A cancer diagnosis is an unsettling and unnerving time. From researching treatments to finding out how to adjust your life to fit your diagnosis, it can be stressful to figure out how to best take care of yourself.
However, in addition to medication and treatment, diet adjustments play a vital role in staying healthy.
With a multiple myeloma diagnosis, it is essential to eat a diet rich in micronutrients that specifically help with bodily functions. Read these tips on how to be mindful in your diet adjustments and eat for better health.
Iron
Since multiple myeloma is cancer within blood plasma, it is essential to consume iron.
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The malignant plasma cells may start to outnumber your healthy blood cells, causing anemia.
To avoid this, eat foods high in iron to maintain red blood cell levels. Red meats, beans, lentils, and leafy greens are especially high in iron and can fit into any diet. If meat is not in your diet, make sure to eat a substantial volume of beans and leafy greens to ensure you are getting the micronutrients you need.
Vitamins and Minerals
Multiple myeloma can make it difficult to eat or wipes your appetite completely. This can cause you to be deficient in many micronutrients that are needed for healthy bodily functioning.
If you cannot get these through a balanced diet, then consider taking supplements under the advice of a doctor. In addition to iron, vitamin D and fish oil make a difference in how you feel throughout the day. Both of these nutrients aid in bone health.
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Fish oil also has been connected to better mental health outcomes, such as reduced symptoms of depression. While not a cure, this supplement may help you feel better on the inside and outside. As always, talk through this decision with your doctor before taking any supplements.
While it is better to get the micronutrients through whole foods, supplements can be a beneficial option when needed.
Fruits and vegetables
It’s always important to eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables. Nonetheless, this becomes even more important after a multiple myeloma diagnosis. Fruits and vegetables are valuable due to their fiber content.
If you choose to use chemotherapy as a treatment, fiber will help prevent constipation through breaking down food and clearing it out of your bowels.
Fruits with skins on them (i.e. apples, pears) are good, natural sources of fiber that can be used as a snack and are generally easy to digest. Other foods like oatmeal, whole grains, dried fruits, and vegetables are also good options when looking for fiber.
Finding the right cancer treatment for you is an important step to take between you and your care team.
However, making adjustments in your diet can also be part of the treatment process that gives you more control and autonomy. Take careful consideration of what you are putting into your body and how that food is helping you function.
Being mindful about your eating habits is a simple way to help you feel better during your treatment journey.
