hii..how are you doing?for this entry, i have some information about neutropenic diet and i would to share with ppl out there. have you heard bout neutropenic diet??let's spend our time reading this :)
Neutropenia
is a condition at which it is characterized by abnormality low number of white
blood cell which is neutrophils. Whereas neutropenic diet is a diet that abstains
from foods that contains harmful bacteria such as in raw meats, seafood, soy, vegetables,
fruits and nuts. It is a diet focused for people who has weakened immune
systems in the body. So, neutropenic diet is useful to protect them from
harmful organisms and bacteria that found in some drinks and foods. When the
immune system is not functioning well, it is difficult for the body to fight
against these bacteria. Well cooked foods can completely makes sure that
bacteria can be destroyed. In another word, neutropenic diet can also be called
as sterile diet, low microbial diet, or low bacterial diet (LBD). Based on
Neutropenic Diet Guideline, several recommendations has been stated which is to
avoid from eating raw fruits and vegetables, avoid taking fast food and
take-out foods, avoid the aged cheese and avoid deli meats. Besides, foods must
be cooked to produce well done and eggs must be hard-boiled. On top of that,
take no yogurt and also no raw nuts.
Neutropenic
diet is recommended for patients who has undergoes cancer treatments and
certain types of chemotherapy. There is a blood test called absolute neutrophil
count (ANC) that able to determine if the body is able to fight against
infection. ANC has been done to cancer patients routinely. When the result from
ANC shows less than 500 cells/mm³, the patients has to follow a neutropenic diet.
This diet must be continued until the doctor tells patient to their regular
diet. Besides, patients with stem cell transplants and who had undergoes organ
transplant and also those who are in the treatment for HIV/AIDS are instructed
to follow neutropenic diet. Food preparation methods in neutropenic diet are
occasionally employed to ensure content of microbial is low, including in
sterilization and autoclaving method. At the same time, this diet can affect
the texture, taste and appearance of the food. Hence, it can decrease patients’
appetite and desire to eat and decrease to maintain their nutritional status
when it is crucial to maintain caloric intake. The timing to initiate this diet
is varies among institutions. Some of the hospitals initiate using absolute
neutrophil count (ANC) while others may start neutropenic diet upon hospital
admission.
Bacteria
and infection can be avoided by taking neutropenic diet. Since bacteria can
easily hide in raw meats and seafood, and also dirt can easily stick in the
crannies of fruits and vegetables, there are some ways to prevent infections,
includes by using cooked foods or foods and dairy products that have been
pasteurized. Besides, the raw vegetables should be inspected before cook. Fresh
fruits and vegetables, raw meat, fish and eggs should be avoided. Meat must
achieve “well-done” stage and all eggs are thoroughly cooked. Scrubs fruits,
vegetables and clean the cooking surface to prevent infection. The entrees and
side dishes must be cook thoroughly and do not eat the moldy food such as moldy
cheese. Raw nuts must be avoided and can be replaced with baked products with
these ingredients. Based on research, even though benefits of neutropenic diet
is very limited, the diet is still been used in most institutions with the hope
that neutropenic diet may have potential to prevent foodborne infection or
bacteremia in patients.
Based
on neutropenic diet, there are categories of food that should be chosen and
food that should be avoided. For beverages, foods to choose includes instant
and brewed decaf or regular coffee and tea, cans or bottles of carbonated
beverages individually, and tap or bottled water. Beverages that should be
avoided is any others, such as brewed tea or sun tea. For starches, all types
of bread, rolls, English muffins, fruit muffins, bagels, sweet rolls and donuts
can be choose. Besides, waffles, French toast, pancakes, potato chips, corn
chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, popcorn, crackers and all types of cooked and
ready-to-eat cereals and cooked grains can be eaten. Cereals containing raw
nuts and raw oats are such starches that need to be avoided. Foods to choose
for dairy products includes milkshakes using individual cartons of ice cream
and milk, or homemade milkshakes, commercial eggnog, commercial supplements
such as instant breakfast drinks. Unpasteurized milk or yogurt, yogurt or soft
ice cream from a machine and milkshakes that made in a blender are foods to
avoid.
For
fats, foods such as butter or margarine, cream cheese, sour cream, salad
dressings, or mayonnaise, oil, shortening used in cooking and non-dairy
creamers can be choose to eat, while avocado dressing and fresh salad dressing
containing aged cheese, raw eggs, or fresh herbs must be avoided. Foods to
choose for vegetables are all well-cooked canned and all
raw vegetables, stir-fried vegetables, fresh salads and fresh sauerkraut are
vegetables that should be avoided. On top of that, for dietary supplements, commercial
high- calorie or high-protein drinks, puddings, and snack bars if approved by a
doctor or nurse can be choose, while supplements and vitamins (unless approved
by a doctor or nurse) should not taken. Therefore, further research and studies
need to be conducted to make better evaluation regarding neutropenic diet.
that's all..thankyou readers! mwah sikit :*
