Eating in remission: healthy habits for the long term
Remission is a new stage of life. Eating now focuses on overall health, the heart, bones and weight. This section explains the main principles of eating in remission.
01Short answer
02Simple explanation
Ordinary healthy eating.
Half the plate: vegetables and fruit.
Little processed meat or sugary drink.
Activity and check-ups.
03Scientific explanation
WHO: processed meat is classified as carcinogenic to humans; a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains is recommended.
ESPEN: enough energy and protein matter for preventing weight and muscle loss in people with cancer, and nutritional status should be assessed regularly.
NCI: practical eating tips exist for treatment side effects such as nausea, taste changes and mouth sores.
04What happens in the body?
The plate model
Half vegetables and fruit, a quarter fish, chicken or legumes, a quarter whole grains.
Late effects
After some treatments the heart, bone density and blood sugar should be checked; ask your doctor about calcium and vitamin D.
Dietitian
If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.
Food safety
Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.
05Nutrition: four steps
Assess, swap the risky, cook safely, eat regularly.
06Key points at a glance
| Topic | In brief |
|---|---|
 The plate model | Half vegetables and fruit, a quarter fish, chicken or legumes, a quarter whole grains. |
 Late effects | After some treatments the heart, bone density and blood sugar should be checked; ask your doctor about calcium and vitamin D. |
 Dietitian | If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian. |
| Food safety | Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage. |
07Key terms
- Remission
- A period when signs of disease are not detected.
- Relapse
- The return of the disease.
- Dietitian
- A nutrition specialist.
- Protein
- A nutrient for repairing muscles and tissues.
- Neutropenia
- Low neutrophils.
08Key points
- Ordinary healthy eating.
- Less processed meat.
- Regular check-ups.
- A diet is not a treatment.
- Talk to a dietitian.
09Frequently asked questions
Does sugar feed leukemia?
This is a common myth; limiting sugar helps general health, but diet cannot guarantee against relapse.
Is alcohol allowed?
It is best to cut down or avoid it; ask your doctor about combining it with medicines.
Can a special diet cure leukemia?
No. Good nutrition helps you cope with treatment, but it does not cure.
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.
Does sugar feed leukemia?
Is alcohol allowed?
Can a special diet cure leukemia?
12Sources
- National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
- ESPEN. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer (2021)
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Food and Nutrition
- World Health Organization. Healthy diet fact sheet
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Carbohydrates
- NHS. Starchy foods and carbohydrates
- World Health Organization (WHO). Carbohydrate intake for adults and children: WHO guideline (2023)
- World Health Organization (WHO). Guideline: Sugars intake for adults and children (2015)
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source. Whole Grains
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source. Added Sugar