Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer affecting plasma cells in your body. Plasma cells are found in your body's bone marrow, and when these cells become cancerous, tumors form. Multiple myeloma can lead to a number of problems including a weakened immune system, weakened bones, anemia and increased bleeding and bruising. Nutrition plays a key role in the immune system and overall health. Although cancer and its treatments can make it difficult to eat well, good nutrition can help keep your body strong and healthy.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of cancer treatments. If you are struggling with nausea and vomiting, try eating small amounts of bland foods that are easy to digest, such as crackers, toast, applesauce, and yogurt. Sip on small amounts of clear liquids, including water, tea, sports drinks, broth, and apple juice. Avoid foods with strong odors and foods that are overly sweet, spicy, or high in fat, as these foods often make nausea and vomiting worse.
Taste Changes
Chemotherapy is often used to treat multiple myeloma. Chemotherapy treatments are frequently accompanied by changes in taste. Taste changes can make favorite foods seem unappealing. Using a mouthwash made with baking soda and salt can clean your mouth and make foods taste better. To make this mouthwash, mix together 1 quart of water with 1 tsp. of salt and 1 tsp. of baking soda. Swish this solution around in your mouth and then spit it out before you eat. If you experience a metallic taste in your mouth, avoid canned products and use plastic utensils instead of silverware for meals. If you experience a salty or bitter taste in your mouth, try adding sugar to your foods. If foods taste too sweet, try to counter this by adding some salt to your foods.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is common for people with multiple myeloma and can be caused by a number of factors including the cancer itself, nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, and taste changes. To prevent or slow weight loss, focus on eating foods that are high in protein and calories, such as yogurt, peanut butter, granola with dried fruit, and smoothies. Adding dry milk powder to casseroles, scrambled eggs, hot cereals, and soups can increase calories and protein. Try eating 6 to 8 small meals daily to give yourself plenty of opportunities to get the nutrition you need. If you find drinking more appealing than eating, try high-calorie, high-protein canned nutrition shakes.
Nutrition Tips
Keep foods that you enjoy eating readily available to eat throughout the day. Try to make meal times pleasant, and enjoy foods with the company of friends and family when possible. Keep an open mind about foods. You may find that as your tastes change, you might enjoy foods that were not favorites in the past. Your nutrition is an important part of your health, so think of healthy eating as part of your treatment plan.
