The Advantage of Good Nutrition With Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Like other types of cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may have no symptoms to indicate its presence. It is usually diagnosed only after a number of other diseases and conditions are tested for and subsequently ruled out. Testing is usually done by physical exam, which will include blood and urine tests and may include X-ray, CT scan, MRI or PET scan. As with other types of cancer, biopsies are typically done on suspicious lymph nodes to confirm the diagnosis. A secondary biopsy of the bone marrow may also be done to check for spread of the disease. After diagnosis is confirmed, it will be classified and then staged. There are about 30 types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Stage I is considered to be the most treatable.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, being a cancer that starts and develops in the lymph nodes, affects the immune system and there are certain conditions of the immune system that can increase the risk for developing this disease. Organ transplant patients are given an immunosuppressant drug, which can increase the risk of this type of cancer. Other risk factors include exposure to certain pesticides and others.

Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer as well as the size of the tumor. Options for treatment include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Other treatments can be considered for the cancer as well including newer and experimental treatments.

Build a Stronger Immune System Through a Better Diet

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, like other types of cancers, is a disease of opportunity. It is one that will attack the body where it is most vulnerable; if the immune system is at risk, the cancer will attack there. The best method of protecting the immune system is with a healthy and well-balanced diet. A good diet includes lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats and should be discussed with the doctor or a nutritionist. In addition to giving you the strength to fight this disease, eating frequent, small meals can help with the nausea that can be involved with the chemotherapy or other treatment plans for this cancer.

Before making any major changes to the diet, the patient should talk to the nutritionist to discuss exact caloric needs and the right amount of protein, carbohydrates and fats as well. According to the American Heart Association, the diet should not be more than 35% protein.

No matter how the diet is divided up, the nutrients must come from the healthiest sources. Whole foods are always the best choice, however there are times when it is nearly impossible to eat a full meal. In addition to getting protein from foods such as meats, dairy and grains, there are protein supplements that could be included in the healthy diet as well. The nutritionist or doctor may suggest some guidelines for a good supplement choice. Supplement options include protein shakes or powders, bars, puddings, enhanced waters and supplement shots. The doctor will typically set a limit for the sugar in the protein supplement that is used because sugar can severely hamper the immune system's function.

A liquid protein supplement can be a better choice for the cancer patient as well as for others because in addition to the high protein content and low calorie count, there is no added sugar or fat.

Another advantage of a liquid protein supplement for use by those who are facing serious conditions and diseases such as cancer is the ability to blend it with other foods or beverages to change the flavor as needed.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Diet: A Case Study

Diane has been having some minor, ongoing health problems that are not only annoying to her but are started to affect her entire life. In addition to a nagging cough that will not go away, she is losing weight. An older lady who works in the same building scares her by talking about problems such as tuberculosis and other serious diseases. The older lady reads information on websites, coming up with more questions to ask Diane and further scaring her. Finally, Diane goes to the doctor for testing. The doctor rules out a number of conditions, including tuberculosis, however there is a troubling swollen lymph node that the doctor takes for biopsy. Diane is glad that she does not have tuberculosis but is horrified to learn that she does have non-Hodgkin's lymphoma instead. She is convinced that it is fatal, however after confirmation and further testing, the doctor lists her at Stage I, which he explains is very treatable.

The doctor will start with chemotherapy and then move into radiation. At the end of the radiation cycle, the doctor will reevaluate the size of the tumors to see if they need to be surgically removed or if they are gone.

While she is enduring the treatment and getting herself back on the track for good health, Diane will be working on getting the good nutrition that will help her body fight for itself. In addition to including more and more fresh foods, fruits and vegetables, Diane will be eating more protein, especially from leaner sources. Diane will also include a liquid protein supplement in her diet as a between meal snack, helping her to keep her strength up and giving her the ability to fight this disease and conquer it once and for all.

About Protica Research

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm specializing in the development of protein-rich, capsulized foods (dense nutrition in compact liquid and food forms). Protica manufactures Profect protein beverage, IsoMetric, Fruitasia and more than 100 other brands in its GMP-certified, 250,000 square foot facility.

You can learn more about Protica at http://www.protica.com

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