6 Foods and Fruits Lymphoma Patients Should Avoid

Generally speaking, there is no specific list of six foods or fruits that lymphoma patients must absolutely avoid. However, lymphoma patients should generally avoid processed meats, high-sugar foods, high-salt foods, high-fat foods, and spicy or irritating foods. They should also avoid certain fruits such as lychee, mango, kiwi, grapefruit, and banana. The details are as follows:

I. Foods to Avoid

1. Processed Meats: Such as sausages, luncheon meat, and smoked meats. These foods often contain high levels of nitrites and nitrosamines, substances associated with the development and progression of lymphoma. Additionally, processed meats may contain excessive saturated fat and salt, which are detrimental to cardiovascular health.

2. High-Sugar Foods: Such as milk candy, cakes, and milk tea. These foods can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, stimulating insulin secretion. Chronically elevated blood sugar and unstable insulin levels may be linked to the onset and progression of lymphoma.

3. High-Salt Foods: Such as pickled vegetables, instant noodles, and preserved mustard greens. Excessive salt intake leads to sodium accumulation in the body, increasing blood pressure and placing extra strain on the heart, which is harmful to cardiovascular health. Moreover, high salt intake may cause fluid retention, worsening edema symptoms in lymphoma patients.

4. High-Fat Foods: Such as fried dough sticks (youtiao), butter, and cream. These foods are high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Excessive consumption may lead to abnormal blood lipid levels and weight gain, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

5. Spicy and Irritating Foods: Such as onions, ginger, and garlic. These foods may irritate the oral mucosa and digestive tract, exacerbating symptoms such as stomatitis and sore throat in lymphoma patients.

II. Fruits to Avoid

1. Lychee: Lychee is considered a warming fruit. Consuming it may increase internal body heat in lymphoma patients, leading to "heatiness" and potentially worsening their condition.

2. Mango: Mango is a common allergenic fruit. Since lymphoma patients may have weakened immune function, eating mango could easily trigger allergic reactions such as skin itching, redness, swelling, or vomiting.

3. Kiwi: Kiwi is considered a cold-natured food. For lymphoma patients with weak constitutions or poor gastrointestinal function, consuming large amounts may lead to indigestion or other digestive issues.

4. Grapefruit: Lymphoma patients should avoid grapefruit while taking targeted therapy medications. Certain compounds in grapefruit interfere with liver metabolism of drugs, causing them to remain in the body longer and increasing the risk of side effects.

5. Banana: Bananas are rich in sugar. While high sugar content does not directly negatively affect lymphoma, excessive intake may elevate blood glucose levels, which is undesirable for overall patient health.

It is important to note that lymphoma patients should consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, and foods rich in vitamins and dietary fiber. They should also moderately increase protein intake, such as from lean meat, fish, and eggs. Additionally, they may benefit from eating more foods known to suppress cancer cells, such as cabbage and mushrooms.