Nutrition plays a vital role in the battle against multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that starts from the bone marrow. Fatigue, loss of appetite, chronic constipation, bone pain, and weight loss are some of the commonly experienced signs of multiple myeloma. These symptoms can take a serious toll on one’s quality of life, and not keeping them under control may lead to serious health complications.
Studies and trials have found that certain types of foods may help ease the symptoms associated with this type of cancer. Listed here are the top 3 foods one can incorporate in their diet plan to get effective relief:
- Fiber-rich foods
The consumption of food items rich in fiber may help in easing the symptoms of multiple myeloma. Fiber-rich food items can be instrumental in sustaining energy levels and combating fatigue in individuals suffering from this type of cancer. Also, increasing the intake of fiber may give relief from digestive problems like constipation, which may be side effects of treatment like chemotherapy.
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that helps break down food and facilitates digestion. One should make food items replete with fiber a part of their diet to help curb the symptoms of this life-threatening condition. Some of the healthiest high-fiber foods are whole grains like brown rice, whole-grain pasta, green vegetables like broccoli and celery, fruits like apples and figs, and oatmeal. - Iron-rich foods
Research has shown that there is a strong link between multiple myeloma and anemia. Anemia is a condition that results from poor nutrition, specifically iron deficiency, making iron-rich food items an important part of the diet for patients of multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma may adversely affect the levels of key nutrients like iron in the body, and it is important to make food items like beans, lean meats, and dark leafy green vegetables a part of the diet to naturally boost iron levels. - Fruits and vegetables
The powerful antioxidant potential of fruits and vegetables makes them some of the most nutritious food items to be included in one’s diet to fight off the symptoms of this form of blood cancer. The anti-cancer properties of antioxidants may prove to be effective in providing relief from a host of painful symptoms of multiple myeloma.
Apart from being helpful with the symptoms, the consumption of fruits and vegetables may also help tackle the potential side effects of multiple myeloma treatment. They can aid in digestion and alleviate issues like constipation. However, it is important to maintain caution while consuming them, as eating raw vegetables and unclean fruits could increase the likelihood of an infection. One should ensure that they clean the fruits thoroughly and only consume fully-cooked vegetables for effective relief.
With the help of these food items, one can control the symptoms associated with this form of cancer. If amid treatment or on special medication, one should consult their doctor before making crucial modifications to their diet.
While foods are helpful, those suffering from multiple myeloma may need proper treatments. One treatment option is DARZALEX FASPRO®, which is a subcutaneous injection. It contains a combination of daratumumab, a CD38-directed cytolytic antibody, and hyaluronidase, an endoglycosidase. Another treatment option is SARCLISA®, a targeted immunotherapy that works together with the immune system to help kill myeloma cells.
