Leukemia is a kind of blood cancer where body’s blood forming cells or tissues are affected including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Leukemia can affect people of all age groups; while some types are common in children others affect mostly elderly and young too. The therapy for leukemia differs from patient to patient and depending upon the side-effects, the food regimen for leukemia patients will be designed in consultation with a dietician. Symptoms of leukemia differ depending on its type but a few of the common ones are fever, chills, fatigue, weakness, weight reduction, easy bleeding or bruising, nosebleeds, excessive sweating, bone pain amongst others. (Also read: What’s leukemia and why it happens; warning signs to look at out for)

Individuals with leukemia have a really poor food regimen mainly due to side-effects from the treatment. It will be important to incorporate quite a lot of fluids of their food regimen to compensate for electrolyte loss while nutrient dense foods are suggested for individuals who have lost quite a lot of weight. It is suggested to eat lot of vibrant veggies and fruits when affected by leukemia because it helps supply the body with essential antioxidants.

“We want to have a look at a holistic approach while considering food regimen for leukemia patients. Such patients have a really poor appetite. More so because their treatment is so intense that they undergo cycles of chemotherapy, radiation and other therapies. There are prone to have unwanted side effects,” says Dr Varsha Gorey, Senior Clinical Dietitian, HOD, Dietetics Departments, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai in a telephonic conversation with HT Digital.

NEED FOR HYDRATION

At the start, hydration is a very powerful aspect in nutrition for cancer patients. Liquid foods are most helpful.

“The cells of leukemia patients are dehydrated and want quite a lot of nourishment. We are able to ensure good hydration through so simple as coconut water, lime water, watermelon, dal soups, chicken broth. We must always provide food in type of fluids in order to satisfy the electrolytes requirement,” says Dr Gorey.

PROBIOTICS

Cancer patients even have unwanted side effects in type of digestive issues like constipation. One can provide probiotics. It’s to be noted that many individuals overuse laxatives for constipation but reliance on laxatives isn’t good as they result in decreased absorption of vitamins and minerals, as per Dr Gorey. She as an alternative suggests a food regimen hat is fibre-rich.

CAUTION DURING NEUTROPENIC DIET

Patients undergoing chemotherapy are prescribed neutropenic food regimen which is a food regimen for weakened immune system and plenty of foods items are prohibited like raw foods similar to vegetables and fruit in order that the probabilities of infection will be greatly reduced. Even dairy, fresh fruit juices, eggs, meats, nuts are avoided on this food regimen.

“Raw chutney or mayonnaise (may contain raw eggs) should be avoided in neutropenic food regimen. Almond milk, soya milk, peanut butter, coconut milk will be regarded as alternate foods sources wealthy in fats and protein,” says the dietician.

COLOURFUL VEGGIES AND FRUITS

Dr Gorey says quite a lot of vibrant fruits and veggies must be added to the food regimen of leukemia patients as they assist provide various antioxidants in lots of forms. Vitamin C and E are very essential. It will be important to offer a balanced food regimen to the patient and calorie-dense foods should be added for individuals who have lost weight during treatment. Whole banana, sweet potato, are good snacks for cancer patients.

The expert says food regimen must be tailormade specifically for the patient depending on the therapy they’re taking and the way much they’re eating.

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