Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that develops in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. White blood cells are part of the body’s immune system, which fights infections and diseases that the body encounters. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is about five times more common than Hodgkin’s disease, another general type of lymphoma found in the body. Early detection and treatment are vital for this cancer.

The symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can easily be confused with those of other diseases, and there are many cases where there are no symptoms at all. In some cases, there may be a swollen but mostly painless lymph node in the neck, armpit, or groin area. Other signs that may be noticed include fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain or swelling, chest pain, cough or shortness of breath, and severely itchy skin.

Risk factors for this type of cancer include: having an organ transplant or other use of immunosuppressive drugs, AIDS, infection with Helicobacter pylori (also called H. pylori, known to cause ulcers), exposure to certain types of chemicals like the ones used to kill bugs and weeks. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma infection also increases with age, becoming more common in people 60 years of age and older. However, there are no age limits and the disease has been found in all age groups.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is usually diagnosed by: physical exam, blood and urine tests, X-rays, CT scan, MRI, or positron emission tomography (PET) scan. A biopsy of a suspicious lymph node may be done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the growth rate of the tumor so that the cause of action can be determined. A bone marrow biopsy may also be needed to find out if the disease has spread to other areas of the body. The disease is classified into about thirty types and is also given a number to determine its stage. Stage I is the initial stage and is considered the most treatable.

Treatments include surgery to remove tumors if possible, chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant. In some cases, observation may be used, especially for very slow-growing tumors. Biotherapy using several different types of drugs is also often used. Interferon therapy is another common treatment plan for people with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Interferons are types of proteins that are a normal part of the immune system that work to fight viral infections. There are other types of treatment that are less common, as well as some that are considered experimental in nature.

A healthy diet for a strong immune system

Like other types of cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma will attack the body where it is most vulnerable, especially at times of reduced immunity or at the site of other infections. The body’s immune system needs to be strong, which requires a healthy, well-balanced diet. Once the disease is found, additional protein will be needed to make the body strong enough to continue to fight and build the immune system. Your doctor will discuss exactly how much protein you’ll need and how much is really safe for you to add to your daily diet. The American Heart Association recommends that protein make up no more than 35% of the daily diet; however, when fighting cancer of any kind, as well as other diseases, it may be necessary to exceed this amount.

A healthy diet should include the right proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, in the right amounts. Eating small meals frequently can help with chemotherapy-related nausea.

carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body. Simple carbohydrates are white sugars, white flours, and overly sweet foods that cause blood glucose levels to skyrocket and can overly stress the immune system. Complex carbohydrates are digested much more slowly in the body and are generally healthier. Good sources of complex carbohydrates include whole grain foods and some vegetables. The healthy diet should consist of 50-60% complex carbohydrates.

fats

Healthy fats, especially monounsaturated fats and those rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, are also vital to a healthy diet. Omega3s are found in salmon and other cold water fish. Other good sources of Omega 3 are walnuts and olive oil.

protein

Protein comes from two sources, animals and plants. Animal proteins, including low-fat dairy products and eggs, are complete proteins because they contain all eight essential amino acids that the body does not produce on its own. Amino acids are broken down during digestion and used to make other amino acids, hormones, and enzymes that are vital to other body functions, including, ironically, digestion. However, with the exception of soy protein, plant proteins are incomplete because they lack one or more of these eight essential amino acids. Plant proteins come from beans, grains, seeds and nuts.

In addition to natural food sources for protein, there are a number of protein supplements including powders, shakes, bars and liquid protein supplement shots. All protein supplements are made from plant or animal protein and some are made from a combination of protein sources for better digestion and health benefits. The type of protein supplement that is best for you will depend on a number of factors including your diet, food allergies or sensitivities, and nutritional needs.

Diet

If you are simply adding protein to your diet, you just need to choose your protein, based on your tastes and what is most convenient for you. However, if there are dietary considerations such as vegetarianism, it is important to pay attention to the type of protein supplement to choose the correct one that still fits your choices. Good protein supplements that are appropriate for vegans are soy and rice, both made entirely from plant proteins. Both are considered complete protein sources and can be found in protein shakes and protein powders.

food allergies

Whey protein is one of the best protein supplements to boost the immune system, however it is not good for those who may be lactose intolerant. Whey protein isolate has less lactose than whey protein concentrate and may be fine for those with moderate sensitivity to milk and milk products. Soy protein is a good choice instead; however, there are also some who are allergic to soy. Rice protein may be best for people with known or suspected food allergies because it is hypoallergenic. These considerations are important to keep in mind when looking for a protein bar as well.

Nutritional Needs

The protein supplement should provide a good amount of protein but without added sugars or fats. Increased sugar can deplete the immune system, which is a greater danger for people at high risk or diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

References

The Mayo Clinic

The American Heart Association