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Nutrition and daily life

Food myths: the most common misconceptions

Many myths circulate about leukemia and food: "sugar feeds leukemia", "fasting kills cancer cells", "an alkaline diet cures". Such myths cause fear and worsen nutrition. This section covers the most common myths and the facts.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Sugar and cooked fruit side by side.
Figure 1.The sugar myth — Food myths: the most common misconceptions

01Short answer

Myth: sugar feeds leukemia. Fact: all cells use glucose; cutting out sugar entirely does not stop leukemia but can cause weight loss. Myth: fasting or a "detox" helps. Fact: during treatment they increase weakness and infection risk. Myth: an alkaline diet changes the blood's acidity. Fact: the body keeps blood pH stable. Myth: raw and "living" food is better. Fact: during neutropenia raw food is an infection risk. Myth: milk and meat are forbidden. Fact: pasteurised milk and well-cooked meat are good protein sources.

02Simple explanation

Sugar does not feed leukemia.

Fasting is harmful.

Alkaline diets do not work.

Raw food is a risk.

03Scientific explanation

Studies: no diet has been shown to cure leukemia; good nutrition improves how well treatment is tolerated.

NCCIH: "natural" does not mean "safe"; the contents and quality of supplements are not checked as strictly as medicines.

04What happens in the body?

Where do they come from?

Oversimplified science or a sales pitch.

A bottle and a lemon in shadow.
Figure 2.Alkaline water aside.

What to do

Write down questions and discuss them with a dietitian.

Vegetables, grains, protein, fruit.
Figure 3.A balanced plate — Food myths: the most common misconceptions

Interactions

Supplements can change medicine levels in the blood through liver enzymes such as CYP3A4.

Food first

A varied diet usually provides the vitamins you need; supplements only when there is a need.

05Supplements: four steps

List them, show your team, check the evidence, take only with agreement.

List — Write everything down.1ListWrite everything down.
Show — Doctor and pharmacist.2ShowDoctor and pharmacist.
Check — Evidence and risk.3CheckEvidence and risk.
Agree — Only with approval.4AgreeOnly with approval.
OpennessTell everything.
FoodPlate first.
SafetyInteractions.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Where do they come from?Oversimplified science or a sales pitch.
What to doWrite down questions and discuss them with a dietitian.
InteractionsSupplements can change medicine levels in the blood through liver enzymes such as CYP3A4.
Food firstA varied diet usually provides the vitamins you need; supplements only when there is a need.

07Key terms

pH
A measure of acidity and alkalinity.
Detox
"Cleansing" diets without a scientific basis.
Dietary supplement
A product of vitamins, minerals, herbs or other substances.
Interaction
One substance changing the effect of another.

08Key points

  • Check myths.
  • Do not fast.
  • Talk to a dietitian.
  • A supplement is not a treatment.
  • Report every one.

09Frequently asked questions

Is honey better than sugar?

Both are sugar; during neutropenia avoid unpasteurised honey.

Do juice diets help?

No; freshly pressed juices are risky during neutropenia.

Is a "natural" supplement harmless?

No. Natural substances can also act strongly and interact.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is honey better than sugar?

  2. Do juice diets help?

  3. Is a "natural" supplement harmless?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
  2. NCCIH. Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
  3. National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  4. Memorial Sloan Kettering. About Herbs, Botanicals and Other Products
  5. World Health Organization. Salt reduction fact sheet
  6. CDC. Chicken and Food Poisoning
  7. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Poultry: safe handling and preparation
  8. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. The Big Thaw — Safe Defrosting Methods
  9. NHS. Meat in your diet
  10. World Health Organization (WHO). Campylobacter — fact sheet
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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