What's the best diet for someone living with CLL? While there's no single "CLL diet," making smart food choices can help manage symptoms, support your immune system, and keep your energy up.
Here are some foods to focus on:
- Colorful fruits and vegetables – packed with fiber, vitamins, and iron to support immunity and Show Full Answer
What's the best diet for someone living with CLL? While there's no single "CLL diet," making smart food choices can help manage symptoms, support your immune system, and keep your energy up.
Here are some foods to focus on:
- Colorful fruits and vegetables – packed with fiber, vitamins, and iron to support immunity and digestion
- Lean proteins – think fish, poultry, eggs, beans, legumes, nuts, and tofu to maintain muscle and immune function
- Whole grains – like oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice for sustained energy and digestive health
- Low-fat dairy or fortified alternatives – for calcium and extra protein
- Healthy oils – like olive oil to support overall health There are also some foods worth limiting or avoiding:
- High-sugar foods and drinks – they can cause energy crashes, which is the last thing needed when dealing with CLL-related fatigue
- Ultra-processed foods – often high in salt, sugar, and additives linked to inflammation
- Raw or undercooked foods – raw meat, runny eggs, raw seafood, and unpasteurized dairy carry a higher risk of foodborne illness, which is especially dangerous when the immune system is compromised A MyLeukemiaTeam member shared that keeping energy up was a real challenge: "My energy levels are low, and I need a nap every day to perk up." Diet can play a meaningful role in managing that fatigue.
One important note — if taking BTK inhibitors, grapefruit and Seville oranges (including their juices) should be avoided, as they can raise drug levels in the body to unsafe amounts.
Always check with your healthcare team or a registered dietitian before making major dietary changes, as recommendations may vary depending on treatment and individual health needs.
May 28
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