Recently Diagnosed or Relapsed? Stop Looking For a Miracle Cure, and Use Evidence-Based Therapies To Enhance Your Treatment and Prolong Your Remission
Multiple Myeloma an incurable disease, but I have spent the last 25 years in remission using a blend of conventional oncology and evidence-based nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle therapies from peer-reviewed studies that your oncologist probably hasn't told you about.
Click the orange button to the right to learn more about what you can start doing today.
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Non-Toxic Myeloma Immune Balance
Non-toxic myeloma immune balance is essential for MM survivors. I say this because MM itself reduces immune function. Chemotherapy reduces immune function further. As the MM survivor undergoes cycle after cycle of therapy, his/her immune system deteriorates.
This is a central reason why almost a third of all MM patients die of infection-related deaths.
While conventional oncology may prescribe IVIG therapy for those MM patients with IgG counts under 400, IVIG therapy can also cause side effects.
If you are a MM patient and worry that your immune function is weak, consider evidence-based immune support.
Low-risk, evidence-based immune-support plan tailored for multiple myeloma patients in remission.
It focuses on supporting immune competence and minimizing relapse risk without overstimulating plasma cells or interfering with maintenance therapy.
🥗 1. Nutrition Foundation
Goals:
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Support immune recovery
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Reduce inflammation
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Maintain metabolic and gut health
Evidence-based pattern:
→ Mediterranean or anti-inflammatory diet
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Fruits & vegetables: 8–10 servings daily (rich in polyphenols, carotenoids, fiber)
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Whole grains: oats, quinoa, brown rice, barley
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Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, black beans (contain short-chain fatty acid precursors)
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Healthy fats: extra virgin olive oil, avocados, walnuts, flaxseed, fatty fish
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Lean protein: fish, poultry, tofu, tempeh; limit red meat (<2×/week)
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Limit: added sugars, processed meats, refined grains, deep-fried foods
Specific immune-supporting foods:
| Nutrient | Food sources | Mechanistic note |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D | Salmon, sardines, fortified milk, eggs | Modulates immune cell activity and bone health |
| Zinc | Pumpkin seeds, lentils, cashews | Supports immune signaling, DNA repair |
| Selenium | Brazil nuts (1–2), sunflower seeds | Antioxidant enzyme function |
| Omega-3s | Salmon, chia, flaxseed | Downregulates inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) |
| Polyphenols | Berries, green tea, pomegranate | May suppress NF-κB and tumor microenvironment inflammation |
💊 2. Supplementation (Evidence-Based and Low Risk)
Always confirm with your oncologist before starting.
| Supplement | Suggested Range | Evidence/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D3 | 1000–4000 IU/day (adjust to reach serum 40–60 ng/mL) | Low D linked to poorer outcomes; safe when monitored |
| Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) | 1000–2000 mg/day | Anti-inflammatory; supports cardiovascular health |
| Curcumin (bioavailable form) | 500–1000 mg/day | May inhibit NF-κB, IL-6; studied adjunctively in myeloma; avoid if on warfarin |
| Probiotic (multi-strain) | As directed | Supports gut microbiota and immune modulation post-therapy |
| Magnesium glycinate | 200–400 mg/day | Restores levels depleted by chemo or diuretics |
| Methylated B-complex | 1 cap/day | Supports hematopoiesis, energy metabolism |
| Melatonin(optional) | 3 mg at bedtime | May support circadian rhythm and immune homeostasis; small studies in hematologic malignancy remission support safety |
⚠️ Avoid:
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High-dose antioxidants (>1000 mg C or >400 IU E)
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“Immune-boosting” mushrooms or herbal stimulants (echinacea, astragalus) in pharmacologic doses
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Any supplement that “stimulates NK or T-cell proliferation” without safety data in myeloma
🏃♂️ 3. Lifestyle & Recovery
| Area | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise | 150 min/week moderate aerobic + 2 strength sessions | Improves immunity, bone density, and fatigue |
| Sleep | 7–8 hours nightly, consistent timing | Restores circadian and immune rhythm |
| Stress management | Mindfulness, tai chi, or yoga | Lowers cortisol, improves immune resilience |
| Body weight | Aim BMI 20–25 kg/m² | Obesity linked to higher relapse and inflammation |
| Sunlight | 15–20 min exposure 3–4×/week | Natural vitamin D synthesis, circadian entrainment |
| Alcohol | Limit to ≤1 drink/day or avoid | Alcohol suppresses immune recovery |
| Smoking | Avoid completely | Increases oxidative stress and relapse risk |
🧠 4. Monitoring and Personalization
| Marker | Why it matters | Suggested frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D (25-OH) | Maintain 40–60 ng/mL | 2×/year |
| Omega-3 index | Target 6–8% | Annual |
| Serum zinc & selenium | Prevent excess/deficiency | Annual |
| M-protein, FLC, CBC | Track remission status | Per oncology plan |
| CRP, IL-6 (if available) | Reflect inflammation | Optional research use |
🧩 5. Integrative Support Team
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Oncologist: medication and relapse monitoring
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Integrative oncologist or oncology dietitian: supplement dosing and interactions
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Physical therapist/exercise physiologist: bone-safe resistance program
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Psychologist or mindfulness coach: stress and sleep support
🧭 Summary:
A stable remission is best supported by immune balance, not immune stimulation.
Favor whole foods, physiologic nutrient levels, exercise, sleep, and calm—all of which restore immune intelligence without provoking plasma-cell activity.
Are you a MM survivor? Email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com to learn more about managing MM.
David Emerson
- MM Survivor
- MM Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Non-toxic myeloma immune balance Non-toxic myeloma immune balance Non-toxic myeloma immune balance