What foods should be included in a diet for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?
A nutritious diet for CLL focuses on supporting your immune system, maintaining energy levels, and helping you feel your best. Here are the key foods to include:
Fruits and Vegetables
Aim for a colorful variety to get diverse vitamins and minerals Show Full Answer
What foods should be included in a diet for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?
A nutritious diet for CLL focuses on supporting your immune system, maintaining energy levels, and helping you feel your best. Here are the key foods to include:
Fruits and Vegetables
Aim for a colorful variety to get diverse vitamins and minerals. The fiber supports digestion and healthy gut bacteria, which is essential for immune function. Try to eat at least five servings of vegetables daily in different colors and two servings of fruit.
Lean Proteins
These help maintain muscle mass and immune function. Good options include:
* Seafood (especially fatty fish rich in omega-3s)
* Poultry
* Eggs
* Beans and legumes
* Nuts and seeds
* Tofu
Whole Grains
Choose options like 100% whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, and buckwheat. These provide fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, and antioxidants while supporting heart health and blood sugar control.
Low-Fat Dairy or Alternatives
These provide calcium and protein. If you prefer nondairy options, choose fortified almond or soy milk.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
* High-sugar foods and drinks (they can cause energy crashes)
* Ultra-processed foods high in added sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats
* Certain raw foods like undercooked meat, runny eggs, raw seafood, and unpasteurized dairy (due to infection risk)
Always wash fresh produce thoroughly and cook foods to safe temperatures since CLL can make you more vulnerable to foodborne illness.
February 19