What Foods Are Good for Myelofibrosis?

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Research has demonstrated that chronic inflammation is a key feature of myelofibrosis, making diet a significant tool for symptom management. A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods is highly recommended for people with myelofibrosis to help improve quality of life.

Quick Summary

An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage myelofibrosis symptoms. This involves prioritizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods, red meat, and excess sugar. Eating smaller, frequent meals can also help manage discomfort from an enlarged spleen.

Key Points

Prioritize Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Center your diet around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like those found in oily fish and nuts to combat chronic inflammation.
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Manage discomfort and early fullness caused by an enlarged spleen by consuming 4-6 smaller meals daily instead of three large ones.
Support Your Immune System: Focus on proper food safety and hygiene, and avoid raw or unpasteurized products, as myelofibrosis and its treatments can weaken the immune system.
Counter Anemia with Nutrients: Address fatigue related to anemia by incorporating foods rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate, such as lentils, beans, and properly cooked lean meats.
Limit Processed and Sugary Foods: Reduce your intake of ultra-processed snacks, fast food, and sugary drinks, as they can increase systemic inflammation.
Consult a Dietitian: Work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to tailor a nutrition plan that addresses your specific symptoms and needs.

A diagnosis of myelofibrosis (MF), a rare blood cancer, brings with it a host of challenges and symptoms, from extreme fatigue to an enlarged spleen. While medical treatment is crucial, a supportive diet can play a significant role in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. The cornerstone of a beneficial diet for myelofibrosis is a focus on anti-inflammatory and nutrient-dense foods, while minimizing items that can trigger or worsen inflammation.

The Role of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Chronic inflammation is a known driver of many myelofibrosis symptoms. Abnormally high levels of inflammatory cytokines are often present in people with MPNs (myeloproliferative neoplasms), including MF. Choosing foods with anti-inflammatory properties can help counteract this process. The Mediterranean diet, in particular, is being studied for its potential benefits in reducing inflammation and symptom burden in MPN patients.

Anti-inflammatory powerhouses

Berries: Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are excellent choices.
Green Leafy Vegetables: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with vitamins and minerals that support immune function.
Oily Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish such as salmon, sardines, and tuna can help regulate the body's inflammatory response.
Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, and quinoa are high in fiber and can help support gut health, while refined grains should be limited.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseed provide healthy fats and micronutrients.
Turmeric: This spice contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound.
Healthy Oils: Extra-virgin olive oil and avocado oil are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats.

Limiting pro-inflammatory foods

Conversely, certain foods and beverages can promote inflammation and should be restricted.

Processed Foods: Sugary cereals, fast food, and ultra-processed snacks offer little nutritional value and can contribute to inflammation.
Sugary Drinks: Sodas and sweetened beverages can disrupt blood sugar regulation and increase inflammation.
Excessive Alcohol: Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with increased inflammation and should be limited.
Red and Processed Meats: High intake of red meat and processed meats has been linked to increased inflammation and should be minimized.

Managing Specific Myelofibrosis Symptoms Through Diet

Certain dietary modifications can directly address common symptoms and side effects of myelofibrosis and its treatments.

Addressing an enlarged spleen

Many MF patients experience an enlarged spleen, which can cause early fullness, decreased appetite, and abdominal discomfort. To manage this:

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, opt for 4-6 smaller, nutrient-dense meals throughout the day.
Choose Easy-to-Digest Foods: Opt for cooked vegetables over raw ones, as they may be easier on the digestive system.

Combating anemia and fatigue

Anemia is common in myelofibrosis and can lead to fatigue and weakness. Focusing on specific nutrients can help.

Foods Rich in Iron, B12, and Folate: Include sources like properly cooked lean red meat, lentils, beans, and leafy greens.
Include Vitamin D Sources: Vitamin D aids in nutrient absorption and can be found in fortified products like milk and yogurt, as well as egg yolks.

Food Safety and Immune System Support

Myelofibrosis and its treatments can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. Proper food handling is essential.

Avoid Raw or Undercooked Foods: This includes raw meat, fish (like sushi), and uncooked eggs.
Thoroughly Cook and Wash Produce: Ensure all fruits and vegetables are properly washed before eating or peeling.
Use Pasteurized Products: Stick to pasteurized dairy products and juices to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands, counters, and utensils frequently to prevent cross-contamination.

Comparison of Anti-inflammatory vs. Pro-inflammatory Foods


Feature	Anti-Inflammatory Foods	Pro-Inflammatory Foods
Best Examples	Berries, leafy greens, oily fish, whole grains	Processed snacks, sugary drinks, red meat, fried foods
Key Nutrients	Antioxidants, Omega-3s, Fiber, Vitamins, Minerals	Trans fats, saturated fats, refined carbs, excess sugar
Impact on Body	Reduces systemic inflammation, supports immune system	Increases systemic inflammation, provides low nutritional value
Recommendation	Emphasize these foods, forming the core of your diet	Minimize or avoid to help reduce symptom burden
Example Meal	Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli	Burger with white bread bun and French fries

Conclusion

While there is no single cure-all diet for myelofibrosis, adopting a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory eating pattern can have a positive impact on managing symptoms and improving overall health. By prioritizing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and minimizing processed, high-sugar, and high-fat items, patients can support their body's immune system and reduce systemic inflammation. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to create a personalized nutrition plan that best fits your specific needs and treatment regimen. The principles of a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and hydration, are powerful tools in a patient's self-care arsenal. For further research on the role of nutrition in MPNs, you can refer to resources from reputable organizations like the MPN Research Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there is no single official diet, an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet is generally recommended for myelofibrosis patients. This typically involves high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, similar to the Mediterranean diet.

For those with an enlarged spleen, eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help manage early fullness, decreased appetite, and abdominal discomfort. Choosing softer, easy-to-digest foods may also be beneficial.

Yes, it is best to limit or avoid processed foods, sugary drinks and snacks, excessive alcohol, and red and processed meats, as these can increase inflammation. Additionally, patients with weakened immune systems should avoid raw or undercooked foods.

To help with anemia and associated fatigue, include foods rich in iron, Vitamin B12, and folate. Examples include properly cooked red meat, lentils, leafy greens, and fortified cereals.

Patients with a weakened immune system due to myelofibrosis or its treatments should be cautious with food safety. It is crucial to wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly, or opt for cooked vegetables, to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Yes, some spices like turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can be beneficial. Incorporating various herbs and spices can also enhance flavor, which is helpful if treatment alters taste perception.

Staying well-hydrated is very important. Water helps transport nutrients, flush out toxins, and can mitigate side effects like constipation. Herbal teas and water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon are also great options.