Nutrition 101 for Lymphoma Patients

Receiving a lymphoma diagnosis brings up many new questions: What is treatment going to look like? How will I feel? What parts of my lifestyle should I adjust as I start this journey? One question many patients might have is whether or not they need to change what they eat. While a healthy diet is important for everyone, it can be especially important for patients who have been diagnosed with and are receiving treatment for lymphoma.

There is no specific diet that patients must have, but it is important to note that many patients receiving treatment may also experience a range of side effects, which can make it harder to eat or drink like they regularly do or may cause changes to their appetite. As you begin treatment, it’s important to talk with your care team about how nutrition fits into your treatment plan and how it can be used to help you along the way.

Goals for Nutrition

The main goal of nutrition for patients is to help them fuel their body so that they can recover. One way to do this is through a balanced diet that consists of a mix:

• Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of the diet for patients because they provide the body with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and more.
• Protein: Protein can help the body to fight infection, build strength, and maintain energy.
• Carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates help to boost the body’s energy by providing long-lasting energy and B vitamins.

Building a balanced diet doesn’t have to be challenging. Here are some examples of balanced meals:

• Breakfast: Greek yogurt (protein) topped with granola (carbohydrate) and berries (fruit)
• Lunch: A turkey and cheese sandwich (protein and carbohydrate) with an apple (fruit)
• Dinner: Chicken breast (protein) served with sides of mashed potatoes (carbohydrate) and broccoli (vegetable)
• Snack: A build-your-own charcuterie board! This could include cheese, grapes, and pretzels. Cheese acts as a source of protein, grapes are the fruit, and pretzels are a carbohydrate.

The benefits of striving for a balanced diet can include:

• Increased energy
• Minimized side effects of treatment
• Helping you to maintain a healthy weight
• Strengthening and maintaining muscle
• Improved healing ability

Tip: Shopping at local farmers markets can make getting your groceries fresh and fun!

Nutrient Dense Foods

Since many patients who are receiving treatment struggle from a decreased appetite, it can be crucial to maximize the nutrients you get in during a meal. There are many foods that are both calorie- and nutrient- dense, helping you get the energy and the nutrition you need from each meal. Some examples are:

• Walnuts: Walnuts have omega-3 fatty acids in them which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Eggs: Eggs are high in protein, which can be crucial during post-treatment.
• Smoothies: Smoothies are a great way to get in a lot of calories in just one drink. Some great ingredients to include are Greek yogurt, nut butters, and fresh fruit.
• Whole grain pasta or bread: A great example of a complex carbohydrate, whole grain pasta and bread can also be a great option if there are feelings of nausea.

Tip: Instead of three main meals, try switching it up to a bunch of small meals throughout the day!

Hydration

Drinking water is important for everyone, and it’s usually advised for people to drink six to eight glasses of water a day. With lymphoma, there may be some side effects such as sweating which can require you to drink additional water to make sure that your body is hydrated. It’s also recommended to be mindful of alcohol and caffeine consumption. Consider adding electrolytes to your water to ensure you’re keeping hydrated.

Tip: One way to make water more enjoyable is to add fresh fruit for added flavor and nutrients!

When to Eat

It is important to monitor symptoms, especially nausea. This may lead to a decrease in appetite, but it is important to eat snacks throughout the day. Prioritizing smaller meals and snacks rather than three large meals a day can also help to reduce nausea. You can plan certain times of the day to eat rather than relying on hunger cues that may be thrown off by nausea, so that you make sure that you aren’t under-fueled.

Tip: Set alarms to remind yourself to eat throughout the day!

Nutrition Post Treatment

Treatment for lymphoma may cause weight or muscle loss, so it can be important to consult your doctor or nutritionist when you are finished with treatment. A healthy diet is always important but can be crucial to those who are going through treatment. While some things may not always be in your control, diet is one factor that you can take control of and use it to help fuel and support your body.

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1. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 6). Can diet cure lymphoma? foods to eat and avoid. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-for-lymphoma
   

2. Han, X., Zheng, T., Foss, F., Holford, T. R., Ma, S., Zhao, P., Dai, M., Kim, C., Zhang, Y., Bai, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2010). Vegetable and fruit intake and non-Hodgkin lymphoma survival in Connecticut women. Leukemia & lymphoma, 51(6), 1047–1054. https://doi.org/10.3109/10428191003690364
   

3. Kobeissi, G. (2022). Understanding lymphoma and Nutrition. Understanding Lymphoma and Nutrition. https://lymphoma.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/LRF_Understanding_Lymphoma_Nutrition_Factsheet_2023.pdf