How to Eat Healthy to Fight Leukemia

How to Eat Healthy to Fight Leukemia
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Leukemia is a type of cancer characterized by its effect on the blood, blood cells, bone marrow and lymphatic system. There are primarily two types of leukemia, lymphocytic and myelogenous. Leukemia can be acute or chronic depending on the severity and progression of the disease. There is no cure for leukemia currently; yet there are a variety of treatment methods. Research varies in terms of specifically how diet affects leukemia; however, research does affirm that eating a healthy diet is advantageous for leukemia patients.

Step 1

Eat a diet that includes a moderate amount of vegetables. Vegetables are often a source of plant-based protein and contain numerous vitamins and minerals. Adults should eat approximately between 2-1/2 and 3 cups of vegetables per day. However, eating more vegetables and less refined carbohydrates can provide additional benefits.

Step 2

Include fruits in your diet. The USDA recommends an average of 2 cups per day. Opt for a mixture of fruits, but you should aim to find your favorites, which you can eat consistently. Like vegetables, fruit provides healthy sources of vitamins and minerals that contribute to your overall health.

Step 3

Limit your consumption of processed or organ meats. Instead, opt for lean proteins. Processed meats like sausage or cold cuts and organ meats such as kidneys or livers contain increased amounts of nitrates which can contribute to increased cell growth for cancerous cells.

Step 4

Limit your consumption of alcohol. Alcohol can contribute negatively to other conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. If these conditions turn severe, they can exacerbate the unhealthy cell development.

References

Article reviewed by Contributing Writer Last updated on: Jan 12, 2011

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