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The lungs perform several vital functions, such as oxygenating the blood to maintain the functioning of other organs in the body. But the lungs might be susceptible to disease or infection due to genetic and environmental factors. When at risk of lung diseases like cancer, doctors prescribe treatments and certain lifestyle changes, such as making better food choices to improve lung health and prevent diseases. So, here are the best foods for improving lung health:

Beetroot
Adding beetroot to meals is one of the best ways to improve lung health. The colored roots and greens of the beet plant contain compounds such as nitrates, which can help relax the blood vessels, improve oxygen uptake, and reduce blood pressure. Further, the nutrients in beetroots may also help improve lung function in those with health conditions like COPD and pulmonary hypertension—a type of high blood pressure.

Apples
The lungs are susceptible to oxidative stress, which may result in inflammation of the airways. Apples are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and the flavonoid quercetin, which could reduce such stress and improve lung function. Eating apples has also been associated with a lower risk of asthma. Five or more apples per week can also help reduce the risk of developing COPD. 

Dark chocolate
A bar of dark chocolate can improve lung health as it contains cocoa, which is rich in flavonoids that act as antioxidants. Chocolate also contains theobromine, a compound known to relax the airways in the lungs. Cocoa or cacao products like dark chocolate can also help reduce the risk of allergic respiratory symptoms and protect the body against lung cancer.

Pumpkin
The colored flesh of the pumpkin is rich in compounds called carotenoids, like beta carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, so a healthy dose of carotenoids can improve lung function. Further, research suggests that higher levels of carotenoids in the blood may contribute to better lung health.

Turmeric
The spice has been used for centuries to tackle various health complications. Turmeric contains potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, mainly in its compound called curcumin, which can improve the quality of the lungs. The compound is also believed to reduce inflammation in the airways and protect the lungs from damage caused by pollution and other environmental damage. One could add turmeric to a range of recipes to make the most of its health benefits.

Tomatoes
Those who eat tomatoes regularly may experience a slower lung function decline, especially when dealing with conditions such as asthma. Introducing the vegetable or its by-products to daily meals could also help nourish the body with lycopene, an antioxidant associated with better lung function. Products like tomato puree may also help reduce inflammation in the airways and help manage lung function in those with COPD.

Blueberries
Blueberries are not just delicious but also healthy. The fruit is rich in nutrients essential for improving overall health, including protecting the lungs. The berry is a rich source of anthocyanins, such as malvidin, peonidin, cyanidin, petunidin, and delphinidin, which can protect the lung tissue from oxidative damage. One could also add other berries to their meals, such as blackberries and strawberries, which also help improve lung health. One could have them as snacks or blend them with other healthy ingredients to make a delicious smoothie.

Green tea
Green tea is a herbal remedy that can do wonders for the organs, including the lungs. Tea is rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound called catechin that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The compound has also shown improvements in those who are affected by pulmonary fibrosis—scarring of the lung tissue that may damage the organ. One should have a cup or two of green every day to make the most of EGCG content.

Edamame
Healthy beans such as edamame can help nourish the body with compounds called isoflavones. Those who add edamame to daily meals have seen improvements in symptoms of lung diseases, such as COPD. One may have a lower risk of symptoms such as breathing difficulties when they choose foods rich in isoflavones.

Olive oil
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory antioxidants, including vitamin E and polyphenols, which may help prevent and reduce the effects of asthma. One could use olive oil to cook meals or add a drizzle to salads to enjoy its health benefits. 

Some may also suffer from conditions like non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where cancerous cells develop in the tissues of the lungs, triggering symptoms like persistent cough and shortness of breath. While a cure for NSCLC is yet to be determined, healthcare experts may recommend a combination of treatments to manage the symptoms. One could also add a dash of olive oil to meals to relieve symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer. The oil contains hydroxytyrosol—an antioxidant that may reduce cell proliferation and eliminate cancerous cells.

Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in potassium, phosphorus, selenium, and calcium, which may help improve lung function and protect the organ from COPD. Other dairy products one could add to their meal regimen include milk and cheese. Further, such products could nourish the body with vitamin D, which has anti-inflammatory properties that could lower the risk of asthma attacks. However, one should consult an expert before adding yogurt to their meal plans, especially if they are sensitive to the food.

Coffee
Apart from its energy-boosting benefits, a cup of coffee may also help protect the lungs. The drink is rich in caffeine and antioxidants, which may improve lung function. Further, a moderate intake of coffee could provide temporary relief to those dealing with asthma and other respiratory issues. Caffeine helps open up the airways, which can make it easier to breathe for a while.

Inflammatory bowel disorders refer to conditions that cause inflammation and trigger complications in the digestive tract. This tract comprises various organs, from the esophagus to the rectum, which helps break down foods for energy consumption. IBDs like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease majorly affect organs in the digestive tract and remain undetected till those advanced stages when the symptoms flare up. Here is a brief overview of the diseases and the best foods for managing flare-ups.

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease – An overview
Ulcerative colitis is classified as an inflammatory bowel disorder that develops ulcers in the organs of the digestive tract. These sores can affect the intestine’s inner lining, predominantly affecting the colon and rectum at the end of the digestive tract. In most cases, the symptoms and discomforts do not show up until the progressive changes of the disorder. Ulcerative colitis causes rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, increased incontinence, constipation, fatigue, and fever. The symptoms can flare up unexpectedly without any prior warning.
Crohn’s disease is another inflammatory bowel disorder affecting older adults, triggering inflammation in the digestive tract. While the disease can spread and affect any part of the digestive tract, in most cases, the small and large intestines are severely affected. Common discomforts and symptoms develop similar to that what one experiences with Ulcerative colitis. Outside of the intestinal tract, inflammation of the skin, vital joints, liver, bile ducts, and even the eyes are some unusual signs of developing colitis. Flareups can also trigger complications like kidney stones, iron deficiency, and delayed growth among young children.

Diagnosis and treatment options
Blood tests and stool studies help determine the type of inflammatory bowel disease. Further, endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy are done to determine the condition’s severity and progression. Doctors also recommend imaging tests like X-Ray, CT scans, and MR enterography to locate the size and extent of inflammation in the small and large intestines. For Crohn’s disease, further Magnetic Image Resource testing is done to confirm the progression of the digestive disorder. Post-diagnosis treatments generally include a combination of prescriptions and surgery depending on the stage and severity of the condition. Apart from this, gastroenterologists will suggest healthy daily nutrition and lifestyle changes. These changes help improve the outlook of living with symptoms in the long run.

Superfoods to manage ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
The following foods can help prevent and manage flare-ups during ongoing treatment.

Nutritious fruits
Fiber is one of the best nutrients to be consumed regularly to manage flare-ups associated with digestive disorders, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Low-fiber fruits are easy to digest and don’t pressure the organs excessively. Peaches, bananas, watermelon melon, honeydew melon, and cantaloupe are good sources of fiber, energy, and carbohydrates. These fresh fruits replace starchy foods and heavy proteins to ensure the body digests proper energy supplements. Small servings of assorted berries, including strawberries and blueberries, can boost antioxidant intake to counter inflammation and prevent healthy cell damage. Oranges can also boost immunity as the fruit contains vitamin C necessary for overall health.

Dense vegetables
Skinless mashed potatoes can help supplement the body’s daily potassium requirements without being too heavy on the digestive system. The vegetable pulp is low in fiber and provides a healthy source of carbohydrates to be broken down to supplement energy needs. Avocados are an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids that actively counter inflammation. Flareups of known chronic digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are generally triggered due to inflammation. Avocados are also rich in healthy B vitamins, Vitamin E and are a nutrient-dense source of soluble fibers that are digested quickly. Additionally, cooked carrots and spinach can supplement the body with essential vitamins A and K, both excellent fat-soluble vitamins that help manage discomfort linked to flare-ups.

Healthy probiotics
Gut bacteria in the digestive tract are critical in maintaining overall health. Any imbalance can cause chronic diseases to trigger flare-ups and, as a result, disrupt vital body functions. Introducing healthy dairy and supplement-based probiotics helps prevent several discomforts linked to ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease from flaring up. Yogurt is an excellent naturally derived probiotic-rich with live bacteria and helps restore gut microbiome balance. Also, calcium deficiency is one of the complications linked to Crohn’s disease. Yogurt can also substitute calcium loss by naturally introducing the nutrient with each serving. Fortified milk and cheese are also excellent sources of calcium to be consumed in addition to yogurt. In addition, plant-based soy milk can supplement the daily requirements if one suffers from lactose intolerance.

Lean proteins
Protein is one of the most crucial nutrients the body should digest for bone and muscle health. It helps overall growth and prevents bone loss and muscle deterioration caused due to chronic disorders. However, it is important to include only lean sources of meats and poultry to ensure these foods are digested easily. Chicken meat, turkey meat, and whole eggs are the best sources of heavy fat-free proteins that are digested easily. These meats also don’t release any triggering compounds when cooked on high heat, for example, grilling, making them a healthy alternative over red cuts of beef, pork, and lamb. Whole eggs are also rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which counters inflammation and helps effectively absorb proteins and calcium.

Fatty fish
Healthy fats help manage flare-ups associated with known digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. And fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines, and trout are excellent sources of natural omega-3s that actively counter the inflammatory responses. Grilling the fish makes it easier to digest than cooking on high heat with shallow or deep frying. Fish can also be baked to prevent the loss of nutrients and vitamins and retain its fatty goodness. It is, however, best to add sauces and condiments in moderation since these store-bought products contain preservatives and additives that upset digestion.

Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools. It is diagnosed when you have fewer than three bowel movements a week. Constipation can cause excessive strain on the intestines and can have an adverse effect on your daily activities. It can be chronic when induced by other health conditions. Since constipation is a condition affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, food is the essential key to managing the condition.

It is possible to alleviate or worsen constipation through the food. Eating the right food can help keep your intestines clear, but the wrong foods might bind the stools even further.

Fiber-rich foods to eat for constipation
Foods rich in fiber can help relieve constipation and keep your stool movements regular. The most common cause of constipation is the slow movement of food through the GI tract. This can be the result of prescription treatment options, diseases of the nerves, or psychological conditions. But most often, it is due to a poor food regime.

Here are five fiber-rich foods that can help manage constipation.

Prunes
One of the age-old remedies for constipation is dried plums, or prunes, as they are commonly called. With three gms of fiber per quarter cup serving, prunes can increase the amount of water in stools, thanks to the insoluble fiber it contains. The body cannot absorb the sorbitol in prunes; thus, it has a laxative effect in the intestine. And finally, the phenols in prunes can stimulate the gut biome and restore balance.

Kiwi
A single kiwi contains 2.3 gms of fiber, 9% of the recommended daily intake. It is not just the fiber, the enzyme actinide in kiwi also enables gut motility and improves bowel habits. Having two kiwis a day for over two weeks helps soften the stools. It also helps individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Kiwis can be eaten raw, added to a salad, or ground into a smoothie.

Flaxseed oil and olive oil
If you cook meals at home, a constipation-friendly nutrition plan is just one oil switch away. Olive oil and flaxseed oil have a mild laxative effect and can show immediate improvement in this health condition. Additionally, these oils contain compounds that can improve digestion. Olive and flaxseed oils may not have fiber, but they contain antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, allowing you to reap several benefits in one shot. It is a good idea to switch to olive oil for cooking on a regular basis.

Probiotics
Probiotics, as the name suggests, have a positive effect on the gut biome, and thus, help soften the stools and improve overall digestion. Studies show that kefir and yogurt can help reduce constipation. Doctors believe that regular consumption of cultured kefir that is thick and tangy can help prevent constipation. You can easily incorporate yogurt into the your daily meals. Have a cup of natural yogurt as an afternoon snack, add it to a blueberry or oatmeal smoothie, or enjoy a cup of yogurt for breakfast with muesli, which is also full of fiber.

Sweet potatoes
The sweet and orange version of potatoes is also a rich source of fiber. Cellulose and lignin in this vegetable are insoluble forms of fiber that help increase the bulk of stools. The soluble fiber pectin also helps improve gut health, softens stools, and speeds up the transit time of the contents of the digestive tract. People who ate just 7 ounces of sweet potatoes daily for four days experienced less constipation and lesser strain and discomfort while passing stools. It can easily replace potatoes in almost all recipes and can be roasted, steamed, mashed, or boiled in tasty ways.

Foods to avoid for constipation
Several foods can trigger or worsen constipation. Thus, it is a good idea to keep away from them. If you suffer from constipation regularly, you could reduce your frequent consumption of these foods in order to prevent it. But if constipation is a one-off occurrence, you may want to cut back on these foods for a few days.

Dairy products
Apart from dairy with probiotic properties, most other dairy products are associated with constipation. Young children are particularly sensitive to the proteins in cow milk. But cow milk can also cause problems in older people who have been consuming dairy for several years. Those with lactose intolerance experience the opposite effect, diarrhea, when they drink cow milk. Replacing cow’s milk with soy milk for some time might show improvement in the gut health of people with chronic constipation.

Processed grains
Processed grains and foods made with these, like white bread, pasta made from all-purpose flour, and polished white rice, are low in fiber. They tend to increase constipation and impede the movement of stools. It is also good to monitor the amount of fiber you eat since too much of it can also worsen constipation. It is good to discuss this with your doctor since they can tell you what is ideal given the other health conditions you suffer from.

Red meat
People having constipation should avoid red meat. This type of meat tends to be full of fat and is high in protein. Both these properties make it harder for the body to digest such foods. Red meat is devoid of fiber which makes it worse. It is better to turn to high-fiber sources of protein like beans or legumes to reduce constipation. If you are someone who cannot avoid meat, then at least make sure to supplement it with fiber-rich food to get some constipation relief.

Fried food and fast food
Large portions or frequent consumption of deep-fried and fast food can increase the risk of constipation. These meals are high in fat and low in fiber – a combination that is hard to digest and that slows the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Fast foods also tend to replace high-fiber foods in the meals. Eating chocolate or cookies makes you less likely to reach for apples or pears, reducing the amount of fiber you get. Thus it does not just lead to constipation but can also worsen it and cause other severe health issues. ​​

Eczema is a skin disease marked by flaky, red, itchy patches that can be quite uncomfortable and may bleed. People with eczema or other skin diseases should be cautious when using cleansers, such as soaps and body wash. The condition can worsen with use of harsh soaps and detergents, since they will further aggravate the flare-up. To keep the symptoms under control, you can use a mild, skin-friendly soap and avoid chemical irritants.

Tips for finding the right soap if you have eczema
While it’s important to use soaps that won’t irritate the skin or aggravate eczema, finding the most suitable one for your skin might be challenging. Here are the six most important tips for finding the right soap when dealing with eczema or other skin diseases:

Avoid fragrances and other harsh chemicals
Usually, people with eczema may find that their skin responds best to mild skincare items devoid of preservatives and perfumes. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology suggests using soap-free cleansers. The substance that causes soap to froth, sodium lauryl sulfate, is likely absent from several of these cleansers. Many soaps’ detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, rob the skin of its natural oils, causing tightness and itchiness. People with eczema or skin diseases should carefully read the labels on soaps and cleansers to avoid such chemicals.

Ingredients to avoid
Here are a few ingredients that should be avoided in your soap if you have eczema or other skin diseases:

Allergens
You should seek out items devoid of artificial fragrances because these can be allergens.

Alkaline
While many soaps have balanced pH levels or levels of acidity, you should still look for alkaline soaps because acidic alternatives might weaken the skin’s protective barrier and raise pH levels.

Deodorant
Since deodorant soaps typically contain skin-irritating components, you should avoid using them.

Dye
You should avoid soaps containing artificial or added colors since they may cause allergies.

Harsh soaps
Salicylic acid, propylene glycol, and formaldehyde are a few chemicals that may aggravate symptoms of eczema or related skin diseases.

Products that have received endorsements from associations like the NEA may be more suited for people with eczema or other skin diseases.

Glycerin
Glycerin is an element that works as a humectant, a chemical that retains moisture, to counteract the drying effects of soap. Most soaps and lotions contain humectants. Your skin actively absorbs moisture thanks to glycerin. You may have observed that natural soap appears to “sweat”; this is because glycerin, which is present in high concentrations in soaps, absorbs moisture from the air. The skin gets moisturized in the same way. Even though many naturally manufactured soaps contain glycerin, it’s important to remember that natural soaps are only a smart choice if they aren’t highly fragranced, to fight skin diseases.

Syndet
Human skin typically has a pH between 4 and 6, whereas soap typically has a pH between 9 and 10. Due to this difference, traditional soap may cause the skin’s pH to rise to a level that aggravates eczema or other skin disease symptoms. It is advised to use solid washing bars containing synthetic detergent, or syndet for short, to prevent the aggravation. Non-soap detergents are the main component of syndet bars. Syndets feature a neutral or slightly acidic pH, making them less abrasive to the skin than regular soaps. Due to their mildness and moisturizing qualities, syndet bars are suitable for cleansing dry, eczema-prone skin. Syndet lessens the severity of eczema lesions, preserves hydration, and enhances the general state of the skin. This experiment investigated the advantages of gentle washing with syndet for people with eczema.

Avoid sodium lauryl sulfate
Sulfates, like syndet, are surfactants that draw water and oil. They are often used as foaming agents in soaps, shampoos, and detergents. One specific type of sulfate is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Sulfates are effective in cleaning; however, they can also deplete the skin of its natural oils. This causes dry skin, irritation, and allergic responses. Therefore, choosing sulfate-free soaps (or SLS-free soaps) for skin prone to skin diseases may be a smart option.

Consult a doctor
Choosing the right type of soap for your skin might be challenging, with the long lists of restricted elements, contradictory recommendations, and false advertisements. Since every person’s skin is unique, it will react differently to various soaps. As a result, what treats eczema for one person may not work well for another.

Additionally, eczema or skin diseases might alleviate or aggravate with time, making some products less useful in the long run. For advice on cleansers, you must speak to a dermatologist. You can choose the best products after considering various factors like your skin type and the type and level of eczema symptoms, etc. If you have a strong allergic reaction to a substance or if your eczema exhibits infection-related symptoms like pus production, you should seek immediate assistance from a dermatologist. 

Best natural soaps for eczema
The following are some of the best soaps with natural ingredients for alleviating eczema:

Shea butter soap
This soap contains, in addition to shea butter, plant oils like coconut and olive oil and essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil. Shea butter is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, helping moisturize dry, itchy skin brought on by eczema flare-ups.

Aloe vera soap
Aloe vera, which contains anti-inflammatory and therapeutic characteristics, works wonders to moisturize dry skin and lessen the redness brought on by eczema flare-ups.

Oatmeal soap
Oatmeal soap can help exfoliate the skin and reduce eczema-related itchiness and burning. Being a natural cleaner, oatmeal helps remove dirt, bacteria, and other pollutants from the skin, alleviating eczema symptoms.

Goat milk soap
As a mix of lactic acid, natural lipids, proteins, vitamins A and D, and minerals, goat milk soap helps soothe sensitive skin irritated with rashes. Its moisturizing qualities aid in hydrating your skin and lessen the scaliness that frequently accompanies dermatitis.

Pure coconut oil soap
People with eczema may find this soap helpful. Because pure oil contains a lot of hydrating lauric acid, it is a great option for people with extremely dry skin. Additionally, it possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that could lessen flare-ups.

Summing up
In conclusion, choosing the right soap for eczema can be a challenge. It’s important to understand the ingredients, types of soap, and potential eczema triggers. You must speak to your dermatologist to find the right products for your skin type that can help reduce irritation. With accurate products and a proper skincare routine, you can find relief and hopefully manage your eczema symptoms.

Multiple myeloma is a rare cancer that attacks the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma occurs when one of the plasma cells starts malfunctioning or begins to divide uncontrollably. The initial symptoms of the disease can go unnoticed till cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Hence recognizing the uncommon signs will help identify the condition at an early stage. Read on to learn about the nutritional regime and lifestyle changes to follow.

5 unusual symptoms of multiple myeloma
When the plasma cells become cancerous, they grow uncontrollably within the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells like red blood cells and platelets. Some patients who receive treatment could show little to no change and reoccurring symptoms. When cancer does not respond to treatment or recurs, this condition is known as relapsed refractory multiple myeloma. One can also face other unusual symptoms like:

Rib pain
If the tumor is near or compressing the spinal cord, some may also feel a shooting pain that starts in the rib and passes through the leg. 

Repeated fractures
Myeloma damages the bones, making them weak and thin. It also causes lytic bone lesions leading to the loss of pockets of bone. Hence, repeated fractures are a symptom of multiple myeloma.

Unusual and excessive bleeding
Multiple myeloma can interfere with platelet production, which is crucial for blood clotting. With reduced platelets, one can face frequent bruising and bleeds. Frequent nosebleeds, bleeding in the gums, and heavy menstrual bleeding could be signs of multiple myeloma.

Hyperviscosity
Myeloma cells produce abnormal proteins and abnormal immunoglobulin molecules, which cause the blood to thicken. This condition is called hyperviscosity. Because it is thick, blood may not be able to reach the brain tissues easily. It may interfere with the process of communication between brain cells. This can lead to confusion in some.

Severe constipation
The degeneration of bones causes the accumulation of calcium in the blood, and the kidney now has to work harder to flush out the excess calcium, which requires a lot of water. With less water in the body, one may find it hard to push out stools leading to constipation.

Foods that can improve multiple myeloma symptoms
A balanced meal plan with adequate fluid intake is crucial for multiple myeloma to fight fatigue, increase energy, and cope with the effects of treatment. The meal plan should be rich in proteins, minerals, and important nutrients to help manage the symptoms and prevent them from worsening. It should also be kidney-friendly, promote new cell growth, help bone health, and fight anemia. Food ideal for multiple myeloma are:

Protein-rich food
Protein-rich food helps to replace old cells and the cells damaged by multiple myeloma. It also helps build one’s immune system. It is best to include lean protein in regular meals. Protein-rich food recommended for multiple myeloma include:
Fish
Chicken and turkey
Eggs
Yogurt
Beans
Nuts and nut butter
Soy-based foods
Tofu

Fruits, vegetables, and greens
Fruits, vegetables, and greens are superfoods for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can help improve symptoms like constipation, increase nutritional levels, prevent oxidative stress, and fight infections. Always cook the fruits and vegetables well before eating. Some fruits and vegetables that are best suited for multiple myeloma include:
Papaya
Pineapple
Guava
Pumpkin
Green pepper
Brussel sprouts
Spinach
Broccoli

Fiber-rich foods
Constipation is one of the symptoms of multiple myeloma. Fiber-rich food can help fight constipation and empty the bowels. Fiber-rich food includes:
Apples
Pears
Whole grains
Beans
Legumes
Lentils
Celery
Artichokes

Iron-rich food
The cancer cells that build in the bone marrow may overthrow the healthy blood cells. This may lead to anemia. Iron-rich food can improve blood cells and fight anemia, fatigue, and weakness. Some iron-rich food sources include:
Clams
Liver
Lean meat
Sardines
Leafy green vegetables
Chickpeas
Dates
Green peas

Folate
Folate can help increase the production of red and white blood cells in the bone marrow. It can compensate for the loss of blood cells caused by myeloma cells. Folate-rich food can help improve red blood cell count and build immunity. Important food sources of folate include:
Asparagus
Beef liver
Black-eyed beans
Kidney beans
Chickpeas
Fortified cereals
Green leafy vegetables

Foods to avoid and limit for multiple myeloma
There is no specific nutritional regime that doctors prescribe for multiple myeloma. The best strategy for planning a meal plan is to include foods that can help manage the symptoms and limit or avoid foods that can worsen the symptoms. Some foods that one should avoid for multiple myeloma include:

S ugary desserts
Though one does not have to give up sugar completely, avoiding sugar-laden foods is recommended as it has zero nutritional value and may contribute to worsening the symptoms. Avoid or limit foods and beverages like carbonated drinks, candy, donuts, and cakes with a lot of cream and frosting.

Raw or uncooked food
Frequent infections are a symptom of multiple myeloma. Uncooked or undercooked food can carry bacteria that can cause infections. Washing them well and cooking them reduces the risk of infection. Avoid the following raw food:
Raw or undercooked meat
Raw or undercooked eggs
Uncooked vegetables
Overcooked vegetables
Sushi
Raw or unpasteurized dairy products
Raw sprouts
Raw salad dressings

Processed foods
Processed foods have too many trans and unsaturated fats and contains many chemicals and preservatives that increase its shelf life. Avoid the following:
Non-dried deli meats
Highly processed foods
Packed and ready-to-eat food
Snacks

Potassium-rich food
Since multiple myeloma affects the kidneys, if one’s meal plan has too much potassium, they may not be able to work well enough to flush the excess potassium from the body. Avoid high-potassium foods like:
Avocado
Banana
Melons
Orange
Prunes
Raisins
Granola
Brown rice
Beans

Food with little potassium poses no danger and can be eaten in moderation. 

Phosphorus-rich food
Avoid phosphorus-rich food, as the kidneys may be unable to flush it out. This causes the build-up of phosphorus in the blood, which can further weaken the bones. Avoid the following foods:
Bran cereals
Oatmeal
Dark-colored colas