in the diet.

If raw salads and vegetables are difficult to digest, raw juices (which do not contain fibre) may be an easier way to get essential, concentrated nutrients.

Cooking can break down some of the fibrous and tough material in the outer plant membranes. Homemade soups and broths, stews and casseroles, with lightly cooked vegetables, may be a better choice for those with digestive problems.

A wide variety of whole foods, whether organic or not, are more important than limiting your food range. If you are unable to obtain organic vegetables or fruit, adding a little lemon juice or vinegar to washing water may help to remove surface chemicals. Peeling may also help.

Foods should always be the main focus when thinking about maximising nutrient intake. However, supplements can be useful as a back up if a healthy diet is difficult to achieve. For those with difficulty swallowing or digestive problems, they can provide a very important supply of nutrients.

It is important to get advice from a registered health professional before taking nutritional or herbal supplements if you are taking any medication.

Despite the benefits of dairy produce, their suitability for those with certain types of cancer has been questioned. The best choice will depend on the person and type of cancer.

Chemotherapy may increase the risk of digestive disorders. Some people are intolerant to certain compounds in milk such as lactose, and find dairy foods cause digestive upset. If this is you, we suggest you avoid this group of foods. A dairy-free diet can provide plenty of nutrients to support bone health as long as green leafy vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds, oily fish with bones and whole grains are eaten regularly.

Some studies show a link between high intakes of dairy (equivalent to more than 1.5 litres of milk daily) and an increased risk of prostate and some other hormone dependent cancers.

On the other hand, some studies show dairy products to be protective against colon cancer. At this stage, research suggests that a moderate intake of dairy foods is not a problem for most people with cancer.

Although salt provides the body with essential minerals, many people eat too much which can upset the balance of minerals in the body. Much of the salt people eat is added to processed foods and a natural, whole food diet is generally low in salt. Herbs and spices, garlic, onions, dried mushrooms, dried tomatoes and lemon or lime juice can be used as alternatives to increase flavour.