The neutropenic diet was created for people who have a weakened immune system, such as those who have cancer or have had a stem cell transplant. It’s a restrictive diet that cuts out any foods that might contain bacteria or other illness-causing germs, such as raw fruits and vegetables; raw and undercooked meat, fish, and eggs; and unpasteurized dairy.
Research has shown that the neutropenic diet doesn’t necessarily reduce the risk of infection or improve quality of life in people with cancer. And because it’s so restrictive, it could lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Today, the original neutropenic diet is rarely recommended. Sometimes people who’ve had a stem cell transplant must eat a more restrictive diet because their immune system has been wiped out and needs time to regenerate. But for people with neutropenia from cancer, it’s more important to follow basic food safety practices, like avoiding raw or undercooked animal products and washing raw fruits and vegetables, Anselmo says.
Other dietary advice depends on the type of treatment side effects. For example, if you have diarrhea, avoid salads and other raw vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Instead, eat foods that are gentler on the digestive tract, like vegetable soup. If you have mouth sores or irritation, focus more on food temperature and texture. “Maybe it’s avoiding things that are super hot or avoiding spicy foods or foods with hard edges like crackers,” Anselmo says.
To ensure that you’re getting enough nutrition, each meal should contain a mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbohydrates, says Anselmo. Calories and protein are especially important because neutropenia destroys white blood cells. “Your body needs fuel from calories and protein to be able to regenerate those blood cells,” Roberts says.
Anselmo and Roberts recommend the following safe and healthy meal ideas for people with MBC and neutropenia.
Breakfast:
- Banana smoothie
- Hard-boiled egg on toast with avocado
- Bowl of oatmeal with a scoop of yogurt topped with fruit
Lunch:
- Brown rice with beans or lentils
- Peanut butter and banana on toast
- Grilled chicken, low-fat cheese, and black beans wrapped in a whole-grain tortilla
Snack:
- Toast topped with peanut butter and apple slices
- Greek yogurt with nuts and seeds
- Cottage cheese with fruit
Dinner:
- Vegetable soup
- Grilled chicken kabob
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