How to Support Blood and Platelet Levels During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy often cause anemia and insufficient platelet count. Proper diet and nutritional supplements can help cancer patients maintain their strength and immunity, and successfully complete treatment.
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Anemia and low platelet counts are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which can cause fatigue, decreased immunity, and may even affect treatment schedules. Proper nutrition and dietary support are essential for patients undergoing cancer therapy. This article outlines dietary and lifestyle strategies to help maintain healthy blood and platelet levels during chemotherapy.
Introduction
Why Chemotherapy Affects Blood Production
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which not only affects cancer cells but also the hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Patients often experience declines in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets 7–10 days after treatment. Studies show that one-sixth of chemotherapy patients develop anemia, and after six or more cycles, over one-third experience varying degrees of anemia. Radiotherapy targeting bone marrow may also cause similar effects.
Managing Anemia During Chemotherapy
When hemoglobin drops below 11 g/dL, patients may experience fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Levels below 10 g/dL typically prompt physicians to consider blood transfusions. In addition to medical interventions, dietary supplementation with iron, folate, vitamin B12, and protein is an important first step.
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations:
- High-protein foods: fish, lean meat, chicken, eggs, milk
- Iron-rich foods: oysters, clams, liver, spinach, raisins, whole-grain bread
- Folate sources: dark green vegetables
- Vitamin C foods: citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes
- Vitamin B12 foods: dairy products, eggs, liver
Tip: Avoid relying solely on chicken essence or beef extract drinks, as their protein content is limited and cannot replace whole foods.
Supporting Platelet Production
Low platelet counts increase bleeding risk. The following nutrients and foods can help:
- Folate: leafy greens, beans, peanuts, liver, seafood
- Vitamins B12, C, D, K: beef, chicken, egg yolk, fish, citrus
- Iron-rich foods: red meat, pork, poultry
Peanut Skin and Red Date Blood Tonic
Research shows that proanthocyanidin A1 in peanut skins may promote platelet production. Simmered with red dates, this tonic not only supports blood production but also enhances bone marrow function. However, patients with gout should avoid excessive consumption.
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References
- Eur J Nutr. 2010;49(4):197-210.
- The Oncologist. 2007;12(3):312-319.
- Clinical Nutrition Department, China Medical University Hospital
- Hematology-Oncology Clinical Trial Report, Taipei Veterans General Hospital
- Cancer Health Resource