Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphocytes or lymph nodes in the body. Eating the right foods while undergoing treatment for this cancer can help maintain your energy levels. Being in your best health as you go through cancer and treatment, can help you get through the effects of the disease.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Lymphoma is often classified into two main types: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma, formerly known as Hodgkin's disease. Other cancers that may spread into the lymph nodes and are derived from another location are not considered Hodgkin's lymphoma. When Hodgkin's is found early and treated promptly, the five year survival outlook is around 90 percent, notes the American Cancer Society. It is important to maintain healthy nutrition after diagnosis to keep your body performing at its best.
Nutrition Benefits
If you can tolerate most foods well while you are undergoing treatment, you should focus on foods from the main food groups such as fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean protein and grains. This will assure that you are eating a balanced diet and getting the vitamins and nutrients you need to maintain health. Eating healthy will supply you with folic acid, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron in order to give you energy and stamina. You can get your daily supply of vitamins, A, B, C, D, E and K when you eat fruits and vegetables in the rawest form. Proper nutrition helps maintain your central nervous system, build strong muscles and bones and improve oxygen levels in the blood -- all essentials for battling Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Special Nutrition
Your oncologist may suggest a specific diet related to your treatment. Often, treatment can weaken the immune system; in this case, your doctor may advise you to add more foods that provide natural sources of zinc and vitamin C such as citrus foods and lean meat. If you have gastrointestinal issues, you may have to take a nutritional supplement to meet your zinc and vitamin intake. Nutritional food supplements, such as meal shakes, may be recommended, especially if you are experience weight and muscle loss throughout treatment.
Outcome
Keeping your body around your target weight during lymphoma treatment and thereafter is important. The National Cancer Institute suggests some ways to keep foods down, even when you don't have an appetite: Try to get in calories as often as possible with healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables and whole wheat crackers. Try to eat several small meals throughout the day rather than three large ones -- this may help you tolerate foods that would otherwise unsettle your stomach. Stay hydrated, but drink milk, soup and juice to add additional calories to your day.
References
- American Cancer Society; Hodgin's Survival Rates; Sept. 29, 2010
- Choosemyplate.gov: Protein Nutrients and Health Implications
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Basic Food Groups; February 23, 2011
- National Cancer Institute: Eating Problems and Ways To Manage Them
- MayoClinic.com; Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease); July 11, 2009
