While not typically thought of as treatment for a disease, nutrition is important in developing and maintaining health. During a serious illness like cancer, nutrition can become a supplemental therapy to build strength and increase the likelihood of survival. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia can be treated in a variety of ways, but no matter what type of treatment you and your doctor choose, you can add nutritional therapy to help you boost your health and well-being. Talk with your treatment team about the role nutrition can play in your treatment and recovery.
What is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, CLL, is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that gets progressively worse over time. The National Cancer Institute says it is the second most common type of leukemia in adults and usually occurs in middle age. Symptoms can include fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, fever, unexplained weight loss and pain under the ribs. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are five kinds of treatment for CLL: watchful waiting, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and targeted therapy. Nutrition may play a role in helping to treat CLL but should not be used in place of standard therapy.
Meal Plan
Depending on your individual situation, your nutritional needs may differ from other CLL patients. Leukemia affects each patient differently; a trained nutritionist can ascertain the nutrients in which you may be lacking, as well as construct a meal plan based on your history, current health and treatment, according to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, CTCA. Eating smaller, more nutrient-dense meals may be easier to handle if you suffer from nausea, and this may help provide you with continued energy throughout the day. Staying hydrated and eating high-fiber foods are necessary if you suffer from constipation due to CLL treatment.
Neutropenia and CLL
Neutropenia is a condition in which there are not enough white blood cells called neutrophils. Neutrophils enable the immune system to fight off viruses and bacteria, according to MayoClinic.com. The fewer neutrophils you have, the more susceptible you are to infections; this can be dangerous because even a small cold can become serious. Damaged bone marrow, like that which occurs with CLL, can cause neutropenia; so can certain cancer drugs. Acor.org suggests a neutropenia diet when your neutrophils are low, to help reduce the risk of infection. The regimen includes avoiding raw foods, thoroughly washing and cooking foods, adding nutritional supplements like Ensure and things like margarine or sauces to combat dry mouth. Talk with your doctor about your risk of neutropenia and what you should do to stay healthy.
Considerations
If you have CLL, talk with your treatment team about your diet and whether nutrition therapy may benefit you. Your doctor or a nutritionist can educate you about foods that can provide you with adequate nutrition. Nutrition therapy is not a substitute for traditional therapies but can help promote survival and health. Due to the chronic nature of CLL, good nutrition is a long-term tool that can help minimize side effects and encourage good overall wellness.
References
- National Cancer Institute; General Information About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia; May 2010
- National Cancer Institute; Treatment Option Overview; May 2010
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America; Leukemia Treatments - Nutrition Therapy; January 2011
- MayoClinic: Neutropenia (low neutrophil count)
- Acor: The Neutropenic Diet
