People follow different diet routines in order to stay healthy and fit. Usually people choose to have low-calorie diet or weight loss diet which is meant to improve health. There is one disease that is still considered most problematic, which is cancer. We all have an idea of how life-threatening this disease can be and we should try best possible ways to prevent it. Neutropenic diet can be effective in reducing the bacterial infections caused by cancer that increases complications. Very few people know about this diet and hence it is important to discuss about foods can be beneficial in order reduce cancer risk.
What is Neutropenic Diet?
We spoke to clinical nutritionist Ms. Shilpa Singh from Fatima Hospital, Lucknow in order to understand the benefits of neutropenic diet. This diet is recommended to people that are on increases risk of developing cancer or bacterial infections. People that have weakened immune system can specifically get benefited from this diet because it boosts the production of white blood cells in the body.
Neutropenic diet is taken from neutrophils which is inadequate amount of white blood cells in the body. This diet provides nutrition that can aid people in reducing inflammation and boosting health. Since this diet reduces bacterial infections, it can be helpful in treating some general diseases as well.
Neutropenic Diet Benefits
This diet has can defend the body from several health problems including viral infections, bacterial infections and inflammation. Here are some common health conditions that can be treated with the help of neutropenic diet-
- Fever
- Pneumonia
- Sore throat
- Mouth ulcers
- Sinus infections
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Foods to Eat in Neutropenic Diet
1. Dairy products- You can eat all sorts of pasteurised milk and dairy products in this diet. You can especially include ice cream, yogurt, cheese, sour cream.
2. Starch foods- Foods containing starch in them are also beneficial in this diet. You can have all types of healthy breads, cooked pastas, chips, French toast, pancakes, sweet potatoes, beans, corns, peas, whole grains and fries.
3. Fruits in diet- fruits are very nutritious and should be atleast taken 2 times in day to provide vitamins and minerals that are part of neutropenic diet. You can also have fresh fruit juices made of thick skinned fruits such as bananas, oranges and grapefruit.
4. Protein intake- You must have heavy protein intake to reduce inflammation and provide body energy to fight with bacterial infections and viruses. You can have meat, canned meats, boiled eggs, or pasteurised eggs as substitute.
5. Limited beverages- In neutropenic diet you can also add some beverages that do not contain additives and preservatives in them. All types of water, canned drinks, coffee or brewed tea can be consumed in this diet plan.
6. Cooked Vegetables- People following this diet can have vegetables that are cooked properly or are frozen in this diet.
Foods to Avoid in Neutropenic Diet
There are certain foods that should be strictly avoided in neutropenic diet in order to prevent inflammation. You should eliminate the following foods to reduce the risk of cancer and bacterial infections that are associated with it.
1. Any type of unpasteurised dairy products that includes milk and yogurt should be avoided. You should not eat soft cheese, cheese with uncooked vegetables and other types of cheese as it can cause harm to the body.
2. Do not eat raw starchy foods that contain raw nuts, uncooked pasta, raw oats and raw grains in the body. Raw starches disturb the digestive process and affects esohpagus canal in the body.
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3. Vegetables and fruits- Try to avoid salads, uncooked herbs and spices, raw vegetables and fresh sauerkraut from your diet to get health benefits of neutropenic diet. Same goes for fruits as well, do not eat raw fruits that are unwashed, unpasteurised herbs, spices and other dries fruits in your diet.
4. Beverages- Do not drinks sun tea, cold brewed tea, fresh apple cider, homemade lemonade in order to reduce risk of cancer and bacterial infections. Also prevent yourself from taking any sugar additive beverages and drinks.
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