Bone marrow disease can often necessitate dietary changes, depending on the type of disease and the treatments prescribed. Chemotherapy and radiation to treat cancer have symptoms that can lead not only to decreased appetite but also to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. If your bone marrow isn't producing adequate numbers of red blood cells, you may need iron in addition to other medications to stimulate bone marrow production. Nutrition for bone marrow disease is determined on an individual basis, so follow your physician's instructions.
Oral Intake and Chemotherapy
In the April 2005 issue of "Practical Gastroenterology," registered dietitian Patricia Sheehan of the University of Illinois at Chicago reports that he side effects of chemotherapy include mouth and gastrointestinal ulcers that make it painful to eat and also interfere with nutrient absorption in 75 percent of patients. Avoiding spicy, hot or hard foods in favor of cool, soft foods may make it easier to take foods by mouth. Nutritional oral supplements such as Ensure or Boost can also help you get the calories you need to heal without hurting damaged tissues.
Enteral and Parenteral Feeding
In severe cases, total parenteral nutrition, or TPN, which consists of intravenous feedings of nutrients rather than oral intake may help the mucosa heal and improve nutritional status. Enteral feedings through a tube that enters the stomach or intestine directly can also be used to maintain nutritional status when it's not possible to take food by mouth. While effective and easy to administer, TPN also causes a number of complications, including high glucose levels and an increased infection rate, according to Sheehan. Encouraging oral intake and trying enteral feeding before TPN may decrease both complications and costs.
Nutrition After Bone Marrow Transplant
Medications taken after bone marrow transplant can deplete certain vitamins and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus. Dairy products are high in both minerals. Dried beans and peas, greens such as collard, mustard and turnip greens and sardines all serve as good sources of both minerals as well. Vomiting and diarrhea can also deplete magnesium and potassium stores. Many fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of potassium, while legumes, leafy green vegetables, whole grain cereals, nuts, meat and milk supply magnesium.
Low-Bacteria Diets
Bone marrow transplant requires administration of drugs that suppress the immune system. Following a diet that decreases the risk of infection, called a low-bacteria diet, may prevent infections that the immune system can't fight off effectively. Avoiding fresh fruits and vegetables as well as dried fruits and nuts and rare or undercooked meat, fish or eggs helps avoid potentially contamination. Stay away from buffets, street vendors selling food, salad bars and deli counters as well. Test well water for bacteria before drinking.
