A neutropenic diet is a low bacteria diet that is advised for people with weakened immune systems. The immune system can become compromised by HIV/AIDS, organ or stem-cell transplants, chemotherapy, radiation and other cancer treatments. The guidelines of the neutropenic diet are often specific to a particular cancer center, but it is common to find that a thick-skinned fruit like a banana is allowed on a neutropenic diet.
Cancer Treatments
People who have undergone a stem cell or bone marrow transplant or who have had a high dose of chemotherapy have an increased risk of developing a food-derived illness. Chemotherapy destroys rapidly growing cells in the body, such as white blood cells. White blood cells are used to fight infection, so chemotherapy tends to impair the body’s ability to fight infections. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society explains that there are several reasons for the impaired immunity, but if a person has had chemotherapy or radiation, the diet may be more liberal than if a person has had a stem cell transplant. In the case of a transplant, a patient is often told to follow a neutropenic diet during the pre-transplant phase and for several months after the transplant.
Purpose of Neutropenic Diet
The purpose of a neutropenic diet is to reduce the amount of bacteria that is consumed to reduce the chance of infection while a person’s immune system is depressed. Foods must be prepared and selected to avoid bacteria until the immune system returns to normal, at which time the diet can be liberalized. A physician will monitor the level of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell in the blood and determine when it is necessary to initiate a neutropenic diet. When neutrophil levels rise, the physician will decide when it is safe to discontinue the diet.
Foods on Neutropenic Diet
A neutropenic diet excludes all raw or undercooked meat, eggs and fish, and all uncooked vegetables. Uncooked fruits should be avoided except for those with thick skins. Consume only pasteurized dairy products, and avoid soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, gorgonzola and bleu. In general, salad bars, fresh sliced meats, yogurt products and garnishes should be avoided. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center states that well water should be boiled for 15 to 20 minutes before drinking and stored in the refrigerator to be used within 48 hours. Follow safety precautions when preparing or handling food. If a person is directed to follow a neutropenic diet, they should check with their physician for any other specific precautions.
Bananas
According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a person following a neutropenic diet is allowed to eat any fruit that has thick skin that is removed before eating. Some examples of thick-skinned fruits include apples, raw bananas, melons, grapefruits and oranges. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center recommends that these fruits be washed in cold water and then peeled by a nurse or family member.
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