From Plate to Power

From Plate to Power: How Nutritional Changes Can Support You During Blood Cancer Treatment

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with blood cancer for some time, you may have questions about how to support your nutritional needs. Your health journey may involve various challenges, and one of the most important is ensuring your dietary needs are met. Nutrition plays a vital role during treatment, not just in maintaining your strength, but in helping your body recover and fight infection. Blood cancer treatments, including stem cell or bone marrow transplant, can be tough on your body. In this blog, we will talk about the food on your plate and how it can power you through your treatment and support your healing process.

Good nutrition can make a difference in how you feel during treatment. It supports:

• Rebuilding healthy blood cells and tissues
• Preventing muscle loss
• Improving energy levels
• Strengthens the immune system

However, treatment can make eating challenging due to the side effects such as:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation and diarrhea
• Changes in taste and smell
• Fatigue

What Types of Foods Should I Be Eating

A well-balanced diet includes a variety of foods that help meet your body’s needs for calories and protein. Aim to include the following:

• Leafy greens and fruits are rich in antioxidants and fiber
• Whole grains contain complex carbs that are a source of fuel
• Eggs, dairy products, beans, and nuts- for protein intake
• Healthy fats and oils- like olive oil and avocados- for satiety, increasing the feeling of fullness
• Omega-3s – found in fatty fish, seeds, nuts, and some vegetables to help reduce inflammation.

If you’re having trouble eating or only certain foods appeal to you, choose the foods that you can tolerate and enjoy. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help alleviate nausea, so instead of having larger meals, aim to divide your food intake into 5 to 6 smaller meals. Consider making a list of your favorite foods and keeping them on hand. It’s also helpful to prepare snacks and small meals in advance and take them with you when you travel.

Staying hydrated is also important. Try flavoring your water with lemon or drinking sparkling water if plain water is unappealing. Remember to track your fluid intake and limit caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Try to minimize or avoid the consumption of:

• Processed meats (i.e., bacon, ham, sausages, deli meats) are high in additives, including nitrates, which are used as a preservative
• White rice and white bread- substitute whole grains instead due to the low fibre content
• Sugary snacks, cereals, and beverages
• Fast foods are high in sodium
• Alcohol, unless approved by your doctor

It’s also important to make sure that your beverages contain adequate electrolytes. Be mindful that while sports drinks can replenish electrolytes, some contain excessive sugar, so it’s essential to check the labels.

How to Involve Members of Your Healthcare Team

There are several healthcare professionals who can help guide your dietary choices:

• Oncologist/Hematologist: Oversees treatments and monitors your blood counts. It is important to know your blood counts; for example, if your white count is low, you are at increased risk of infection. This means you are at greater risk for food-borne illnesses. Your Oncologist can also refer you to a dietitian.
• Oncology nurse: Provides ongoing education, emotional support, and symptom management tips.
• Registered or Oncology Dietician: A dietitian can create a personalized meal plan to help you manage treatment side effects like weight loss and ensure you get adequate protein, calories, and essential nutrients. You can ask your oncologist for a referral to a dietitian or schedule a free one-on-one consultation with an expert oncology dietitian through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Click here for more information.
• Pharmacist: Certain foods may interact with your medications, so it’s important to know how to manage these interactions. A pharmacist can advise you on which foods and supplements might affect your treatment. They can also suggest medications to help manage side effects like nausea and vomiting.
• Social Worker or Case Manager: Social workers can connect you with community resources that provide meal prep and delivery services, as well as financial assistance for your nutritional needs. Ask your oncologist for a referral to a social worker. One organization to consider is Movable Feast, which supports blood cancer patients in the Baltimore area with meal prep, dietitian and delivery services.
  Another resource to consider is Meals with Heroes, a community initiative organized by There Goes My Hero. This event takes place every third Wednesday of the month, where volunteers prepare and serve meals to patients and their caregivers. For more information, click here.
• Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs): Some treatments can cause swallowing difficulty known as dysphagia. If you are having trouble swallowing, SLPs can perform swallowing assessments and recommend safe food textures and liquid consistencies for you to try.

Working with your care team ensures that dietary choices are safe, supportive, and tailored to you.

Food Safety

Cancer treatments can suppress your immune system, making you more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Take these precautions:

• Avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, eggs, and unpasteurized products
• Clean sink and countertops thoroughly after rinsing raw poultry or meats
• Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, even if you plan to peel them
• Refrigerate foods promptly and store leftovers safely
• Check expiration dates and discard questionable items
• Wash dish towels frequently
• Clean your hands and surfaces often to prevent cross-contamination.

Take Aways

The journey through blood cancer treatment can be challenging, but the nutritional choices you make at the table can provide strength, comfort, and a sense of control. Following a personalized dietary plan can boost your energy levels and aid in recovery. It’s essential to listen to your body and utilize the resources offered by your healthcare team. By doing this, you can turn your plate into a source of power, nourishing hope, healing, and resilience.