Dietary Recommendations for Better Management
Your diet helps support your health, especially when youre living with an illness.
There isnt one specific diet recommended forchronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL).
Still, the foods you eat may help to support your treatment and overall well-being.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Benefits
Many factors influence the development of illnesses likecancer.
While cancer can never be fully prevented, research suggests nutrition may play a role.
A 2021 study found an association between regularly eating highly processed foods and the odds of developing CLL.
There is no specific diet plan recommended forCLL treatment.
Instead, most recommendations focus on supporting your overall health with nutritious foods.
Most important during cancer treatment is to focus on eating enough food to prevent unintentional weight loss and malnutrition.
Your healthcare team may provide specific diet recommendations based on your health history and treatment plan.
Still, these tips offer information about general guidance for diet and CLL.
Duration
The diet plan for CLL focuses on short- and long-term goals.
Other recommendations provide a guideline for a healthy diet to support your health and well-being throughout your life.
Nutrient-dense foods provide large amounts of vitamins and minerals compared to the number of calories.
Research suggests antioxidants may help lower inflammation, protect cells from damage, and lower cancer risk.
Some people promote following aMediterranean dietduring cancer treatment.
The Mediterranean diet recommends meals rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins like fish.
Research suggests the diet may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Grains:When choosing grain products, look for whole-grain foods.
Processed grains have most of the vitamins and minerals stripped away.
In addition, these foods usually contain more calories and sugar that are more likely to spike blood sugar.
Focus on whole grain wheat products, oats, quinoa, and other unprocessed grains.
Protein supports the growth of muscle and other body functions, helping to keep you healthy during cancer treatment.
In addition, take a stab at eat plant-based protein foods like beans, legumes, and nuts.
Desserts and processed foods:Sugary foods are associated with many chronic diseases and illnesses like cancer.
have a go at limit the number of times you eat dessert and processed foods.
Beverages:Aim for unsweetened drinks, like water, unsweetened tea, and coffee.
make a run at limit alcohol consumption, juice, soda, and other sweetened drinks.
When undergoing cancer treatment, side effects like nausea, vomiting, and weight loss are common.
Eating multiple small meals throughout the day may help manage these symptoms and promote weight maintenance.
Cooking Tips
During CLL treatment, your immune system is weaker than usual.
The Mediterranean diet is one eating pattern that may benefit people with cancer.
Talk to your healthcare team about ways to address the side effects of chemotherapy or other treatments.
A Word From Verywell
Treating illnesses like cancer can feel overwhelming.
While diet alone cant treat CLL, it can help support your health during treatment.
2019;11(9):2059. doi:10.3390/nu11092059
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Diet guidelines for immunosuppressed patients.
