There is no specific diet for patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), diseases that affect blood-forming cells and have a major impact on quality of life. There is no diet that has a specific impact on certain indicators of disease, such as platelet counts or hematocrit. However, a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of major complications, such as those affecting the cardiovascular system. In general, therefore, patients with Mpn are advised to follow suit the Mediterranean diet, already extensively studied for its benefits in the prevention and management of numerous diseases, including cancers. This is what an article published in ‘Allies for Health‘, portal dedicated to medical-scientific information created by Novartis.
To try to demonstrate a specific action of this diet on people with myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia – reads the article – it is currently underway a clinical study of 900 people with myeloproliferative diseaseswhich began after a first trial had demonstrated the feasibility for patients to follow this diet.
No ban, but strong recommendation a limit the intake of red meats and cheeses, as well as animal fats, coffee and alcohol in general. Be careful even with simple sugars and processed foods. Better prefer to a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, fish, wholemeal flours and season exclusively with extra virgin olive oil. In this way it is possible to keep fit and at the same time decrease some cardiovascular risk factors, such as LDL cholesterol, better known as ‘bad cholesterol’.
Some symptoms of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms and the therapies patients undergo – abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea – can make it difficult to eat adequately. It is therefore important not only to follow a balanced and healthy diet – reports the article – but also assess nutritional status to avoid malnutrition. In case of major side effects or weight loss, you need to discuss with your doctor which diet is best for you.
The full article is available on: https://www.alleatiperlasalute.it/una-mela-al-giorno/cibi-da-evitare-se-hai-una-neoplasia-mieloproliferativa-cronica.
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