Leukemia is an uncommon blood cancer that disturbs the production of white blood cells (WBC). These aberrant WBCs start to multiply in an uncontrolled manner, and this rapid growth of cells occurs in the bone marrow. In this blog we will discuss some foods that kill leukemia cells.
At times a bruise takes too long to heal, you feel more tired than normal or you feel sick regularly. These changes that are small may not seem to be of great consequence, but they can sometimes turn out to be early symptoms of leukemia. Leukemia patients, if they adopt healthy food habits with fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, reduce the risk of complications. Also, consuming these foods that kill leukemia cells helps the body recover blood and tissue cells harmed during treatment of cancer.
Foods that Can Destroy Leukemia Cells in the Body
A patient with leukemia need not follow a strict diet but as per The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the globe’s largest nonprofit health institute it recommends a healthy eating that is good for:
- Boosting the immune system
- Aiding the body in replacing blood and tissue cells that are destroyed during cancer therapy
- Assisting the individual in maintaining or regaining their strength
- Diminishing the threat of complications
Those who have leukemia, LLS advises them a diet that includes:
- A healthy diet containing green vegetables and legumes
- Whole fruits, such as apples or blueberries
- Low-fat dairy products
- Whole grains
- Proteins that are low in fat such as chicken, fish, and soy
- Healthy oil, such as olive or canola oil
- Water, tea, or coffee
1. Pomegranates and Other Fresh Fruits
Pomegranate juice is rich in ellagitannins and ellagic acid, compounds known for anticancer activity. The former compound is known for its antioxidant and cooling properties. These compounds also provide a potential benefit to prostate cancer and brain health.
Fruits available in all types and colors should be taken. Fruits are a major source of vitamin, anti-oxidants, phytonutrients, and minerals.This makes them healthy and assists in the overall health of the individual. All these substances work against cancer-cells.
A leukemia patient needs 5 to 10 portions of raw fruits and vegetables on a daily basis (one portion is equivalent to half a cup).
2. Leafy Vegetables
Some green vegetables that can be included in the diet for leukemia patients include:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
Research done on a family of green vegetables revealed that sulforaphane, a compound, could slow down the growth of certain types of leukemia and block detox pathways of carcinogens.
3. Neutropenic Diet
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can weaken the immune system and elevate the risk of foodborne infection.
When an individual has insufficient neutrophils, it gives rise to neutropenia. A low number of neutrophils elevates the dangers of infection. A physician might advise following the neutropenic diet to a patient with neutropenia. A neutropenic diet involves the abstinence of certain foods that lower bacterial exposure and include:
- Undercooked or raw meat
- Insufficiently cooked fish, shellfish, like sashimi and sushi
- Unpasteurized beverages, such as raw milk yogurt, milk, or fruit juice
- Raw or unpasteurized egg
- Soft cheese produced using unpasteurized milk
- Raw sprouts, like alfalfa sprouts
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Food served at buffets or salad bars
- Well water or water of low quality
Common Causes of Leukemia
Besides leukemia is a life threatening condition advances in medical science have increased the survival rates if initial diagnosis is done at the right time.
- Gender specific: Men are more prone to this condition rather than women.
- Smoking: An individual who smokes frequently is more likely to acquire this condition than a non smoker.
- Environmental exposure: When people work in certain factories where exposure to chemicals is high, they are at the receiving end of getting this ill-health.
- Age: Leukemia occurs at any age. It is a rare and aggressive problem for people who lie between 65 and 74 years of age.
Other Ways to Reduce the Risk of Leukemia
Certain lifestyle choices can lower the risk of this disease:
- Follow a healthy diet as it may help you to lessen the risk of any kind of health condition.
- Avoid tobacco smoking and alcohol intake.
- A regular medical check-up ensures to detect an early warning sign of blood cancer.
- Stick to good hygiene principles as it improves your overall health and well-being.
Safety Measures
Follow the below mentioned LLS safety guidelines that adhere to food safety measures:
- Make sure to rinse fruits and vegetables completely in water before cooking.
- Before every meal make sure you clean your hands with water completely.
- Keep the kitchen and all items in the kitchen neat and tidy.
- Remove outside leaves of cabbage and lettuce.
- Use different cutting boards, dishes, and utensils when preparing different food items.
- Make sure the food is cooked fully before consuming it.
- Thawing frozen items in a refrigerator rather than leaving them on a counter.
- Always look for the expiry date of packaged foods and notice the signs of spillage. Use the leftover food within 1 to 4 days that depends on the type of food.
- Keep the food in the refrigerator after 2 hours of purchase or preparation for prevention of bacteria and possible foodborne illness.
- Ready-to-eat food and food that is leftover should be refrigerated immediately after you eat.
- Once you have come from grocery shopping, as soon as you reach home, remove the perishable food items and quickly refrigerate them for further use.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods that increase the complexities of leukemia treatment include:
- Sugary foods
- Too hot or too cold food
- Alcohol
- Milk products
- Spicy food
- Caffeine
- Apple juice
- Tomatoes and ketchup
- Food that is sensitive to mouth, i.e., crunchy, sour, or salty
Conclusion
Although leukemia is a life-threatening condition, an early diagnosis and a positive attitude can greatly ameliorate the patient’s outcome. Fruits like pomegranate, carrots, and leafy vegetables, green tea, and turmeric consist of powerful phytonutrients. And these in laboratory tests have been found to selectively destroy leukemia cells and even enhance chemotherapy efficacy.
Before making any significant dietary modifications, it is better to consult with your doctor about the various foods that kill leukemia cells. Having a healthy, diverse, plant-based diet with lean meats, lots of leafy greens, healthy fats, and fewer processed foods can enhance health immunity, and potentially combat leukemia at the cellular level.
