Nutrition plays a vital role in the overall well-being of leukemia patients, influencing their ability to withstand treatment and maintain a strong immune system. Alongside adequate sleep and exercise, a well-planned diet can significantly impact the body's healing process during and after leukemia treatment. While the nutritional guidelines for people with leukemia largely align with general healthy eating recommendations, certain aspects require special attention.
General Nutritional Guidelines for Leukemia Patients
The foundation of a healthy diet for leukemia patients should be plant-based, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This approach often mirrors the Mediterranean diet, known for its numerous health benefits.
Plant-Based Diet and Antioxidants
A plant-based diet is rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals and may help prevent cancer. Aim to fill two-thirds of your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and non-animal proteins, dedicating the remaining third or less to animal proteins.
Healthy Fats
Limit unhealthy, saturated fats found in butter and fried foods to less than 10 percent of your total daily calorie intake. Instead, incorporate healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds into your meals.
Limiting Red Meat, Processed Foods, and Sugary Treats
Red meat consumption should be limited to 12-18 ounces per week. This includes meats like pork, beef, and lamb. It's also important for blood cancer patients to limit their consumption of processed foods, sugary treats, and fast foods.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
The Importance of Specific Nutrients
Certain nutrients play a crucial role in supporting the health of leukemia patients.
Ursolic Acid, Cruciferous Vegetables, and Curcumin
Preliminary research suggests that ursolic acid, found in apples, basil, rosemary, and cranberries, may decrease tumor growth by regulating mitochondrial function through metabolic pathways. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower contain glucosinolates, compounds that may aid in cancer prevention and recurrence. Curcumin, a compound with anticancer properties, may target cell-signaling pathways. While research on these compounds is ongoing, incorporating them into your diet can contribute to overall immune health.
Fiber
Fiber, found in starchy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, is essential for proper digestion, glycemic control, healthy lipid management, and a healthy gut microbiota. Women should aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day, while men need at least 35 grams. However, a high-fiber diet may irritate the stomach for some people living with leukemia and worsen nausea, In these cases, your doctor may recommend a low-fiber diet instead.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is vital for muscle movement, nerve signal transmission, and immune system function. It also helps ensure bones absorb the calcium they need to be strong and healthy. Sources of vitamin D include certain fish (salmon and sardines), vegetables and legumes (kale and soybeans), and fortified products (cereal, milk, and orange juice).
The Plate Method: A Guide to Balanced Eating
The plate method is a practical tool for achieving a balanced diet and practicing portion control.
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
- Vegetables: Fill half of your plate with a variety of colorful vegetables.
- Protein: Dedicate one-fourth of your plate to lean protein sources like chicken, fish, or legumes.
- Healthy Starch: The remaining fourth should consist of a healthy starch such as brown rice, quinoa, or sweet potato.
- Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts, or seeds into your meal.
- Fruit: Enjoy fruit as part of your meal or as a snack, pairing it with protein or fiber to control blood glucose levels.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health during leukemia treatment. Consume enough calories to maintain an appropriate weight for your size, or gradually lose weight if overweight or obese.
Nutrient-Dense, High-Calorie Foods
If experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste, or lack of appetite, prioritize nutrient-dense, high-calorie foods to maintain weight and preserve lean muscle mass. Good options include nuts, nut butters, avocados, beans, chicken, fish, and yogurt.
Increasing Meal Frequency
Eating small snacks throughout the day rather than large meals can help you obtain adequate calories. Maintaining physical activity can also help stimulate a healthy appetite.
Addressing Specific Conditions
Leukemia and its treatments can lead to specific conditions that require dietary adjustments.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Individuals with leukemia often experience anemia, which can be managed with nutrition. Focus on iron intake, choosing heme iron sources (meat, poultry, and fish) and nonheme iron sources (legumes, grains, and vegetables). Include a dietary source of vitamin C at every meal to enhance iron absorption. Avoid coffee and tea with meals, as they can decrease iron absorption.
Read also: Weight Loss with Low-FODMAP
Megaloblastic Anemia
A rare form of anemia, megaloblastic anemia, may be caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 and folic acid. Top sources of vitamin B12 include clams, fortified cereal, tuna, Greek yogurt, salmon, beef, chicken, eggs, and nutritional yeast. Top sources of folic acid include spinach, fortified cereal, black-eyed peas, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and avocado.
Kidney Damage
Some people with leukemia experience kidney damage. If lab results show signs of kidney damage, your doctor may recommend limiting foods high in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus.
- Foods high in potassium: Oranges, bananas, spinach, zucchini, and peaches.
- Foods high in phosphorus: Cheese, wheat bread, peanut butter, nuts, and seeds.
- Foods high in sodium: Packaged snacks, condiments, salad dressings, sauces, and restaurant or takeout foods.
Hydration
Adequate hydration is crucial for nutrient transportation, joint health, and blood pressure regulation. Water is the best choice for hydration. Avoid sugary drinks like fruit juice, soda, and sweetened teas. Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Food Safety
Food safety is paramount for people living with leukemia due to their weakened immune systems. Follow these guidelines to avoid foodborne illnesses:
Food Safety Do's
- Cook all meat and fish thoroughly.
- Cook eggs thoroughly.
- Wash produce well before peeling.
- Refrigerate deli meats, even dry-cured sausages.
Food Safety Don'ts
- Eat products containing raw eggs.
- Drink unpasteurized milk or juice.
- Eat soft cheese.
- Eat from salad bars and buffets.
- Eat alfalfa sprouts or other raw sprouts.
- Drink well water unless boiled or filtered.
Evaluating Nutrition and Supplement Information
Be cautious when evaluating health claims regarding nutrition supplements and cancer. Consult with your doctor before trying any supplement or herb, as it may negatively impact your cancer treatment. For instance, St. John's wort and green tea supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications.
Addressing Treatment Side Effects
Treatments for leukemia can cause side effects, including:
- Loss of appetite
- Early satiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Mouth sores
- Taste changes or loss of taste
- Difficulty swallowing
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Avoid foods that can aggravate these side effects, such as:
- Foods high in fiber or sugar
- Greasy, fatty, or fried foods
- Very hot or very cold foods
- Milk products
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods
- Caffeine
- Apple juice
- Food sweetened with xylitol or sorbitol
- Foods that can hurt the mouth, such as those that are crunchy, sour, or salty
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes and ketchup
Lifestyle Habits
In addition to diet, certain lifestyle habits can benefit people with AML:
- Try having smaller, more frequent meals: If you arenât hungry or have a small appetite, try to eat smaller meals or snacks to add calories and nutrition.
- Honor and acknowledge your emotions: Receiving an AML diagnosis can bring up many complicated emotions. Accepting and understanding your emotions instead of pushing them away can be a healthy way of dealing with them.
- Manage stress: Finding ways to positively cope with and manage stress are important. Try getting some physical activity, taking a long bath, journaling, doing a breathing exercise, praying, or whatever helps you relax.
- Try to get enough sleep: Though hard sometimes, getting 7â9 hours of sleep a night is important for your physical and mental well-being. If you have trouble sleeping, speak with your doctor. They may be able to recommend an over-the-counter medication or prescription sleep aid.
- Join a support group: Hearing stories and experiences from people experiencing something similar to you can be helpful. They may also be able to provide helpful tips and tricks.
- Ask for help: If youâre not feeling well enough to cook or prepare meals, ask a loved one for help. If not available, store some premade meals in your freezer, so you always have a meal available.
- Consult with a healthcare professional before taking new supplements: Some supplements may interfere with your cancer treatment, so always run them by your doctor first.
Physical Activity
Engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity can help maintain energy levels and improve mood. Strength training exercises can help prevent or slow down muscle wasting. Consult with your clinician before starting a new exercise program. The goal is to achieve at least 150 minutes of moderate weekly exercise, such as brisk walking, where conversation is possible but slightly labored.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
Further nutrition recommendations must be individualized based on your specific response to leukemia treatment. Your doctor, a registered dietitian, or a nutritionist can provide personalized recommendations on how to alleviate side effects and maintain a healthy, nutritious diet that will help you feel your best.