A low bacteria diet involves avoiding eating foods that have a higher chance of containing microorganisms, such as bacteria, which can lead to illness. A low bacteria diet is also referred to as a "neutropenic diet," meaning it is used for people who have a decreased amount of disease-fighting white cells in their blood.
Purpose
The purpose of a low bacteria diet is to prevent becoming infected with a food-borne illness. According to NYU Langone Medical Center, this diet is often recommended for people who have a compromised immune system, which may be caused by cancer treatments, such as receiving chemotherapy. Patients who undergo a bone marrow transplant, who are also very susceptible to infection, are usually advised to eat a low bacteria diet during recovery.
Features
A low bacteria diet should consist of the recommended daily intake of grains, fruits, vegetables and protein, according to the person's age and gender. Special attention should be paid to food handling and preparation. For instance, fresh fruits must be washed thoroughly to avoid bacteria. Hot food should be kept hot until eaten, and leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours or discarded. Dining out is allowed, but special attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the restaurant.
Food Preparation
Various types of foods are acceptable on a low bacteria diet, but special cooking instructions may apply. For example, meat should be cooked completely. According to drugs.com, red meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Chicken and other types of poultry should be cooked to 180 degrees. Vegetables should be cooked or washed thoroughly if eaten raw. According to UC Davis Cancer Center, milk, juice and dairy products are allowed but should all be pasteurized.
Foods to Avoid
Certain food have a higher risk of being contaminated with microorganisms, which may lead to disease; therefore, they should be avoided. For example, any food with raw eggs, such as cake batter and eggnog should not be eaten or drank. Avoid eating from salad bars and buffets, which may have been cross contaminated from other diners. Stay away from eating meats that are cooked medium well or rare. Other foods and drinks to be avoided include cold-brewed tea, deli cold cuts, cheese and raw honey.
Considerations
The length of time a person should stay on a low bacteria diet varies, depending on how fast a person's white blood cell counts increases and what type of cancer treatment they had. Patients who are on a low bacteria diet due to a compromised immune system should always discuss dietary recommendations with their doctor before making changes.
