The food that you eat during lymphoma treatment should focus on weight gain and supply the required protein and calories that help in faster recovery. You cannot become under-nourished during and after treatment as this will lead to further setbacks in the entire process. The right combination of food also helps in replacing the blood cells and tissues that might have been affected by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Certain food also helps in faster healing in case you have had surgery.

Some of the foods that help manage lymphoma are as follows:

Protein-rich foods
It is an indisputable fact that proteins help repair the cells and tissues and build immunity. As the body’s immune system improves, recovery follows much quicker. Some of the foods with good amounts of protein that can help in this are:

• Eggs
• Low-fat dairy
• Lean protein chicken fish and turkey
• Nuts and nut butter
• Beans and soy products

Whole grains
A whole-grain includes the grain, kernel, bran, and endosperm. Together they supply enough fiber, complex carbs, and protein necessary. Check the label to see if the grain you are buying is tagged as whole grain or a whole grain product. Those who are gluten sensitive can avoid grains like wheat that contain gluten and go for other options. Some of the whole grain and whole-grain products that are safe for lymphoma are:

• Oatmeal and rolled oats
• Bulgur
• Millets
• Quinoa
• Barley
• Sorghum
• Rye
• Brown Rice
• Tabouleh

Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are antioxidant-rich immunity boosters and are therefore on top of the list of foods that help manage lymphoma. They can be easily digested, and you have a whole range of choices to plan your diet. As your overall health increases, the goal should be to have about five servings of fruits and veggies daily. Consume fresh juice without sugar, have fruit as a snack, or make smoothies with a little protein powder. You can also steam vegetables or stew fruits and have them as a mid-afternoon snack.

Healthy fats

Check with your doctor and nutritionist about how much fat you can have per day. Avoid animal fat and switch to healthy plant-based fat and oils like olive oil and sesame oil. You can also get the required dose of fat from fruits like avocado, nuts, and seeds.

Fluids
Staying hydrated is key to avoid further complications. Dehydration is a common side effect of lymphoma treatment and doctors recommend 64 oz. of water every day to combat this. Always use 1-liter bottles to fill your water so you can keep a tab on the amount of water you drink. It also helps to flush out all the toxins and effects of medication. Avoid food and drinks that can make you feel dehydrated.

No sugar
DLBCL or diffuse large cell lymphoma is the most common type of lymphoma and progresses very quickly. Research has revealed that cancer cells use sugar to thrive and multiply. Cutting down on sugar can thus slow down their growth. Avoid refined sugar and any product or packaged food as they all contain sugar. Go in for freshly cooked food with locally available produce. As your health stabilizes, and after your doctors allow it, you can gradually increase the amount of sugar. Even then, you should go in for natural sugars like brown sugar, coconut sugar or honey. Do not rely on artificial sweeteners.