Beverages to Potentially Skip
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the immune system. Eating the right foods and drinking healthy beverages can support your health, but certain drinks can make things worse. Below are some drinks to avoid if you are concerned about lymphoma, followed by treatment options.
Worst Drinks for Lymphoma
1. Sugary Sodas
Sugary sodas are packed with sugar and empty calories. Drinking too much soda can cause weight gain and weaken your immune system, which is already under stress if you have lymphoma. Try replacing soda with water or herbal teas.
2. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine. These can lead to increased inflammation in the body, which is harmful for people with lymphoma. High caffeine intake can also interfere with your sleep, which is important for healing.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol weakens the immune system, which can make it harder for your body to fight off lymphoma. Drinking too much alcohol can also lead to dehydration, making you feel worse overall. It’s best to avoid alcohol or limit it as much as possible if you’re dealing with lymphoma.
4. Artificially Sweetened Drinks
Diet sodas and sugar-free drinks often contain artificial sweeteners. Some studies suggest that these sweeteners may affect your health in negative ways, especially for people with cancer. It’s better to choose natural sweeteners or just stick to water.
5. High-Caffeine Coffee
While coffee has some benefits, too much caffeine can lead to dehydration and increased stress on the body. If you have lymphoma, it’s best to limit your coffee intake to avoid added stress on your immune system.
6. Processed Fruit Juices
Many fruit juices, especially store-bought ones, are loaded with added sugars and preservatives. These can lead to weight gain and increased inflammation. If you want fruit juice, it’s better to drink freshly squeezed juice or eat whole fruits instead.
7. Sports Drinks
Sports drinks may seem healthy, but they often contain a lot of sugar and artificial ingredients. These drinks are usually meant for athletes who need to replace electrolytes, not for everyday hydration. Water or coconut water is a better option.
Treatments for Lymphoma
If you are diagnosed with lymphoma, here are some common treatment options:
- Chemotherapy: Uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
- Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts your immune system to help fight the cancer.
- Targeted therapy: Uses drugs to target specific parts of cancer cells and stop them from growing.
- Stem cell transplant: Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells after high-dose chemotherapy.
Managing Lymphoma
If you think you may have lymphoma, or if you’ve already been diagnosed, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Drinking healthy beverages and avoiding harmful ones can support your treatment and help you feel better.
Read on to learn more about the worst drinks for EoE.