Diet During Chemotherapy

Neutropenia- Patients with cancer may have a low white blood cell count (WBC) for a variety of reasons, some of which include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or the cancer itself. One type of white blood cell, neutrophils, is especially important in fighting infections. A shortage of neutrophils is called neutropenia.

Neutropenia makes the patient susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections, which may at times be life-threatening.

A neutropenic diet is a low-bacteria diet that would decrease the amount of bacteria that may be ingested in foods and beverages. This diet reduces the chances of infection developing in patients with weakened immune systems. Here are some suggestions to assist patients in preventing infections related to neutropenia.

• Check the expiry dates on food and do not buy or use it if the product is out of date.
• Thaw foods in the microwave- never thaw foods at room temperature.
• Cook foods immediately after thawing.
• Personal hygiene and environmental hygiene have to be maintained.
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
• Cook all meat, poultry, and fish thoroughly using a pressure cooker.
• Buy individually packaged foods, which are better than larger portions that result in leftovers.
• Limit exposure to large groups of people and people who have infections.
• Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of bacteria.

AVOID

• Avoid fresh uncooked foods, such as fruits, raw eggs, and raw vegetables.
• Avoid old, moldy, or damaged fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid tofu/ paneer in open bins or containers.
• Avoid eating out and avoid eating raw vegetable salads and raw thin-skinned fruits.
• Do not buy or use food in cans that are swollen, dented, or damaged.
• Avoid raw fish.

FOODS ALLOWED AND EXCLUDED IN NEUTROPENIA