Diet and myelofibrosis: Foods to eat and avoid
Fact-checked by While there’s no special diet that’s been proven to treat myelofibrosis, a thoughtful myelofibrosis diet can help support your energy and day-to-day well-being.
Food choices matter in myelofibrosis, because the disease can cause fatigue and inflammation. Some people may also find that they start to feel full after eating only a small amount of food.
These symptoms can make it difficult to eat well, meet your nutritional requirements, or maintain a healthy weight. A steady yet flexible eating plan can help you get enough nutrients while managing symptoms that may affect appetite.
These myelofibrosis nutrition tips are meant to support general wellness. They aren’t a replacement for usual care from your doctor, hematologist (blood specialist), or dietitian.
Anti-inflammatory foods to prioritize
Myelofibrosis can lead to ongoing inflammation throughout the body, contributing to symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and nutritional deficits. While food can’t treat myelofibrosis on its own, choosing more anti-inflammatory foods may help support your general health.
An anti-inflammatory diet for myelofibrosis closely resembles the Mediterranean-style diet, which means building meals around:
- whole grains
- beans, nuts, and seeds
- olive oil
- proteins such as poultry, eggs, yogurt, and tofu
The American Cancer Society describes a healthy eating pattern as one that includes many plant foods, whole grains, and healthy protein sources.
A 2024 study, known as the NUTRIENT trial, examined the feasibility of people with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a disease group that includes myelofibrosis, following a Mediterranean diet. One group followed the Mediterranean diet, while the other followed standard U.S. nutritional guidelines.
With help from a dietitian, about 80% of people in the Mediterranean diet group were able to stick to the diet. Symptoms improved in both groups, but the study didn’t detect any major changes in inflammation markers. Additional research into potential anti-inflammatory benefits is needed.
Foods and triggers to avoid
In thinking about what foods to avoid with myelofibrosis, it may help to focus on patterns rather than strict rules. For general cancer wellness, the American Cancer Society recommends limiting or avoiding:
- red and processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli meat
- sugary drinks, such as soda or sweet tea
- highly processed foods, such as packaged sweets, fast food, and fried foods
- refined grains, like white bread
- alcohol
These foods may not affect everyone the same way. However, in a survey of 1,300 people with MPNs, also called NUTRIENT, sugary sodas, refined or processed foods, and fried foods were linked to worse symptom burden. These types of foods can also take the place of more beneficial foods in your daily diet, namely those that provide your body with more fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Foods that carry a higher risk of infection should also be avoided in people with myelofibrosis, who may have a weaker immune system. These include:
- raw or rare meat or fish
- uncooked or undercooked eggs
- unwashed fruits and vegetables
- unpasteurized dairy products
It’s important to pay attention to your own personal triggers, too. Greasy, spicy, or very large meals may make nausea or fullness worse for some people with myelofibrosis.
Managing weight loss and early satiety
People with myelofibrosis may experience weight loss, which can occur due to inflammation, low appetite, or early satiety due to an enlarged spleen or liver. Early satiety is the feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food.
If eating three large meals a day feels undoable, consider eating four to six smaller meals each day instead. You can also try:
- eating high-protein foods like eggs, fish, or yogurt, first
- adding olive oil, avocado, or cheese to meals for extra calories
- drinking most fluids between meals to reduce feelings of fullness
You might also consider working with a dietitian to help you find foods that work with your symptoms and prevent weight loss.
Hydration and its role in blood health
While proper hydration can’t change your blood counts, it does play a critical role in managing myelofibrosis. Plasma, the liquid part of our blood, is mostly water. It carries blood cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products through the body. Without enough fluids, blood volume can drop, which may worsen symptoms such as dizziness or tiredness.
Most adults should drink at least six to eight cups of water or liquid each day. In addition to water, good choices include broth, soup, herbal tea, and milk. If you feel full quickly, try sipping drinks between meals.
Talk with your healthcare provider about how much fluid is right for you, as well as nutrition strategies that may help with your symptoms, energy, and weight while living with myelofibrosis.
Myelofibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
