A bone marrow transplant is a complicated procedure used that can be used to treat solid cancers and cancers of the blood. Both during and after a bone marrow transplant, your immune system is weakened and you are at higher risk of infection. In this situation, avoid foods that can increase your risk of getting an infection. Your physician may also suggest more foods rich in specific minerals, like calcium or phosphorus, that you may be lacking after the procedure, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Eat Foods Rich in Calcium and Phosphorus
After a bone marrow transplant, you may be placed on medications like steroids that lower the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Both of these minerals are important in maintaining bone strength and health; your health care providers may recommend that you eat more foods with calcium or phosphorus, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. Examples of foods rich in calcium include milk, pudding, ice cream, cream soup, spinach and shrimp. Foods with phosphorus include broccoli, sardines, coconut and whole grain breads.
Avoid Raw Foods
Since your immune system is compromised during and immediately after a bone marrow transplant, you should avoid foods that may cause infections of the gastrointestinal tract, according to the University Medical Center Arizona website. Foods that are not cooked may contain bacteria that may cause potentially life-threatening infections. Avoid raw or undercooked meats, raw eggs and raw sushi. Eat raw fruits and vegetables, but these foods must be washed extremely well, as noted by the Rush University Medical Center.
Avoid Unpasteurized Foods
Unpasteurized foods may also contain bacteria and other organisms that may cause infections. As a bone marrow transplant patient, avoid unpasteurized milk, cheese and yogurts, according to Rush University Medical Center. Avoid fruit juices that are unpasteurized; unpasteurized beer is off-limits as well. Drink well water if it is tested yearly and has been declared safe for consumption.
Avoid Cheeses or Other Foods with Mold
A variety of aged cheeses contain mold, which is a type of fungi. These fungi could cause an infection in people who are immunocompromised. Cheeses like Blue, Stilton and Gorgonzola all contain mold, and should not be eaten by a person who has had a bone marrow transplant, as noted by the University Medical Center Arizona website. Salad dressings that contain these cheeses should also be avoided by these patients. Any fruits or vegetables that have visible mold are not a good option, according to the Rush University Medical Center.
Eat Foods Rich in Potassium and Magnesium
The vomiting and diarrhea that may accompany chemotherapy and radiation may cause imbalances of other minerals like potassium or magnesium. You may need additional supplementation of these minerals, which can be achieved through diet or -- if the deficiency is significant enough -- intravenous administration, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Foods that contain potassium are bananas, dates, beets, mushrooms and squash. Leafy green vegetables, beans and meat are sources of magnesium.
