Diet for patients with multiple myeloma

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Maintaining a reasonable diet for multiple myeloma patients is important to help patients achieve success in treatment. This is not easy to do because the symptoms of the disease itself and the unwanted effects of treatment can make it difficult for a person to have an appetite or eat as much as before.

1. When should people with multiple myeloma eat?

The person may find it easier to eat a few small meals throughout the day instead of eating two or three large meals. It can energize throughout the day and help relieve nausea.
Some people with multiple myeloma may choose a certain time of day when they themselves can handle food more easily, such as in the morning or at lunch. Try to have snacks available when you're hungry. Look at full-fledged meal replacement snacks as a way to get enough calories.

2. What do patients with multiple myeloma eat?

The right foods in a multiple myeloma diet can provide the body with the best balance of nutrients and help reduce symptoms or side effects of treatment. Patients should consult a nutritionist about what foods to add to their daily diet. Here is a list of food groups that should be part of a multiple myeloma diet, including:
Green foods: Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants that help your body regenerate itself. They also help prevent constipation, which can be a side effect of pain relievers and some treatments for multiple myeloma. Your doctor may advise you to eat cooked vegetables and fruits. Raw products can sometimes increase your chance of getting an infection, which is dangerous when multiple myeloma itself or its treatments have weakened a person's immune system. Fiber: If you're experiencing constipation as a side effect from chemotherapy, you may want to increase fiber in your diet. It helps your body break down food and get rid of the intestines. Water and prune juice also help keep the digestive system working properly. Good food sources of fiber such as fruits, whole grains, oatmeal, nuts and broccoli, carrots, celery,... Bland foods: If you are suffering from diarrhea, your doctor Your doctor may ask you to eat a low-fiber diet called the BRAT diet: Banana (Banana) Rice (Rice) Apples (Applesauce) Toast. Patients should also replenish enough water for the body through broths and different types of drinks. If you have mouth sores, prioritize soft, easy-to-swallow foods, such as pudding or mashed potatoes. Avoid spicy foods that can irritate your tongue and mouth.

Iron: Cancer cells that accumulate in a person's bone marrow can proliferate and outgrow the remaining healthy blood cells. That can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anemia. If this happens, you should eat more iron-rich foods such as: lean meat, green beans, dark green leafy vegetables Vitamins and minerals: Your doctor or dietitian may recommend that you have multiple myeloma. Bones drink functional foods daily to ensure adequate supply of nutrients for a healthy body. These may include: iron, vitamin D, fish oil, folate People with multiple myeloma should not start taking any supplements without first consulting their doctor. Some of them can affect the effectiveness of treatment.

3. What do patients with multiple myeloma avoid?

Because multiple myeloma makes the body's immune system weaker, it is necessary to stay away from foods that can cause illness, including:
Raw meat or fish Cancer eggs Unpasteurized drinks Sushi Fruits Unwashed plants and vegetables Along with medications and other treatments, lifestyle changes can have a big impact on an individual's battle against cancer. Healthy eating habits can be difficult to follow in the beginning, but the benefits are long-lasting, helping you stay healthy for years to come.

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Reference source: webmd.com