| A commonly-known cancer is Hodgkin's | | | | Proteins - Proteins are a macronutrient that the |
| lymphoma, but one that is even more common is | | | | body depends on for survival. Proteins are made |
| Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer that develops | | | | up of chains of amino acids, created from |
| in the lymphocytes (certain white blood cells). The | | | | nitrogen, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. Healthy |
| risk of developing Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma | | | | proteins come from two sources, plants and |
| increases with age, and is even more common in | | | | animals, with animal proteins (except soy, which is |
| people over the age of 60. However, this is a | | | | a complete protein) being the best as they |
| cancer that knows no age limits, and is found in | | | | contain all eight essential amino acids and all 14 |
| patients of all ages. | | | | non-essential amino acids. |
| Early detection is extremely important when it | | | | Protein Supplements |
| comes to the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's | | | | Many Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients find that |
| lymphoma, and testing must be done, as this is a | | | | they are not getting the amount of protein they |
| disease that is easily mistaken with other illnesses. | | | | need in their diets, and often, protein supplements |
| Some of the symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's | | | | are recommended. Many protein supplements are |
| lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, weight | | | | fat and carbohydrate-free, and are low in calories. |
| loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, abdominal pain, | | | | Protein powders are also popular, because they |
| chest pain, coughing and other breathing issues, | | | | can be added to just about any recipe, including |
| and very itchy skin. | | | | shakes and smoothies that make delicious meal |
| Risk factors of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include | | | | replacements. Most healthy diets include |
| organ transplant, use of immunosuppressant | | | | between-meal snacks, and there are a number of |
| drugs, AIDS, exposure to certain chemicals (i.e. | | | | great-tasting protein bars and other snacks that |
| insecticides) and infection with Helicobacter pylori, | | | | are made just for this purpose. They will provide |
| which causes ulcers. | | | | the protein patients need, as well as a boost of |
| Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's | | | | energy. Protein powders are available unflavored |
| Lymphoma | | | | to add to recipes, or for drinks, they come in |
| There are many tests that can accurately | | | | such delicious flavors as chocolate, vanilla, berry |
| diagnose Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, including X-ray, | | | | and fruit punch. |
| CT scan, MRI or PET scan, physical exam, blood | | | | There are a number of different protein |
| tests, biopsies (including bone marrow) and urine | | | | supplements available, including powders, liquids and |
| tests. There are about 30 classifications of | | | | capsules, and they are made from a number of |
| Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with Stage I the earliest | | | | natural protein sources. For example, many |
| and easiest to treat. | | | | protein supplements are made from whey, which |
| Treatment for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include | | | | is a milk derivative and a bi-product from the |
| chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants, | | | | cheese-making process. Whey is a complete |
| surgery, as well as two more types of treatment: | | | | protein, and very easy to digest. Another |
| Biotherapy and Interferon Therapy. | | | | complete protein is soy, which is extremely |
| Biotherapy: The use of several medications in | | | | popular. People who have food allergies and |
| combination to treat the disease. | | | | sensitivities may want to try protein supplements |
| Interferon Therapy: Using interferons (proteins) | | | | made from rice proteins, which are considered to |
| that fight viral infection. | | | | by hypoallergenic, as well as complete proteins. |
| Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment Should | | | | Jason: A Case Study |
| Include A Healthy Diet | | | | After being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's |
| Just like in the treatment of any health condition, | | | | lymphoma, Jason's physician put him on a |
| a healthy diet plays a vital role in the treatment | | | | treatment program, which included chemotherapy |
| of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This is a disease that | | | | and radiation, followed by a number of drugs. |
| will attack the body when it is vulnerable, | | | | After a few weeks, Jason noticed that although |
| especially when the immune system is low. One | | | | he wasn't feeling any worse, he certainly wasn't |
| way to maintain a healthy immune system is to | | | | feeling any better. He was sluggish, and just didn't |
| eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that is rich in | | | | have any energy at all, not even to perform his |
| protein. A physician will be able to help | | | | daily routines. |
| Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients choose a | | | | During his next visit with his physician, Jason |
| sensible diet plan that is well-suited to their needs. | | | | mentioned how he was feeling, and asked if it |
| This diet must include the three macronutrients: | | | | may be the medication causing this, and if there |
| proteins, fats and carbohydrates, in the proper | | | | was anything that he could do to help him feel |
| amounts. | | | | better. The physician recommended a high-protein |
| Fats - Even though we hear so many stories | | | | diet, because it is not only great for muscle |
| about how unhealthy fat is, in actuality, fat is | | | | recovery following surgery and illness, it is also a |
| necessary, but healthy fats. Some healthy fats | | | | terrific source of energy. The physician sat down |
| are those that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, | | | | with Jason and set up an ideal diet plan for him, |
| and can be found in cold water fish, including | | | | which also included protein supplements. |
| salmon, as well as olive oil and nuts. | | | | After a few weeks of being on this new diet, |
| Carbohydrates - Another supposed diet no-no, | | | | Jason began to notice that he had more energy, |
| the right carbohydrates are also necessary for a | | | | and that he was actually starting to feel better. |
| well-balanced diet. In fact, carbohydrates are the | | | | He told his physician how great he was feeling, |
| primary source of energy for the body. Complex | | | | and said he wished that he had learned about |
| carbohydrates are healthier, as they digest slowly. | | | | eating healthy and using protein supplements a |
| There are a number of healthy, delicious sources | | | | long time ago. Jason still uses the supplements in |
| of good complex carbohydrates, including certain | | | | his diet, and is getting better every day. |
| vegetables, and whole grains. | | | | |