We propose that there is an alternate way to think of MDS. The disease may be chronic and slow growing, but the morbidity caused by some of its effects on nutritional state and therefore the general functions of the rest of the body, could significantly impair the quality of life for the patient. The nutritional deficiencies, besides exerting far-ranging negative effects on the functions of other organs in the body, may also cause added deterioration of the bone marrow condition itself, leading to disease acceleration and rapid progression. By paying equal attention to these other issues, we may make the consequences of MDS more tolerable and less burdensome for our patients and actually end up improving both the quality and the quantity of life. Besides, improving the state of nutrition can only help an individual.

Eating Well

It is important for you to eat a variety of foods with generous proportions of fruits and vegetables. They are a great source of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and phytochemicals.

• It is best to choose fruits and vegetables that are colorful. A minimum of 2 fruits and 3 vegetables are recommended as essential to your daily diet.
• It is also important to consume high fiber containing foods such as whole grain cereals, brown rice and whole wheat bread.
• Foods that are low in fat and cholesterol such as baked, roasted or broiled portions are superior to fried foods.
• If you have to use fat, try olive oil.
• Eat lean cuts of meat, poultry and fish.
• Eat smaller portions and less frequently for best results.
• Try to replace meat consumption with recipes containing beans and tofu.
• Limit your consumption of salt by avoiding the salt shaker; use herbs and spices instead.
• Occasionally, use canned, smoked and cured foods, but try and eat fresh preparations as often as possible.

Juicing

The problem is that just eating the normal daily recommendation of fruits and vegetables may not be sufficient to make up for the deficiency that already exists as well as meet the demands of an increased consumption resulting from the disease itself. To meet these two requirements, the patient would have to eat double or triple of the daily recommended portions, an obviously impossible scenario. Therefore, we advise our MDS patients to consume these nutrients in concentrated forms by drinking freshly obtained juice daily.

Fresh Vegetable and Fruit Juice

We recommend that you buy a Juicer and drink at least 8 oz and preferably 16 oz of juice extracted from using desired proportions of; carrots, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, turmeric, ginger, kale, beets, apples, pears, kiwi and other fruits you wish. These fruits and vegetables should all be juiced together. Please make sure that you:

• Try and purchase organically grown produce whenever possible
• Wash every piece of fruit and vegetable thoroughly before juicing
• Drink it within 5-10 minutes of juicing
• Only drink the juice, do not try and eat the residual "roughage" that is left behind in the juicer after juicing. (You will be surprised by how many individuals try to do so because all of us instinctively hate to waste food. Remember, the roughage left behind in the machine no longer has any nutritional value so you are not really "wasting" anything.)
• You can garnish this concoction with ginger, or add any other fruits and vegetables that you like such as celery, peaches, plums, mangoes, blueberries, strawberries etc.
• Remember that this juicing is supplemental, and should by no means be considered a replacement for your normal daily consumption of fruits and vegetables.
• Benefits of most exercises like this one may not appear instantaneously. Therefore, continuity and consistency is critical. You must discipline yourself to make this a daily habit.
• Excess fruit can increase the blood sugar level in patients who either already have diabetes, or may have a latent form of it that can be unmasked by the juicing. Therefore, it is important to consult your physician, who should preferably obtain a fasting blood glucose level, just to be sure, prior to starting this regimen.

The Pineapple-Platelet Connection

Pineapple has been anecdotally shown to stabilize and improve platelet counts. If your form of MDS involves low platelet counts, we encourage you to eat fresh pineapple. Canned pineapple is not the same!

Nutritional Counseling

SVCCC's registered dietitian specializes in helping cancer patients with their unique nutritional needs and issues. The dietitian works closely with the treatment team, and is available throughout the course of treatment for consultation, support and guidance.