MyLeukemiaTeam

What are the nutrition and diet recommendations for someone living with AML?

Good nutrition plays a really important role in supporting your body during and after AML treatment. The general goal is to follow a plant-based or Mediterranean-style diet — think plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and Show Full Answer

What are the nutrition and diet recommendations for someone living with AML?

Good nutrition plays a really important role in supporting your body during and after AML treatment. The general goal is to follow a plant-based or Mediterranean-style diet — think plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while keeping saturated fats (like butter and fried foods) to under 10% of your daily calories.

Here are some key dietary focus areas:

- Antioxidants – A plant-rich diet helps maximize antioxidant intake, which supports your immune system
- Fiber – Women need at least 25g/day, men at least 35g/day; however, if you experience nausea, a lower-fiber diet may be recommended
- Iron – AML can cause anemia, so eating iron-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, spinach, and legumes is important
- Vitamin B12 & Folic Acid – These support red blood cell health; good sources include clams, salmon, eggs, spinach, and broccoli
- Vitamin D – Found in salmon, sardines, kale, fortified cereals, and milk

Always check with your doctor before making major dietary changes, as individual needs can vary. Staying Hydrated

Water is your best friend here. Try to limit sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sweetened teas. If plain water isn't your thing, adding fresh fruit or trying low-sugar electrolyte drinks can help. Alcohol should be kept to a minimum — no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.

As one MyLeukemiaTeam member shared, "I quit drinking soda and stopped eating sweets and I feel amazing." Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Keeping a healthy weight during treatment is important, but it can be tough if you're dealing with nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. In those cases, focus on nutrient-dense, calorie-rich foods like:

- Nuts and nut butters
- Avocados
- Beans
- Chicken and fish
- Yogurt

Smoothies and soups are great options if solid food feels like too much — they're easy ways to sneak in nutritious ingredients. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can also help you get enough calories.

One MyLeukemiaTeam member noted, "I eliminated the sugar and processed food... I have felt much better since then." A Note on Kidney Health

Some people with AML may experience kidney-related issues. If your lab results flag anything, your doctor may recommend limiting:

- High-potassium foods – oranges, bananas, spinach
- High-phosphorus foods – cheese, peanut butter, nuts
- High-sodium foods – packaged snacks, condiments, takeout

Always follow your care team's specific guidance on this, as it depends on your individual bloodwork.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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