| Like other types of cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma | | | | dairy and grains, there are protein supplements that |
| may have no symptoms to indicate its presence. It is | | | | could be included in the healthy diet as well. The |
| usually diagnosed only after a number of other | | | | nutritionist or doctor may suggest some guidelines |
| diseases and conditions are tested for and | | | | for a good supplement choice. Supplement options |
| subsequently ruled out. Testing is usually done by | | | | include protein shakes or powders, bars, puddings, |
| physical exam, which will include blood and urine tests | | | | enhanced waters and supplement shots. The doctor |
| and may include X-ray, CT scan, MRI or PET scan. As | | | | will typically set a limit for the sugar in the protein |
| with other types of cancer, biopsies are typically | | | | supplement that is used because sugar can severely |
| done on suspicious lymph nodes to confirm the | | | | hamper the immune system's function. |
| diagnosis. A secondary biopsy of the bone marrow | | | | A liquid protein supplement can be a better choice for |
| may also be done to check for spread of the | | | | the cancer patient as well as for others because in |
| disease. After diagnosis is confirmed, it will be | | | | addition to the high protein content and low calorie |
| classified and then staged. There are about 30 types | | | | count, there is no added sugar or fat. |
| of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Stage I is considered | | | | Another advantage of a liquid protein supplement for |
| to be the most treatable. | | | | use by those who are facing serious conditions and |
| Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, being a cancer that starts | | | | diseases such as cancer is the ability to blend it with |
| and develops in the lymph nodes, affects the | | | | other foods or beverages to change the flavor as |
| immune system and there are certain conditions of | | | | needed. |
| the immune system that can increase the risk for | | | | Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Diet: A Case Study |
| developing this disease. Organ transplant patients are | | | | Diane has been having some minor, ongoing health |
| given an immunosuppressant drug, which can increase | | | | problems that are not only annoying to her but are |
| the risk of this type of cancer. Other risk factors | | | | started to affect her entire life. In addition to a |
| include exposure to certain pesticides and others. | | | | nagging cough that will not go away, she is losing |
| Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer as | | | | weight. An older lady who works in the same building |
| well as the size of the tumor. Options for treatment | | | | scares her by talking about problems such as |
| include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Other | | | | tuberculosis and other serious diseases. The older |
| treatments can be considered for the cancer as well | | | | lady reads information on websites, coming up with |
| including newer and experimental treatments. | | | | more questions to ask Diane and further scaring her. |
| Build a Stronger Immune System Through a Better | | | | Finally, Diane goes to the doctor for testing. The |
| Diet | | | | doctor rules out a number of conditions, including |
| Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, like other types of cancers, | | | | tuberculosis, however there is a troubling swollen |
| is a disease of opportunity. It is one that will attack | | | | lymph node that the doctor takes for biopsy. Diane is |
| the body where it is most vulnerable; if the immune | | | | glad that she does not have tuberculosis but is |
| system is at risk, the cancer will attack there. The | | | | horrified to learn that she does have non-Hodgkin's |
| best method of protecting the immune system is | | | | lymphoma instead. She is convinced that it is fatal, |
| with a healthy and well-balanced diet. A good diet | | | | however after confirmation and further testing, the |
| includes lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and | | | | doctor lists her at Stage I, which he explains is very |
| healthy fats and should be discussed with the doctor | | | | treatable. |
| or a nutritionist. In addition to giving you the strength | | | | The doctor will start with chemotherapy and then |
| to fight this disease, eating frequent, small meals can | | | | move into radiation. At the end of the radiation cycle, |
| help with the nausea that can be involved with the | | | | the doctor will reevaluate the size of the tumors to |
| chemotherapy or other treatment plans for this | | | | see if they need to be surgically removed or if they |
| cancer. | | | | are gone. |
| Before making any major changes to the diet, the | | | | While she is enduring the treatment and getting |
| patient should talk to the nutritionist to discuss exact | | | | herself back on the track for good health, Diane will |
| caloric needs and the right amount of protein, | | | | be working on getting the good nutrition that will help |
| carbohydrates and fats as well. According to the | | | | her body fight for itself. In addition to including more |
| American Heart Association, the diet should not be | | | | and more fresh foods, fruits and vegetables, Diane |
| more than 35% protein. | | | | will be eating more protein, especially from leaner |
| No matter how the diet is divided up, the nutrients | | | | sources. Diane will also include a liquid protein |
| must come from the healthiest sources. Whole foods | | | | supplement in her diet as a between meal snack, |
| are always the best choice, however there are times | | | | helping her to keep her strength up and giving her |
| when it is nearly impossible to eat a full meal. In | | | | the ability to fight this disease and conquer it once |
| addition to getting protein from foods such as meats, | | | | and for all. |