Leukemia is a style 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 weight loss program for leukemia patients could 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 weight loss program mainly due to side-effects from the treatment. It will be important to incorporate quite a lot of fluids of their weight loss program to compensate for electrolyte loss while nutrient dense foods are suggested for individuals who have lost lots 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 weight loss program 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 more likely to have unintended 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

Initially, hydration is crucial aspect in nutrition for cancer patients. Liquid foods are most helpful.

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

PROBIOTICS

Cancer patients even have unintended 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 is just not good as they result in decreased absorption of vitamins and minerals, as per Dr Gorey. She as an alternative suggests a weight loss program hat is fibre-rich.

CAUTION DURING NEUTROPENIC DIET

Patients undergoing chemotherapy are prescribed neutropenic weight loss program which is a weight loss program for weakened immune system and lots of foods items are prohibited like raw foods akin to vegatables and fruits in order that the probabilities of infection could be greatly reduced. Even dairy, fresh fruit juices, eggs, meats, nuts are avoided on this weight loss program.

“Raw chutney or mayonnaise (may contain raw eggs) have to be avoided in neutropenic weight loss program. Almond milk, soya milk, peanut butter, coconut milk could be regarded as alternate foods sources wealthy in fats and protein,” says the dietician.

COLOURFUL VEGGIES AND FRUITS

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

The expert says weight loss program needs to be tailormade specifically for the patient depending on the therapy they’re taking and the way much they’re eating.

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