What is a Neutropenic Diet?
A neutropenic (nu-tro-PEE-nik) diet is for people with weakened immune systems. This diet helps protect them from bacteria and other harmful organisms found in some food and drinks. As patient on chemotherapy have weak immune system it is recommended that they eat neutropenic diet.
Cooking foods completely makes sure that all bacteria are destroyed. Thus neutropenic diet mainly includes cooked food.
Cooked food should be consumed with in 4 hours.
Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables, including all fresh garnishes. Thick skinned fruits such as banana, oranges, melon, pomegrenate and water melon can be taken.
Cooked vegetables, canned fruits juices are fine.
Avoid raw or rare-cooked meat, fish, and eggs. Meat should be cooked to the “well- done” stage. All eggs should be thoroughly cooked (no runny yolks).
Avoid salad bars, fruit bars, and fast food counters.
Avoid raw nuts. You may eat cooked or baked products with these ingredients.
Make sure all of the dairy products you eat are boiled well.
Be safe in the way you handle foods. Wash your hands before handling food. Wash all surfaces, cutting boards and cutting utensils thoroughly.
At home, you may use tap water or filtered water but only after boiling for about 10 minutes, when outside use bottled water.
Comentários