Multiple Myeloma is a kind of malignancy or blood cancer which occurs in the bone marrow. When the number of plasma cells increases in the blood and forms multiple tumors usually within the bones and bone marrow, this condition is known as Multiple Myeloma.
Proper diet and nutrition plays an important role in someone who is suffering from multiple myeloma. However, the symptoms, the treatment procedure, the side effects of the treatment highly affect the appetite of the patient and it becomes hard for them to eat. Proper nutrition helps in struggling with myeloma; therefore, it is important to get proper nutrition. Just like few eatables are recommended for eating, there are foods which are suggested to be avoided. Avoiding certain foods is a part of the treatment and should be done to make life easier.
There are certain diet tips and suggestions which will help in providing right nourishment to the body and there are also certain tips, which will help you in avoiding certain foods which may help in preventing further damage to the body suffering multiple myeloma. Let’s discuss about such foods which should be avoided and why.
What Foods Should I Avoid With Multiple Myeloma?
The main aim of avoiding certain foods is to reduce the pain and symptoms of multiple myeloma.(1) There can be kidney damage to the people suffering from multiple myeloma; therefore the following foods should be avoided:
- Foods which are high in potassium like avocados, spinach and other leafy greens, bananas, citrus fruits, tomatoes etc.
- Foods which are rich in phosphorus like bran cereals, whole-grain bread, nuts oats, and sunflower seeds etc.
Avoiding foods which are high in potassium and phosphorus reduces the pressure on kidney. The breakdown of bones releases high amount of calcium and proteins in the blood which increases pressure on the kidney and on top of that if foods which are high in potassium and phosphorus are consumed, the pressure on kidney is increased. Therefore, people suffering from multiple myeloma should avoid or limit the intake of such foods. It is also recommended that the doctor keeps a regular check of the level of potassium and phosphorus in the body.(2)
Foods To Avoid During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a very essential part of the treatment of cancer. However, it weakens the immune system of our body up to large extent just like the cancer itself. Therefore, it is important to take care of the immune system while chemotherapy. The most important thing is avoid the causes of infection.(3) Utmost care should be taken for avoiding infections and the following foods should be avoided which may increase the chances of infection, like:
- Raw food or undercooked food
- Poultry products and seafood
- Improperly cooked meat which may have harmful bacteria in it
- Uncooked sprouts
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- Raw eggs or any bakery item which contains uncooked eggs
Other Precautions To Be Taken In Food Habits
The amount of fluid intake should also be restricted to reduce pressure on kidney. If you are suffering from multiple myeloma and your kidneys are working well enough, you should take care of them so that they are not damaged. Planning and following proper diet should be done from the very beginning so that kidney damaged is minimized. The intake of salt, alcohol, protein, calcium, potassium and phosphorus should be minimized.
Conclusion
A condition, in which the number of blood plasma cells increases in the form multiple tumors usually within the bones and bone marrow, is known as multiple myeloma. There are some foods which should be avoided in multiple myeloma. Avoiding certain foods is a part of the treatment and should be done to make life easier. It is always advice that a dietician should be consulted before choosing the right food and avoiding the wrong ones. Avoiding foods which are high in potassium and phosphorus reduces the pressure on kidney.
Also Read:
- What is Multiple Myeloma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis, Life Expectancy
- Is There A Link Between Multiple Myeloma and Kidney Failure?
- How Did I Get Multiple Myeloma & Who Is At Risk?
- What Is The Best Treatment For Multiple Myeloma?
- What Kind Of Pain Is Associated With Multiple Myeloma?
- Is Multiple Myeloma A Fatal Disease?
- What Are The First Signs Of Multiple Myeloma?
