Diet and Nutrition Considerations for Individuals with HCL
Before Treatment
Diets in which two-thirds of the nutrients come from plant sources are considered the healthiest way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Having a healthy weight is an important goal for individuals with cancer, including hairy cell leukemia.
Making small changes, such as choosing leaner meats (e.g., substituting turkey bacon for pork products) can improve one’s overall diet. It’s also important to limit consumption of processed foods and red meat. According to the American Institute of Cancer Research, individuals should consume less than 18 ounces of red meat per week. And people should be cautious of charred foods as the high temperatures they are cooked in can create carcinogens.
MyPlate is a tool from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help people portion meals and ensure an appropriate amount from each food group. You can learn more at www.myplate.gov.
During Treatment
Side effect management is vital during cancer treatment. Some side effects of chemotherapy can include weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea and change in bowel movements.
If weight loss is an issue, patients can weigh themselves once a week and discuss any trends they notice with their health care provider. Another common side effect of cancer treatment is early satiety, or the loss of appetite. Patients who struggle with this side effect are encouraged to eat small meals every two to three hours. Having easy access to protein packed snacks can also help patients get the nutrients they need.
Some patients may struggle with loss of appetite due to chemotherapy affecting their ability to taste. In these instances, patients can switch to plastic utensils to limit the metallic taste and try mints or ginger products to help with nausea. There are cancer fighting foods which can be beneficial during treatment. Green tea is known to inhibit cancer cell growth while mushroom and turmeric both have anti-inflammatory properties. Gradually implementing these foods into one’s diet can be beneficial.
Some newly diagnosed patients may be watching and managing their symptoms, and do not need to start treatment immediately. These patients should be more cautious about food safety since they may be immunocompromised. They may be more susceptible to food-born illness and should ensure that their foods are cooked thoroughly and that their produce is washed well.
Healthy Eating Tips After Treatment
It is imperative to follow a healthy diet post treatment. Many patients are concerned with whether to purchase organic fruits and vegetables. Research has shown that nutrients start deteriorating as soon as fruits and vegetables are picked. The freshness of produce has a bigger impact on nutritional content than whether it is organic. Overall, there is no evidence that organic produce is more nutritious, so the decision is largely up to patient preference. The higher cost of organic produce is a factor for patients to consider.
Patients should avoid artificial sweeteners and instead consume simple sugars such as those found in fruits and vegetables. Patients should also monitor their alcohol consumption. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends no more than two glasses a day for men and no more than one a day for women. Overconsumption of alcohol can negatively impact the liver.
Source
A webinar on October 12, 2021 served as a primary source for this blog post.
Author Information
We gratefully acknowledge the work of Kuyili Velagapudi, Spring 2022 Communications Intern. Kuyili is a Public Health and Communication Studies student at The College of New Jersey.