Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is 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 faces. 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 lymphoma can easily be confused with other diseases, and there are many cases in which there are no symptoms. In some cases, there may be a swollen but mostly painless lymph node found 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 extreme itchy skin.

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

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is usually diagnosed by: physical exam, blood and urine tests, X-rays, CT scan, MRI, or positron emission tomography scan. A suspicious lymph node biopsy 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 necessary to determine if the disease has spread to other areas of the body. The disease is classified into about thirty types and a number is also assigned 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 transplantation. In some cases, observation can be used especially in the case of very slow-growing tumors. Biotherapy using several different types of medications is also commonly used. Interferon therapy is another common treatment plan for people with NHL. Interferons are types of proteins that are a normal part of the immune system and 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 cancers, non-Hodgkin lymphoma will attack the body where it is most vulnerable, especially during times of lowered immunity or at the site of other infections. The body’s immune system needs to be strong, which requires a healthy and balanced diet. Once the disease is detected, additional proteins will be needed to make the body strong enough to keep fighting and strengthen the immune system. The doctor will discuss exactly how much protein you will need, as well as how much is actually safe to add to your daily diet. The American Heart Association recommends that proteins represent 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 go beyond 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 body’s main source of energy. Simple carbohydrates are white sugars, white flours, and foods that are too sweet that cause blood glucose levels to skyrocket and can overstress the immune system. Complex carbohydrates are digested much more slowly in the body and are generally healthier. Good sources of complex carbohydrates include whole foods and some vegetables. The healthy diet should consist of 50-60% complex carbohydrates.

Fats

Healthy fats, especially monounsaturated and those rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, are also vital to a healthy diet. Omega-3s are found in salmon and other cold-water fish. Other good sources of Omega 3 include 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 have all eight essential amino acids that the body does not make on its own. Amino acids are broken down during digestion and are used to produce 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 of protein, there are a number of protein supplements that include powders, shakes, bars, and injections of liquid protein supplements. All protein supplements are made from a plant or animal protein, and some are made from a combination of protein sources for the best digestion and health benefits. The type of protein supplement that is best for you will depend on a number of factors including your diet, allergies or food sensitivities, and nutritional needs.

Diet

If you are simply adding protein to your diet, you only need to choose your protein, based on your taste and for what is most convenient. However, if there are dietary considerations such as vegetarianism, it is important to pay attention to the type of protein supplement so that you choose the most suitable one that suits 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 strengthen 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 a moderate sensitivity to milk and dairy products. Instead, soy protein is a good option; however, there are some who are also allergic to soy. Rice protein may be the best for people with known or suspected food allergies because it is hypoallergenic. These considerations are also important to keep in mind when shopping for a protein bar.

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 NHL.

References

The Mayo Clinic

The American Heart Association