Catholic University Catholic Hematology Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

FAQ List

  • Q

    Nerve Damage (Peripheral Neuropathy). Are there any foods that can help with nerve damage?

    Multiple Myeloma

    Currently, there are no specific foods proven to directly help with nerve damage caused by chemotherapy. It39;s recommended to steer clear of very cold foods, as they might make the nerve pain worse.
     

  • Q

    Diarrhea and Multiple Myeloma. What should I do if I have diarrhea?

    Multiple Myeloma

    Keeping hydrated is crucial if you have diarrhea. Eat small, frequent meals that are not too hot or cold. Avoid spicy or greasy foods, dairy, and caffeine. Foods with pectin, like bananas and apples, can help with both diarrhea and constipation, depending your needs.
     

  • Q

    Constipation. How can I prevent or treat constipation?

    Multiple Myeloma

    Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day and eating plenty of fiber (from whole grains, vegetables, and fruits) can help prevent constipation. If you39;re not eating much, try to keep up with foods that can help, like whole apples, carrots, and beets, rather than juices.

    Prune juice can work as a laxative, but there39;s no strong evidence that sesame oil helps, so it might be best to avoid it unless you39;re sure it39;s okay with your diet.

  • Q

    Gastrointestinal Symptoms. What should I do if I have gastritis or keep throwing up, and what are some easy-to-digest foods?

    Multiple Myeloma

    If you39;re feeling sick to your stomach, eating foods that are room temperature can help. Even a little bit of food might ease the nausea.

    Foods that are soft and don39;t stay in your stomach too long are easiest to digest. If you39;re having trouble, try foods like scorched rice, soup, soft tofu, steamed eggs, boiled potatoes, and fruits. Stay away from rough, spicy, or salty foods.

  • Q

    Appetite Reduction. How can I adjust my eating habits if I'm not feeling hungry?

    Multiple Myeloma

    When you39;re not feeling hungry, try exploring different kinds of foods, like noodles or rice bowls, instead of sticking to your usual meal times. Eating smaller amounts more often, such as snacks of sweet potatoes, bread, or fruit, can help. Adding a little sour taste, like vinegar or lemon juice, to your meals (think salads or dressings) can also make you feel more like eating by stimulating your saliva. A bit of light exercise, like a walk, can help you feel hungrier. If you39;re really not eating much, consider nutritional shakes (like Ensure or Greenbia) to keep up your energy.

    During chemotherapy, you might find that foods don39;t taste the same, which can make you even less hungry. It39;s important to eat what tastes good to you right now, rather than worrying too much about health foods. Keeping up your energy is key, so try snacks or liquids if regular meals, especially spicy es, aren39;t appealing.

    If you don39;t have any specific health issues affecting your diet, try to eat a balanced diet with grains, a couple of types of fish or meat, several vegetables, and some dairy and fruit. If solid foods are tough, nutritional shakes can fill in the gaps. If you39;re unsure what to eat, your doctor can help with personalized advice.

  • Q

    What foods can I eat if my case is mild?

    Multiple Myeloma

    For mild cases, the same foods as in severe cases apply. You may also include ice cream, frozen persimmon, cheese, grapes, strawberries, yogurt, and commercial yogurt drinks. Continue to avoid raw and certain processed foods as listed above.
     

  • Q

    What foods can I eat if my case is severe?

    Multiple Myeloma

    You can eat cooked pork, eel, chicken, seaweed soup, monkfish stew, pizza, beef bone soup, pollack pancake, and ginseng chicken soup (without certain herbs). Limit consumption of pig’s feet, chicken feet, beef tripe, blood sausage soup, and nuts. Avoid raw fish, raw beef, sushi, smoked salmon, fermented seafood, dried herring, all types of shellfish, abalone porridge, ice cream, frozen persimmon, cheese, grapes, strawberries, yogurt, commercial yogurt drinks, raw honey, and raw vegetables.
     

  • Q

    Can I have alcohol and coffee?

    Multiple Myeloma

    Avoid alcohol entirely. You can have 1-2 cups of coffee daily, but prefer black coffee to avoid sugar and creamers that can impact your blood sugar levels.
     

  • Q

    How should I include protein in my diet? Can I take supplements?

    Multiple Myeloma

    Adequate protein intake is crucial, especially during chemotherapy. Include a variety of protein sources like meat, fish, tofu, and beans in your diet. If you don39;t eat meat, ensure you39;re getting enough protein from plant sources. Generally, aim for 1.0-1.5 g of protein per kg of body weight daily. Consult your doctor before using protein supplements, especially if you have conditions like kidney disease.
     

  • Q

    Do I need to eat at specific times? What cooking methods are recommended?

    Multiple Myeloma

    If your medication requires consumption with food, stick to those meal times. Otherwise, eat when you feel comfortable, ensuring consistent food intake. All cooking methods that fully cook the food are fine. Avoid methods that use a lot of oil if you need to manage your weight.
     

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