Have you heard about Neutropenic Diet which is also referred to as the Clean Diet? Food that is not kept or prepared properly can be a cause of infection. It’s impossible to entirely eliminate all microorganisms from your food, but sensible hygiene food procedures can make it considerably less likely for you to get sick from the food you eat. A neutropenic diet could be a dietary change to prevent you from consuming harmful bacteria in foods and beverages. The tendency has been plotted from “sterile diets” to “low organism diets”. The neutropenic diet is derived from neutrophils. Neutrophils are blood cells that secure your body from disease. When lower levels of those cells are shown, your system weakens and your body is less likely to protect itself against microorganisms, infections, diseases, fever, and pneumonia, sinus infections, sore throat, and mouth ulcers.
It is stated in DM No. 2020-0165 of the Department of Health - Interim Guidelines for Nutritionist Dietitians in Hospitals on the Nutritional and Dietary Management of suspected, probable, and confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid 19) patients and on the supply of a healthy diet to hospital workforce, the diet shall include low carbohydrate diet, high protein diet, hence Neutropenic or low bacteria diet is suggested.
For years, some people have followed the Clean Diet or Neutropenic Diet to reduce their consumption of bacteria from foods. Although sources support the utilization of the Neutropenic diet, your doctor should recommend your individual health needs and goals. This diet has been proposed for people living with cancer, as they are more at risk of acquiring microorganisms and other diseases.
Here are some of these guidelines that include:
- Wash your hands before and after handling food, also as washing all surfaces and utensils
- Avoid raw foods, mainly meat and undercooked eggs, should cook all meat thoroughly
- Salad bars are not advisable
- Proper washing of fresh fruits and vegetables before eating or peeling (cooked fruits and vegetables are recommended)
- Avoid unpasteurized/ uncooked dairy products
- Avoid drinking/using water if it's not filtered or boiled for a minimum of one minute.
Foods you ought to eliminate while following the Neutropenic diet include:
Dairy products: unpasteurized milk and yogurt made with live or lively cultures, soft cheeses (Brie, feta, sharp Cheddar), cheeses with mold, aged cheeses, and Mexican-style cheeses like queso
Raw starches: bread with raw nuts, lightly cooked pasta, uncooked oats, and fresh grains
Vegetables: uncooked vegetables, fresh salads, uncooked herbs and spices, and fresh sauerkraut
Fruits: unwashed fresh fruits, unpasteurized fruit juices, and dried fruits
Protein: undercooked meat, deli meats, sushi, cold meat, and undercooked eggs with runny yolk
Beverages: tea, cold-brewed tea, eggnog made with raw eggs, fresh apple cider, and homemade lemonade.
Based on the findings of a study, there is no sufficient evidence to prove that the Neutropenic diet evades infection. Neither the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) nor the Oncology Nursing Society Cancer Chemotherapy guiding principles acclaim the Neutropenic diet. However, some institutions integrate this diet into their medical action plans, although more studies are needed to validate its effectiveness. Traditional handling methods and guidelines should not be ignored. But you need to discuss your preferences with your doctor before engaging in such a diet to make you safe.
PNFP- Karla P. Calapardo, RND
References:
1.The Neutropenic Diet
https://www.healthline.com/health/neutropenic-diet
2. Department Memorandum no. 2020-0165
https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/health-update/dm2020-0165.pdf
