The Right Diet and Nutrition for Lymphoma Patients

Diet and nutrition is important for everyone. These are able to keep us healthy and feeling energized.

For those with lymphoma, it is especially crucial to have proper diet and nutrition. So here are some ways to make a few improvements, especially during treatment.

Of course, there is no one food that is able to cure lymphoma, but eating the right ones will get you through it much stronger, both physically and mentally.

Coping with loss of appetite can be difficult

Even if you are trying to make positive changes to your diet, some people struggle with the fact that they simply do not have the appetite they used to and have trouble eating the amount they need to in order to attain the proper nutrition. Here are some tips to try to get through your meals, and get enough of those important nutrients.

You should drink at least half an hour before you sit down to eat, that way you will not be automatically full. When you serve yourself, put your food on a smaller plate. It may seem silly, but psychologically this will appear more manageable than eating off of a large plate.

Remember, you don't have to stick to specific meal times. When you find yourself hungry, have something to eat. It is better to eat small amounts of food often than large meals at very spread out times. So don't be afraid of healthy snacks!

Always consult your doctor before modifying your diet

Of course, remember that it is important to consult your medical team whenever making significant changes, such as in your diet. Remember that if you have neutropenia, which is when you have low levels of neutrophils, some specific foods will need to be avoided. Also keep in mind that some nutritional supplements could interfere poorly with your medications, so always talk to your doctor first.

What does a healthy diet consist of?

We constantly hear about how crucial it is to eat healthy. But what does that really mean? It’s about so much more than including fruits and vegetables into your diet, especially for someone with a chronic disease like lymphoma.

In order to maintain a healthy diet, you need to be eating enough of the different food groups, which work together to offer nutrients, growth, and repair.

If you don't remember your food groups, they are carbohydrates (starchy foods), protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, and fiber. However, you cannot just pick any type from each - you have to select the right kind of items, and the right amounts of each, to consume.

We'll help you keep track of things to include in a healthy diet. And again, remember to speak with your healthcare team before making any changes. Read on to learn more.