Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells and bone marrow. Cancer patients with good nutrition are more likely to feel better, have more strength and energy, tolerate side effects of treatments, experience fewer infections and recover and heal faster.
Foods to Encourage
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), cancer patients need more protein than healthy individuals. Protein repairs muscle, bone, skin and blood, supports a healthy immune system and fast recovery, and helps prevent infections. The best proteins are from lean sources like meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, beans and nuts.
Dietary fat provides energy, insulates vital organs and transports vitamins A, D, E and K. The ACS recommends unsaturated fats like those from liquid oils, fish, nuts and avocado and limiting saturated and trans-fats found in butter, margarine, lard and shortening.
Carbohydrates, the body's main source of energy, are found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They are also good sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
The ACS recommends drinking 64 oz. of water a day to prevent dehydration.
Nutrition During Treatment
The side effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can affect eating and hinder good nutrition. Possible side effects include loss of appetite, weight fluctuations, mouth and throat sores, dry mouth, dental and gum problems, changes in taste and smell, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue and depression. The ACS encourages getting nutrients from food sources as much as possible during treatment. If people are unable to meet their dietary needs through food, they may be required to receive nutrition through a feeding tube or intravenously.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) suggests eating small frequent meals throughout the day to get enough calories and protein. Trying new foods can help if taste changes, and eating soft foods helps avoid irritating mouth sores. The LSS also recommends eating with friends and family to improve nutrition during treatment. If weight loss occurs, patients can add gravy, whole milk, cream and broth to dishes to increase calories. Weight loss diets are not recommended during cancer treatment but if weight gain occurs, a low-fat diet may be in order.
Vitamins and Supplements
Multivitamin, mineral and antioxidant supplements may benefit individuals who are unable to eat regularly due to treatment side effects. However, the ACS warns that certain vitamins can be dangerous in high doses and may interfere with chemotherapy and radiation. It's important to consult a physician prior to taking any type of supplement.
Food Safety
Food safety is important because cancer and cancer treatments weaken the immune system. Cooks should work with clean hands, surfaces and dishes when preparing food and should separate cooked and raw foods. Fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed and all frozen foods should be thawed in the refrigerator. All meats need to be cooked thoroughly and spoiled or expired food must be discarded.
Physical Activity
According to the LSS, physical activity during cancer is safe and can improve physical functioning, fatigue, anxiety. Exercise may improve self-esteem and benefit heart health, muscular strength and body composition. Regular physical activity also supports a healthy weight, which may lower the risk of cancer recurrence. Individuals may need to lower the intensity of their workouts during chemotherapy and radiation and should avoid public gyms due to a weakened immune system. Individuals undergoing radiation therapy should avoid swimming pools because chlorine can irritate the skin.
