Effective Strategies for Managing Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
Discover effective strategies to manage multiple myeloma symptoms through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies. Incorporate iron, folate, B12, and vitamin D-rich foods, boost fiber intake, and explore potential benefits of herbal supplements like curcumin. These approaches can help alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and support treatment outcomes for those diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer affecting plasma cells in the body. According to the American Cancer Society, over 30,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. While you cannot prevent the disease, certain foods and lifestyle choices can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Malignant plasma cells may cause anemia and increase infection risk. They also accelerate bone destruction and hinder new bone formation, leading to fractures. Standard treatments include chemotherapy, bisphosphonates, surgery, radiation, and stem cell transplants.
Complementary therapies such as special diets, herbal remedies, vitamins, massage, and acupressure may support treatment. While no diet directly cures multiple myeloma, proper nutrition can help prevent complications like anemia and kidney issues, and may reduce recurrence risk.
Increase Iron Intake
Foods rich in iron are vital for patients, as anemia is common in multiple myeloma. Iron helps boost red blood cell production, combating weakness and fatigue. Iron-rich foods include:
Raisins
Lean red meat
Bell peppers
Kale
Sweet potatoes
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Exotic fruits like mango, pineapple, papaya, and guava
Foods high in folate support blood cell production, including:
Asparagus
Black-eyed beans
Beef liver
Lentils
Spinach
Broccoli
Vitamin B12 also aids in blood cell formation. Deficiencies can impair red blood cell production in myeloma patients. Good sources include:
Liver
Beef
Clams
Fish
Eggs
Poultry
Dairy products
Fortified cereals
Nutritional yeast
Fortified non-dairy milks like soy, almond, and flax milk
Vitamin D is also beneficial, found in foods like:
Fortified orange juice
Fortified milk and yogurt
Egg yolks
Salmons, sardines, and tuna
Boost Dietary Fiber
Certain treatments may cause constipation. Increasing fiber intake with water helps alleviate this. High-fiber foods include:
Whole grains such as brown rice and oats
Dried fruits like figs, prunes, and apricots
Fruits like apples, oranges, and pears
Nuts, lentils, and beans
Berries
Vegetables like carrots, artichokes, and broccoli
Alternative Approaches
Research suggests that curcumin, found in turmeric, may benefit multiple myeloma patients by potentially reducing resistance to chemotherapy and enhancing drug efficacy. However, further studies are needed to confirm these effects.
