Discover effective strategies to manage multiple myeloma symptoms through dietary changes and lifestyle habits. Learn about key nutrients, complementary therapies, and emerging research to support conventional treatments and improve quality of life for those affected by this blood cancer.

Proven Techniques to Alleviate Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that impacts plasma cells within the bone marrow. The American Cancer Society estimates over 30,000 new cases annually. Though currently incurable, lifestyle modifications and dietary choices can help manage symptoms and enhance daily living.

This disease interferes with normal blood cell production, leading to anemia and greater infection risk. It also accelerates bone deterioration, increasing fracture chances. Standard treatments include chemotherapy, bisphosphonates, surgeries, radiation, and stem cell transplants.

Complementary approaches like specialized diets, herbal supplements, vitamins, massage, and acupressure can support traditional therapies. While diet alone can't cure multiple myeloma, nutrition-focused strategies can help reduce anemia, protect kidney function, and lower relapse risks.

To address anemia, consuming iron-rich foods is crucial. Since myeloma often results in decreased red blood cell levels, including iron sources in your meals is advantageous. Iron-rich options include:

Raisins

Lean meats

Bell peppers

Kale

Sweet potatoes

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Tropical fruits like mango and pineapple

Folate supports blood cell development and is found in foods such as:

Asparagus

Black-eyed peas

Beef liver

Lentils

Spinach

Broccoli

Vitamin B12 aids red blood cell formation. Rich sources include:

Liver

Beef

Clams

Fish

Eggs

Poultry

Dairy products

Fortified cereals

Nutritional yeast

Fortified plant milks

Vitamin D, essential for healthy bones, can be obtained from:

Fortified orange juice

Fortified milk and yogurt

Egg yolks

Sockeye salmon, sardines, tuna

Increasing dietary fiber helps reduce constipation caused by chemotherapy. High-fiber foods include:

Whole grains like oats and brown rice

Dried fruits such as figs and prunes

Fruits like apples and oranges

Nuts, beans, and lentils

Berries

Vegetables like carrots and broccoli

Preliminary research indicates that curcumin in turmeric may improve treatment outcomes by boosting chemotherapy effectiveness and decreasing drug resistance, but further studies are needed.