A smoldering myeloma diet is one piece of the pre-habilitation therapy plan in addition to nutritional supplementation and lifestyle therapies cited to be cytotoxic to monoclonal proteins.
I say this because of my experience working with SMM patients. As a MM survivor and MM cancer coach, I’ve learned that, in and of itself, a diagnosis of pre-myeloma, either MGUS or SMM, isn’t the problem. The problem, according to most SMM patients, is the prospect of a diagnosis of full MM and then the prospect of a lifetime of conventional MM therapies such as:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
and of course, the short, long-term and late stage side effects that invariably accompany these therapies.
Therefore, in my opinion, the best way to:
- Reduce the risk of SMM becoming MM and
- Enhance the SMM/MM patient’s response to therapy is to
Pre-habilitate.
What non-conventional therapies have been shown to reduce the risk of smoldering multiple myeloma from becoming full multiple myeloma?
- Diet and Nutrition:
- Anti-inflammatory Diet: Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like omega-3 fatty acids) may help reduce inflammation and support immune function.
- Curcumin: Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has shown potential anti-cancer properties. Some studies suggest that it may inhibit the growth of myeloma cells.
- Supplements:
- Vitamin D: Adequate levels of vitamin D have been associated with better immune function and may have a role in reducing cancer risk.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that might be beneficial.
- Herbal and Natural Therapies:
- Green Tea Extract (EGCG): Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea, has demonstrated anti-cancer properties in various studies.
- Resveratrol: Found in grapes, red wine, and berries, resveratrol has shown potential in inhibiting cancer cell growth.
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can boost immune function and may help lower cancer risk.
- Stress Reduction: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can reduce stress, which may positively impact overall health and immune function.
- Complementary Therapies:
- Acupuncture: While primarily used for symptom management, acupuncture can help reduce stress and improve quality of life.
- Mind-Body Therapies: Practices like Tai Chi and Qigong combine physical activity with stress reduction and have potential benefits for immune function.
- Probiotics and Gut Health:
- Probiotics: Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome with probiotics may support immune health and reduce inflammation.
Have you been diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma? If you would like to learn more about a smoldering myeloma diet as well as evidence-based non-conventional therapies shown to pre-habilitate as well as reduce your risk of a full MM diagnosis, email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com
Good luck,
David Emerson
- MM Survivor
- MM Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
“There is no standard smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) diet. However, researchers are investigating the impact of plant-based diets emphasizing whole foods on SMM.
SMM is a slow-growing form of precancerous myeloma in which the plasma cells make too much of a certain type of protein…
SMM does not typically present any symptoms and a person may require regular tests to monitor its progression…
What does the diet involve?
There is no standard diet for SMM. One risk factor for SMM is a diet low in plant-based foods. Therefore, people with SMM may want to try following a plant-based diet that has an emphasis on eating whole foods and limits the intake of processed, fried, or high-sugar foods…
Research from 2023 suggests that if a person has obesity, they may be more at riskTrusted Source of developing SMM. They may also be more at risk of SMM becoming actively cancerous.
A 2020 systematic review suggests that following a plant-based diet may helpTrusted Source to aid weight loss and lower a person’s body mass index (BMI).
A 2022 review of research suggests that following a plant-based diet may help to improvesurvival if a person with SMM does develop active cancer.
There are several other potential benefits of following a plant-based diet, which may includeTrusted Source..
A person with SMM may want to try following a vegan, whole food, or plant-based diet. This type of diet is typically low in fat, includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limits processed foods.
There are several foods a person may want to include in an SMM diet, such as:
- A variety of fresh vegetables, such as leafy greens, carrots, and zucchini.
- At least three servings of fruit per day, such as apples, bananas, and blueberries.
- Plant-based proteins, such as legumes, tofu, and tempeh.
- Foods high in unsaturated fats, such as:
A person with SMM should aim to limit processed and convenience foods as much as possible.
If a person is following a plant-based diet, they should try to limit certain foods, including:
- Refined grains such as white bread, pasta, and rice.
- Products with added sugar, such as:
- candy bars
- cakes
- cookies
- pastries
- sugary cereals
- Sweetened beverages such as fruit drinks, soda, and energy drinks.
- Fried foods or foods with added oils.
- Meat, fish, or dairy products.
Before following an SMM diet, a person should speak with a doctor to assess whether the diet is suitable for them. The diet may not be suitable for children, young people, people who are pregnant, or people who are breastfeeding.
For example, research from 2023 suggests that following a vegan diet may present certain risksTrusted Source such as nutritional deficiencies and an increase in the chance of developing mental health issues. Some of the potential risks include:
- Low vitamin B-12, which can lead to issues with the brain and blood function and affect DNA in the cells.
- Not getting enough protein.
- Insufficient iron levels, which can leadTrusted Source to fatigue, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath.
- Insufficient zinc levels, which may leadTrusted Source to conditions such as diarrhea and dermatitis.
- Low selenium levels, which can causeTrusted Source issues with immune system function, fertility issues, and problems with thyroid function.
- Low levels of calcium and vitamin D, which may increase the risk of bone fractures.
- Mental health issues, which may includeTrusted Source depression and anxiety.
