When abnormal white blood cells multiply extensively in the bone marrow, the condition results in leukemia. It adversely affects the ability of the body to fight infections. It is the most common type of blood cancer that affects about forty-five thousand people yearly. Common symptoms of leukemia are bruising and frequent nosebleeds, and infections. Here are some of the treatment options, healthy meal plans, and natural ways to manage this blood disease:

Treatment options
There are four primary types of leukemia:

• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

The treatment depends on the type of leukemia, the severity of the condition, age, and the overall health of the affected person. Results from regular blood work will help to determine if a patient has acute or chronic leukemia. Further testing would then be required. The tests and diagnostic exams may include a physical exam, complete blood count (CBC), blood cell examination, bone marrow biopsy, lumbar puncture (spinal tap) and imaging, and other tests. A few of the treatment options are:

Blincyto
It is an immunotherapy option that helps to fight ALL, a type of leukemia where a specific type of white blood cell replicates out of control. It works with the immune system and destroys cancer cells. It is distinct and different from chemotherapy. The FDA granted or accelerated approval for using blinatumomab (Blincyto, Amgen Inc.) in 2018. If patients are allergic to blinatumomab or any of the ingredients of Blincyto, avoid its use as it can cause severe and, in some cases, life-threatening side effects.

Tasigna
Tasigna is an oral treatment option for treating Ph + CML (Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia) in adult patients. It is prescribed for at least three years, and one must go for regular and routine blood tests within the time frame. Your doctor might decide to use this treatment option if your body does not respond to other options and shows signs of resistance or intolerance. The capsules would need to be taken twice daily with a gap of at least twelve hours between doses. It might need to be taken on an empty stomach or two hours after eating. Your doctor will advise you on how to proceed with this treatment option to get the best results.

Meal plans for managing leukemia
Treatment options may have a significant impact on the body. But people with leukemia must be aware of the foods they include in their daily meals. Certain foods have the ability to manage and control the condition and its symptoms. Though there is no ideal meal plan for the person dealing with leukemia, some food options may help:

• Provide support to the immune system
• Reduce the risk of complications
• Regain strength
• Regain the tissues and blood cells damaged during the treatment process

However, the meal plan for leukemia patients should include whole fruits such as apples or blueberries, fat-free or low-fat dairy items, low-fat protein sources such as chicken, soy, and fish, healthy oils like canola or olive oil, and a variety of vegetables and legumes. In addition, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower may be helpful for people with leukemia as these foods contain sulforaphane compounds that may slow the spread of this disease in the body.

Foods that should be excluded from the meal plans are sugary and fibrous foods, fatty, greasy, or fried foods, apple juice, caffeinated beverages, tomatoes, and artificial sweeteners with xylitol or sorbitol.

Make sure you consult a nutritionist before making any changes to your meal plans. Some of these foods may have a different effect on the affected individual.

Natural remedies
Alternative treatment options may or may not completely cure leukemia, but they may ease the symptoms and the side effects of treatment options. Some of the best natural ways to manage leukemia are:

• Using essential oils
  Essential oils are compounds from plants that are combined with a carrier oil to treat various diseases and ailments. According to the National Cancer Institute, essential oils can help people with leukemia manage the side effects of chemotherapy, such as changes in appetite, sleep, drowsiness, depression, and tiredness.
• Using herbal remedies
  Multiple herbal remedies may help ease the symptoms of leukemia. Examples include garlic extract, and grape seed extract. However, in-depth research is required to determine and analyze the efficacy of these remedies in treating leukemia.
• Hydrotherapy
  It involves using water at various pressures or temperatures to treat diseases. Though there is no evidence and proof that hydrotherapy works for the treatment of leukemia, as per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), water-based activities can improve and boost mental health. Since people with leukemia are at high risk of depression, this therapy may help ease symptoms.

Healthy and balanced meal plans along with traditional and natural treatment options may help ease the symptoms of leukemia and speed up the recovery process. Though no specific foods or treatments can cure this condition completely, some may help cope with the side effects and reduce the complications. But it is always recommended that people with leukemia consult a health care expert before making any changes in their meal plans or opting for a treatment option.