Dante Carrillo
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in protecting the body from infections. A diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids has been found to promote neutrophil accumulation in the spleen, which can help improve the body's defence against invading pathogens. This is especially important for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, stem cell or organ transplants, or suffering from HIV/AIDS. The neutropenic diet aims to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses by eliminating raw or undercooked foods and unpasteurized dairy products, ensuring safe food handling, and proper storage. While there is conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of the neutropenic diet in preventing infections, dietary changes can play a significant role in supporting the body's immune system and overall health.
How to increase neutrophils with diet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet type | High-fat diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (HFD-P) |
| Foods to eat | Pasteurized milk and dairy products, starches, canned and frozen fruit and fruit juices, thick-skinned fruits, well-cooked meats, pasteurized egg substitutes, bottled drinks, canned soda, seltzer, tea, coffee |
| Foods to avoid | Unpasteurized milk and dairy products, raw or undercooked vegetables, fruit, meat or eggs, unfiltered or unboiled water, soft cheeses, fast food, restaurant food |
| Other recommendations | Wash hands before handling food, wash all surfaces, utensils and cutting boards thoroughly, keep hot food hot and cold food cold, avoid supplements and herbal products unless discussed with a doctor |
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What You'll Learn
Eat foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids, also known as PUFAs, are a type of unsaturated fat with multiple health benefits. PUFAs can be found in both plant-based foods and animal sources. The two main types of polyunsaturated fats are omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which differ in their chemical structure, the placement of their double bonds, and their effects on overall health.
Consuming foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids can be beneficial for those looking to increase their neutrophil count through diet. Neutropenia is a blood condition characterized by a low count of white blood cells, specifically neutrophils, which are an important part of the immune system, helping to fight off infections. While there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of the neutropenic diet, it is often recommended for those with weakened immune systems, including cancer patients, to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
To incorporate more polyunsaturated fatty acids into your diet, consider consuming fatty fish varieties such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and better mental health. Additionally, nuts and seeds are excellent sources of polyunsaturated fats and can be enjoyed as snacks or added to meals like salads, smoothies, cereals, or yogurt. When selecting nuts, opt for unsalted varieties with minimal extra ingredients and no added sugar to maximize their nutritional value.
It is worth noting that while increasing your intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids can have health benefits, it is always advisable to consult your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have a specific medical condition or are taking medication.
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Avoid raw or uncooked foods
The neutropenic diet is a diet that has been suggested for people with cancer, as they are more prone to developing bacterial infections. It is also recommended for people with weakened immune systems, specifically those with neutropenia, whose bodies produce an inadequate amount of white blood cells (neutrophils).
Neutropenia is a blood condition where the body has fewer white blood cells, or neutrophils, which are an important part of the immune system. They help the body fight infections.
The neutropenic diet involves preparing, cooking, and storing all foods in a specific way. This diet eliminates any raw or uncooked vegetables, fruits, meat, or unpasteurized dairy products to reduce the risk of getting an infection from foodborne bacteria.
When following a neutropenic diet, it is important to avoid raw or uncooked foods to reduce the risk of infection. This includes:
- Raw or undercooked eggs.
- Raw sprouts of any kind, including alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts.
- Raw or undercooked meat, such as deli meats, sushi, cold meat, and meat with runny yolk.
- Raw starches, such as bread with raw nuts, uncooked pasta, raw oats, and raw grains.
- Raw vegetables, salads, uncooked herbs and spices, and fresh sauerkraut.
- Unwashed raw fruits, although some fruits with peels, such as bananas or oranges, can be eaten raw after washing.
- Unpasteurized dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and eggnog.
- Unpasteurized honey, juice, and cider.
- Raw fast food.
It is also important to avoid food prepared in restaurants or other establishments, especially if you have had a stem cell transplant. Instead, ask caregivers to prepare your meals at home.
In addition to avoiding raw or uncooked foods, it is crucial to practice proper food safety and handling, storage, and preparation. This includes:
- Washing your hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after preparing food.
- Using separate cutting boards and dishes for raw and cooked foods, and avoiding wooden cutting boards.
- Washing all fruits and vegetables under running water, even those with peels that will be removed before eating.
- Scrubbing or brushing produce to remove excess dirt.
- Storing food in the refrigerator or freezer immediately after purchase or within two hours of eating.
- Defrosting food in the refrigerator, in cold water, or by microwaving followed by immediate cooking.
- Not putting hot food directly into the refrigerator, but instead placing it in a shallow pan or dish to cool quickly.
- Labelling leftovers with a "use by" date and consuming them within 48 hours.
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Drink pasteurised beverages
Drinking pasteurised beverages is an important part of the neutropenic diet, which is designed to help prevent harmful bacteria and microbes in foods and drinks from causing infections in people with weakened immune systems. This includes those with neutropenia, a blood condition where the body produces an inadequate amount of white blood cells, or neutrophils, which are an important part of the immune system.
The neutropenic diet recommends drinking pasteurised beverages, including all tap, bottled, or distilled water, as well as canned or bottled drinks, individually canned sodas, and instant or brewed tea and coffee. Pasteurisation is a process that kills bacteria in beverages, making them safer to consume for those with weakened immune systems.
It is important to note that while the neutropenic diet has been traditionally recommended for people with cancer, recent studies have found inconclusive evidence of its effectiveness in preventing infections. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), for example, no longer prescribes this diet and instead focuses on nutrition education and food safety practices.
Before making any dietary changes, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that any dietary changes are appropriate for your specific needs and will not interfere with existing treatment plans.
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Consume well-cooked meat and eggs
Consuming well-cooked meat and eggs is an important part of the neutropenic diet, which is often recommended for people with weakened immune systems. This includes those with neutropenia, a condition characterised by low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections.
Meat and eggs are good sources of protein, which is essential for maintaining and boosting overall health. However, when consuming meat and eggs, it is crucial to ensure they are thoroughly cooked to prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses. This is especially important for immunocompromised individuals.
When following the neutropenic diet, it is advised to avoid undercooked or raw meat, fish, and eggs. Instead, opt for well-cooked or canned meat and hard-boiled or pasteurised eggs. This reduces the risk of consuming harmful bacteria and protects against food contamination.
It is worth noting that while the neutropenic diet focuses on food safety and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses, there is limited evidence to prove its effectiveness in preventing infections. As such, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes, especially if you have a specific health condition or are undergoing treatment.
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Wash and peel fruits and vegetables
When following a neutropenic diet, it is important to wash and peel fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. This is because people with neutropenia have a weakened immune system and are more prone to developing bacterial infections.
Thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables before eating or peeling is recommended. Scrub or brush produce under warm running water to remove excess dirt. Even thick-skinned fruits that are peeled before eating, such as melons and oranges, should be washed to avoid introducing bacteria when cutting.
Some fruits, such as bananas, oranges, and grapefruit, can be eaten raw after washing because the peel protects them from bacteria. However, it is important to note that the consumption of raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables is generally considered safe as long as they are washed properly.
Cooked fruits and vegetables are also safe to eat, and cooking can help reduce the risk of bacteria. It is recommended to cook meats, eggs, and starchy foods like pasta and grains thoroughly.
In addition to washing and peeling, it is crucial to practice proper food safety and handling. This includes using separate cutting boards for meat and produce, avoiding wooden cutting boards, and using clean dishes to serve cooked food. Proper hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is also essential before handling food.
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Frequently asked questions
Neutropenia is a blood condition where the body does not produce enough white blood cells or neutrophils, which are an important part of the immune system.
A neutropenic diet is a diet for people with weakened immune systems, specifically those with neutropenia. It involves preparing, cooking, and storing all foods in a specific way to reduce the risk of getting an infection from foodborne bacteria.
Foods to eat on a neutropenic diet include:
- All pasteurized milk and dairy products
- Starches like bread, cooked pasta, and cereal
- Canned and frozen fruit and fruit juices
- Well-cooked meats and pasteurized egg substitutes
- Bottled or distilled water
Foods to avoid on a neutropenic diet include:
- Raw or uncooked vegetables, fruit, meat, or unpasteurized dairy products
- Mould-ripened soft cheeses with a white coating, such as brie or camembert
- Unpasteurized or "raw" milk, goat's milk, or sheep's milk
- Probiotic yogurts or yogurt drinks
- Homemade yogurt made with raw milk
If you are unsure if you should follow a neutropenic diet, consult your doctor, nurse, or dietitian. They will be able to advise you based on your individual health needs and treatment plan.
