The following are general guidelines for patients that have received a hematopoietic cell transplant:
Autologous transplant patients should follow this diet for first 3 months after transplant.
Allogenic transplant patients should follow this diet until off all immunosuppressive therapy like tacrolimus, prednisone and cyclosporine.
These foods should be avoided while your white blood count is low:
Raw and undercooked meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs, hot dogs, sausage, bacon
Raw tofu, unless it is pasteurized or aseptically packaged
Deli meats unless heated until steaming
Pickled fish
Nonpasteurized milk and raw milk products
Soft and blue-veined cheeses
Mexican-style soft cheese
Cheese containing chili peppers or other uncooked vegetables
Fresh salad dressings containing raw eggs or the cheeses listed above
Unwashed raw vegetables and fruits
Commercial unpasteurized fruit and vegetable juices
Raw honey
All miso products and tempeh
Raw, uncooked brewer's yeast
Expired foods and beverages
Well water, unless boiled for 1 minute.
It's important to wash raw fruits and vegetables very well. The following are recipes for a spray and a wash that can be used to clean your produce.
Spray: In a spray bottle, mix together 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 cup of water. Spray the mixture on the produce and allow it to sit for 2-5 minutes. Lightly scrub the produce with a clean sponge or brush. Rinse produce under cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Wash: Mix together ½ cup of white vinegar and 3 tablespoons of salt. Stir the mixture until the salt has dissolved. Add vinegar and salt mixture to a sink full of cool water. Mix all ingredients well. Soak produce for 15-20 minutes. Rinse produce in cool water and pat dry with clean towel.
These suggestions are not meant to replace talking to your doctor and registered dietitian. For more information regarding food and water safety, schedule an appointment with the Registered Dietitian at the UW Carbone Cancer Center by contacting Cancer Connect by calling (608) 265-1700.
