Improving your diet to treat multiple myeloma

Improving your diet to treat multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer that is associated with the bone marrow in particular. This disease is a result of the blood cells known as plasma cells mutating into cancerous cells and resulting in a tumor within the bone. In the event that there is more than one tumor present, the condition is termed as multiple myeloma.

The patient diagnosed with this condition is prone to infections and anemia as a result of these cancerous cells. In general, the function of the normal plasma cells is to fight against the infection, but the presence of these myeloma cells blocks this function. There are quite a few traditional treatment options viable for dealing with multiple myeloma, but multiple myeloma natural treatments are gaining popularity as they help with pain care and management. Special diets and food form a critical element in ensuring the body’s nourishment.

1. Treating multiple myeloma through diet
When it comes to diet, there is no proven food strategy that can help cure or treat multiple myeloma. On the contrary, there are certain food strategies that you can follow to deal with the most common symptoms of this disorder, which is kidney damage and anemia. Having the right diet can also aid to a certain extent with reducing the recurrence of cancer.

Even though there is no evidence to prove how food really interacts with a person’s body, getting onto a good food regime is going to go a long way in boosting one’s overall health and generate better energy and strength to deal with multiple myeloma.

2. Specific foods for anemia
Multiple myeloma can lead to anemia as a result of the red blood cells in the body becoming deficient. As a result of this condition, the patient can end up feeling weak and fatigued very often, and this can also lead to other forms of iron, folate, and vitamin B-12 deficiencies.

3. Iron
Heme and nonheme are two types of iron present in food, wherein the former is derived from animal-based foods while the latter is derived from plant-based food. The absorption rates are higher for heme iron. In the event of iron deficiency, the patient would be advised to consume iron supplement and concentre on sticking to an iron-rich diet. Some of the best sources of iron from both animals and plants are red meat, liver, sardines, clams, chickpeas, beans, nuts, lentils, spinach, and other types of leafy greens. Adding ingredients with vitamin C will enable better absorption of iron within the body. Some of the best ways to add in vitamin C are lemon juice, oranges, berries, and bell peppers.

When you are looking to treat multiple myeloma through an effective diet strategy, it is important that you add in all ingredients required in a balanced diet, including folates, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. It is best to meet with a dietician and chart out the right meal plan so that you consume the right food sources.