Could Diet Impact Lymphoma Treatment? Suggested Dietary Choices and Restrictions
In the realm of diet and health, the Mediterranean diet has gained significant attention for its potential cancer-preventive properties. This plant-based eating style, rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats, has been found to help reduce the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
At the heart of this diet's benefits lie several key mechanisms. High antioxidant intake from fruits, vegetables, and nuts combats oxidative damage to cells, a known contributor to cancer development. The diet's anti-inflammatory effects, achieved through the emphasis on unsaturated fats from olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids, help reduce chronic inflammation, which is implicated in lymphomagenesis and other cancers.
Moreover, the Mediterranean diet supports immune health, potentially helping the body to detect and eliminate abnormal lymphocytes before they develop into malignancies. By replacing red and processed meats with fish, white meat, and plant-based proteins, the diet reduces intake of carcinogenic compounds associated with some cancer types. Additionally, this diet helps manage weight and maintain hormonal balance, lowering cancer risk factors related to metabolic syndrome.
However, it's important to note that the alkaline diet, which limits protein and other nutrients, may not be the best choice for maintaining overall health. Instead, focusing on nutrient-dense, calorie-rich foods like eggs, nuts, seeds, nut butters, full-fat dairy products, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended.
For those undergoing lymphoma treatment, maintaining muscle mass is crucial for feeling better. Eating enough quality protein foods and engaging in physical activity can help achieve this. Trying new foods during treatment can also help as taste preferences may change.
It's also worth mentioning that supplements, including multivitamins and herbs, do not help treat or prevent lymphoma. Sufficient vitamin D levels, however, are crucial for proper immune system function and can be beneficial during lymphoma treatment.
The ketogenic diet, on the other hand, could pose risks for people going through lymphoma treatment, such as unwanted weight loss, kidney problems, or other health issues.
It's essential to remember that each person's ideal lymphoma diet varies based on preferences and side effects experienced. Consulting a registered dietitian can help determine how much protein is needed and which types of protein to eat.
Lastly, it's important to distinguish between Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While Hodgkin lymphoma is characterised by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells, non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not have these cells. Common types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and follicular lymphoma (FL).
In conclusion, adopting a plant-based Mediterranean diet could be a step towards a healthier lifestyle that includes cancer risk reduction, particularly for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity are all important for overall health and wellbeing, especially during lymphoma treatment.
- The Mediterranean diet's anti-cancer benefits are linked to its high antioxidant content from fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which combat oxidative cell damage, a risk factor for cancer development.
- The diet's anti-inflammatory effects, due to the inclusion of unsaturated fats like those from olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids, may help reduce the risk of chronic inflammation implicated in lymphomagenesis and other cancers.
- The Mediterranean diet's focus on plant-based proteins rather than red and processed meats can help lower intake of carcinogenic compounds associated with certain cancer types.
- For individuals undergoing lymphoma treatment, maintaining muscle mass is crucial for feeling better. Eating enough quality protein foods and engaging in physical activity can help achieve this, while trying new foods during treatment can also help with taste preferences.
