Diet | Myeloma & Me

With MM, many things in life may feel beyond your control.¹ Everyone who is going through myeloma and treatment has a unique experience.¹ It is important not to follow any special dietary advice without asking your healthcare team first.¹ You may be told by your healthcare team to make diet adjustments that are different to what you are used to eating.¹ This could include eating high-calorie foods, if you have a loss of appetite during treatment.¹

There is no special MM diet,^1,2 but one centred around fruits and vegetables is recommended for patients with cancer.² As well as fruits and vegetables, a balanced diet includes some carbohydrates, protein, dairy or dairy substitutes and healthy fats.¹ Always consult with your healthcare team or dietitian about what they advise specifically for you.¹

How MM could affect your diet ¹

MM and treatment can cause some complications that may make it difficult to eat a healthy, balanced diet at times. Although they may be challenging to deal with, they are usually temporary, and your healthcare team will be able to give you advice.
Complications include:

Loss of appetite

Changes in taste

Sore and/or dry mouth

Nausea and vomiting

Fatigue

Diarrhoea or constipation

Anxiety and depression

Increased appetite and weight gain

How neutropenia could affect your diet ³

If you are neutropenic, you have a low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell important for fighting infection). As the risk of infection is much higher if you are neutropenic, your healthcare team may recommend a temporary change in your diet. This is sometimes called a ‘clean diet’ and may require you to avoid certain foods, for example: