Understanding Multiple Myeloma's Impact on Your Diet
Multiple myeloma affects the plasma cells in your bone marrow, leading to several health complications that necessitate careful dietary management. The disease and its treatments, such as chemotherapy, can weaken your immune system, increase the risk of infection, and place a strain on vital organs, especially the kidneys. Nutritional choices play a critical role in supporting your body during this time, and understanding what to avoid is as important as knowing what to include.
The Danger of Infection: Raw and Undercooked Foods
Due to a compromised immune system, multiple myeloma patients are highly susceptible to foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella. The neutropenic diet, which is sometimes recommended, emphasizes strict food safety to minimize this risk.
Foods to avoid include:
- Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood: This means no sushi, rare steaks, or raw oysters. All meat should be cooked to its recommended internal temperature.
- Runny or uncooked eggs: Avoid raw cookie dough, mayonnaise made with raw eggs, and sunny-side-up eggs. Eggs should be cooked until both the yolk and white are firm.
- Unpasteurized dairy products and juices: These products have not been treated to kill harmful bacteria. Always check labels for the word "pasteurized" on milk, cheese, and juices.
- Unwashed or bruised fruits and vegetables: While a healthy diet should include produce, raw options can carry bacteria. During periods of low immunity, your doctor might recommend sticking to cooked or thoroughly peeled options.
- Raw sprouts: Alfalfa, clover, or radish sprouts are notorious for carrying bacteria and should be avoided entirely.
- Deli meats (unless reheated): Processed and cured meats like hot dogs or salami can contain bacteria. These should be avoided unless reheated to a safe temperature.
Protecting Kidney Function
Multiple myeloma can cause damage to the kidneys as they work to filter extra protein and calcium from the bloodstream. To help protect these vital organs, adjustments to nutrient intake are often necessary.
- High-sodium processed foods: Packaged and processed foods, fast food, and salty snacks are often loaded with sodium, which can increase blood pressure and further strain the kidneys.
- High-potassium foods (if advised): Depending on your kidney function, your doctor might advise limiting high-potassium foods. This can include avocados, bananas, oranges, and tomatoes.
- High-phosphorus foods (if advised): Similar to potassium, phosphorus intake may need to be monitored. Foods high in phosphorus include processed meats and certain dark sodas.
Addressing Treatment-Related Side Effects
Treatments for multiple myeloma can cause side effects that impact appetite and digestion. Certain foods can aggravate these symptoms and are best avoided.
- Nausea: Greasy, fatty, or fried foods can worsen nausea. Avoid strong-smelling foods and stick to bland, easily digestible options like crackers or toast.
- Mouth Sores: Acidic, spicy, and crunchy foods can irritate painful mouth sores. Stick to soft, mild foods like pudding, soup, or mashed potatoes.
- Diarrhea: High-fiber, greasy, or spicy foods can exacerbate diarrhea. Your doctor might recommend a low-fiber diet, often referred to as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), to manage this side effect.
- Constipation: While increasing fiber is usually recommended for constipation, sometimes treatments can cause severe issues requiring different management. For general constipation, increasing fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with hydration, is helpful.
Managing Blood Sugar and Inflammation
Some research suggests that a diet high in inflammation-causing foods and simple carbohydrates may have negative outcomes for myeloma patients.
- Added sugars and simple carbohydrates: Sweetened drinks, candy, pastries, and white rice can cause blood sugar spikes. It's recommended to limit these and choose complex carbohydrates instead, like whole grains.
- Inflammatory foods: Highly processed foods, trans fats, and excessive red and processed meats are known to promote inflammation and are generally best limited.
Comparison: Foods to Avoid vs. Safer Alternatives
| Category | Foods to Avoid | Safer Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Infection Risk | Raw/undercooked meat, fish, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy | Fully cooked meats, fish, and eggs; pasteurized milk, cheese, and juice |
| Kidney Strain | High-sodium processed foods, alcohol | Fresh, whole foods; use herbs instead of salt; moderate alcohol, if any |
| Side Effects (Nausea) | Greasy, fried foods; strong odors | Bland, easily digestible foods like crackers, toast, or plain yogurt |
| Side Effects (Mouth Sores) | Spicy, acidic, crunchy foods | Soft, mild foods like soups, mashed potatoes, or pudding |
| Inflammation/Blood Sugar | Added sugars, refined grains, processed meats | Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins like fish or poultry |
The Importance of Professional Guidance
While these guidelines provide a general overview, it is crucial to work closely with your healthcare team, including an oncologist and a registered dietitian. Your specific needs, treatment plan, and any other health conditions will determine the best dietary approach for you. Always consult with a professional before making any significant changes to your diet or taking supplements, as they can interact with medications.
Conclusion
Navigating dietary choices with multiple myeloma involves prioritizing food safety to combat a weakened immune system, protecting kidney function, and managing treatment side effects. Avoiding raw foods, excess sodium, and inflammatory agents while focusing on a balanced, nutrient-dense diet is key to supporting your overall health during this period. By working with your medical team and making informed food choices, you can better manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
