Leena Watts
Burkitt lymphoma is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that often starts in people's organs, such as the abdomen or spleen, and is typically found in children. It is a rapidly growing human tumour that is fatal if left untreated. However, intensive chemotherapy can achieve long-term survival in over half of patients. While there is no specific diet for people with Burkitt lymphoma, eating well and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are important. Doctors recommend that patients focus on getting enough protein and calories during treatment. A plant-based diet can be beneficial, as it provides antioxidants and limits unhealthy saturated fats. Fibre is also an important component of a healthy diet, aiding digestion and controlling blood sugar.
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What You'll Learn
Nutrition and calorie guidelines
Nutrition and healthy eating are important for anyone with lymphoma, whether in remission or facing relapse. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you take care of your body during lymphoma treatment.
Nutrition guidelines for people with lymphoma are similar to general healthy eating practices. Doctors recommend that people with lymphoma focus on getting enough protein and calories during treatment. Eating enough calories and nutrients is especially important if you or your doctor are worried about weight loss during or after lymphoma treatment.
If you don't feel like eating solid food, smoothies and soups are great ways to pack in calories and healthy foods. Eating smaller meals or snacks throughout the day instead of large meals can also help you get enough calories.
A plant-based diet can be helpful for people with lymphoma. This eating style focuses on plant foods but doesn't require you to be fully vegetarian or vegan. You can still include meat and dairy products in small amounts while centring your diet around plants. The Mediterranean diet is one example of a plant-based diet.
Fibre is an important part of a healthy diet, helping with digestion, controlling blood sugar, managing healthy fats, and promoting a healthy gut. However, for some people living with lymphoma, a high-fibre diet can irritate the stomach and worsen nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation. In these cases, your doctor may recommend a low-fibre diet instead.
Fat is an important source of energy, vitamins, and essential fatty acids (such as omega-3 and omega-6 fats). If you are trying to gain weight, your medical team might advise that you eat some higher-fat dairy or dairy alternative products. Unsaturated fats, found in plant foods such as seeds, nuts, olives, and avocados, can help keep your heart healthy and lower your cholesterol. However, it's important to limit unhealthy saturated fats, found in butter, fatty meats, and fried foods, to less than 10% of your total daily calories.
The general recommendation is to drink around 1.5 to 2 litres (6 to 8 glasses) of water or other fluids per day. Drinking plenty of fluids is particularly important if you are experiencing symptoms such as sweating or side effects of treatment such as sickness.
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Plant-based diets
Burkitt lymphoma is a rare and aggressive type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that often starts in people's organs, such as their bellies (abdomen) or spleens. It typically affects children, with males being more susceptible than females, and less frequently, younger adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Burkitt lymphoma into three clinical groups: endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-related.
While there is no specific diet recommended for people with Burkitt lymphoma, eating well and living a healthy lifestyle is important for anyone with lymphoma. Nutrition guidelines for people with lymphoma are similar to general healthy eating practices, and plant-based diets are encouraged. This eating style focuses on plant foods but doesn't require complete elimination of animal products. The Mediterranean diet is one example of a plant-based diet that can be beneficial for people with lymphoma.
Antioxidants
Fibre
Fibre is an important part of a healthy diet, aiding digestion, controlling blood sugar, managing healthy fats, and promoting a healthy gut. The recommended daily fibre intake is 30 grams, but many people do not meet this requirement. Plant-based diets are typically high in fibre, with fruits, vegetables, cereals, and potatoes being good sources. However, for some people with lymphoma, a high-fibre diet may irritate the stomach and worsen nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation, in which case a low-fibre diet is recommended.
Protein and Calories
For people with lymphoma, it is important to focus on getting enough protein and calories. During cancer treatment, eating solid food may not be appealing, so working with a dietitian can help find alternative ways to get proper nutrition. Plant-based diets can provide sufficient protein through beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, nut butters, hummus, tofu, and meat substitutes made from plant-based proteins like mycoprotein.
Dairy Alternatives
Dairy products are a source of calcium, important for bone health, and zinc, which aids in wound healing. However, for those on a plant-based diet or who are lactose intolerant, calcium requirements can be met through fortified non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk, dairy-free yoghurts, and soya products.
Healthy Fats
Unsaturated fats, found in plant foods like seeds, nuts, olives, and avocados, help maintain a healthy heart and lower cholesterol. It is important to limit unhealthy saturated fats, found in butter, fatty meats, and fried foods, to less than 10% of daily calories.
In summary, a plant-based diet for Burkitt lymphoma patients can include a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and healthy plant-based fats, ensuring adequate nutrition, antioxidants, and fibre while reducing potential cancer-causing substances.
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Fibre and fluid intake
Fibre is a crucial part of a healthy diet, aiding digestion, controlling blood sugar, managing healthy fats, and promoting a healthy gut. The recommended daily fibre intake is 30 grams, yet many people do not meet this target. To increase your fibre intake, incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, and potatoes. However, for some individuals with lymphoma, a high-fibre diet may aggravate stomach issues, so it is important to consult with a doctor or dietitian to determine the appropriate fibre intake for your specific condition.
In terms of fluid intake, it is generally recommended to consume around 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid per day, excluding alcohol. This is equivalent to about 6 to 8 glasses of water. Staying properly hydrated is particularly crucial if you are experiencing symptoms or side effects such as sweating, sickness, or vomiting, as it can help prevent dehydration and ease constipation. Additionally, adequate fluid intake can assist in improving urinary or bladder problems.
It is important to note that these recommendations are general guidelines, and individual needs may vary. Consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to determine the most suitable diet plan for your specific needs and condition.
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Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Burkitt lymphoma is a rare and aggressive type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that often starts in people's organs, such as their bellies (abdomen) or spleens. It typically affects children, with males being more susceptible, and less frequently, younger adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Burkitt lymphoma into three clinical groups: endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-related.
While there is no specific diet recommended for people with Burkitt's lymphoma, eating well and living a healthy lifestyle is important for anyone with lymphoma, whether in remission or facing a relapse. Doctors recommend that people with lymphoma focus on getting enough protein and calories during treatment. During cancer treatment, food may not seem appealing, so it is important to work with a dietitian to ensure adequate nutrition.
Now, let's focus on omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are essential fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through diet. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important for maintaining overall health and supporting various bodily functions.
Omega-3 fatty acids are primarily found in certain fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, as well as plant sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. They have been associated with reducing inflammation, promoting heart health, and supporting brain function. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to improved immune function and reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
On the other hand, omega-6 fatty acids are prevalent in plant-based sources, including sunflower, soybean, and corn oils, as well as nuts and seeds. Unlike omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids are more common in the Western diet due to the prevalence of processed foods and vegetable oils. While both types of fatty acids are essential, maintaining a balanced ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 is crucial for optimal health. Excessive consumption of omega-6 fatty acids, especially from processed sources, can lead to inflammation and has been linked to various health conditions.
In the context of lymphoma, there has been research suggesting that omega-6 fatty acids may have a role in prolonging survival in retrovirally induced T-cell lymphoma. A study in mice found that those fed a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids survived significantly longer than those on an omega-3-rich diet. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of these fatty acids in lymphoma treatment and survival.
In conclusion, while there is no specific recommendation for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intake for Burkitt's lymphoma, maintaining a balanced diet that includes sources of these essential fatty acids can contribute to overall health and support the body during cancer treatment. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian to determine the most suitable diet plan, especially when dealing with a condition like Burkitt's lymphoma.
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Weight gain and loss
During cancer treatment, it is common to experience a loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss. To counteract this, it is important to prioritise nutrient-dense and calorie-rich foods. Smoothies and soups are excellent options as they can incorporate various nutritious ingredients such as flaxseed meal, chia seeds, nut butters, beans, and vegetables. Additionally, eating smaller meals or snacks throughout the day can help ensure adequate calorie intake.
If weight gain is a concern, medical professionals may recommend incorporating higher-fat dairy or dairy alternative products. Unsaturated fats, found in plant-based foods like seeds, nuts, olives, and avocados, are particularly beneficial for maintaining heart health and managing cholesterol levels. However, it is crucial to monitor overall calorie intake and not exceed daily recommendations to prevent unhealthy weight gain.
For those with Burkitt's lymphoma, a plant-based diet can be advantageous. This approach emphasises a variety of fruits, vegetables, cereals, and potatoes, which are rich in fibre and essential nutrients. Fibre is essential for digestive health and can help with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness and regulating blood sugar levels. However, in some cases of Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a high-fibre diet may aggravate stomach irritation and worsen nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation. In such instances, a low-fibre diet may be recommended by a healthcare professional.
Overall, maintaining a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods is crucial for managing weight and supporting the body during Burkitt's lymphoma treatment. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian to determine the most appropriate dietary approach for your individual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no specific diet for Burkitt's lymphoma, but it is important to eat healthily and live a healthy lifestyle, especially during treatment. Doctors recommend that people with lymphoma focus on getting enough protein, calories, and fibre. Eating plant-based foods and limiting unhealthy saturated fats is also beneficial.
If you don't feel like eating solid food, smoothies and soups are great ways to get healthy foods into your diet. Soups and smoothies can include nutritious foods like flaxseed meal, chia seeds, nut butters, beans, and vegetables.
Fibre is important for heart and digestive health. Aim to eat at least 25-35 grams of fibre per day, depending on your gender. Foods that are high in fibre include fruits, vegetables, cereals, and potatoes.
Limit your intake of saturated fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Instead, focus on eating unsaturated fats, which are found in plant foods like seeds, nuts, olives, and avocados. These healthy fats are a good source of energy and essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6.
It is important to stay hydrated, especially if you are experiencing symptoms such as sweating or treatment side effects such as vomiting. Aim to drink around 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day.
