What should I eat after chemotherapy to increase white blood cells quickly?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
In general, after chemotherapy, eating foods such as sea cucumber, lean meat, walnuts, red dates, and tofu can help replenish white blood cells. Taking medications such as Qijiao Shengbai Capsules, Likun Tablets, Shark Liver Oil Tablets, Vitamin B4 Tablets, and Diyu Shengbai Tablets can also help increase white blood cell counts. During chemotherapy, patients should maintain a balanced diet and ensure adequate nutrient intake.
Generally speaking, after chemotherapy, eating foods such as sea cucumber, lean meat, walnuts, red dates (jujube), and tofu can help increase white blood cell counts. Additionally, medications such as Qi Jiao Sheng Bai Capsules, Likojun Tablets, Shark Liver Oil Tablets, Vitamin B4 Tablets, and Deyu Shengbai Tablets can also aid in elevating white blood cell levels. A detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Foods
1. Sea cucumber: Rich in high-quality protein and various active substances, it helps enhance immunity and promote the production of white blood cells.
2. Lean meat: Such as chicken and beef, contains abundant amino acids, iron, and vitamin B12, which help replenish essential nutrients and increase white blood cell counts.
3. Walnuts: High in zinc, which promotes the proliferation and differentiation of lymphocytes, enhancing immune function.
4. Red dates (jujube): Known for nourishing the blood and improving blood circulation, they are beneficial for platelets and white blood cells, helping to improve immune function weakened by low white blood cell counts.
5. Tofu: Contains various minerals and amino acids that help maintain normal immune system function and white blood cell activity.
II. Medications
1. Qi Jiao Sheng Bai Capsules: This is a traditional Chinese medicine formulation. Astragalus (Huang Qi) helps boost qi and yang energy, while donkey-hide gelatin (Ajiao) nourishes the blood and yin, thereby regulating immune and hematopoietic functions to increase white blood cell counts.
2. Likojun Tablets: This medication is used for treating leukopenia (low white blood cell count). It enhances immune function and stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells, thus increasing white blood cell levels. It is contraindicated in patients with known drug allergies.
3. Shark Liver Oil Tablets: This medication serves as an adjunctive treatment for patients with leukopenia. It stimulates the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells and helps improve low white blood cell counts. However, it should be used with caution in pregnant and lactating women.
4. Vitamin B4 Tablets: Effective for leukopenia caused by megaloblastic anemia and granulocytopenia. Vitamin B4 participates in nucleic acid metabolism and promotes the proliferation of white blood cells. Patients should monitor for adverse reactions such as rash or fever during treatment.
5. Deyu Shengbai Tablets: This medication can be used for leukopenia caused by chemotherapy. The total alkaloids in the root of the Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) contained in the formula have the effect of increasing white blood cell counts. Regular monitoring of blood parameters is necessary during treatment to prevent adverse effects. After chemotherapy, patients should drink plenty of water to help eliminate chemotherapeutic agents from the body more quickly, reducing damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. Additionally, adequate hydration helps maintain water balance and supports metabolic processes.
During chemotherapy, patients should maintain a balanced diet and ensure sufficient nutrient intake. Since gastrointestinal function may be weakened during this period, patients should avoid consuming overly coarse, spicy, or greasy foods to prevent additional gastrointestinal stress.
