What is the Impact of Diet on Smoldering and Active Multiple Myeloma?

Did you know that your diet could play a significant role in managing myeloma? Research showed a strong link between what we eat and the progression of this complex disease.

A plant-based diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes has shown promising results in myeloma management. Why? A key player is your gut microbiome – the trillions of bacteria living in your digestive system.

The Connection Between Diet and Myeloma

Studies, including groundbreaking research by Dr. Urvi Shah, reveal that consuming whole, minimally processed foods while reducing or eliminating animal products can help reduce inflammation and enhance gut health—key factors supporting gut microbiome diversity and a strong immune system.

• A plant-based diet is associated with increased production of butyrate by the gut microbiota. This short-chain fatty acid modulates the immune system and may help maintain minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity in multiple myeloma patients. Higher stool butyrate concentrations are linked to better myeloma outcomes.
• A plant-based diet can foster a diverse gut microbiome, which is closely intertwined with our immune system. A thriving and balanced microbiome helps to strengthen our immune defenses, leading to better disease control and potentially improving responses to immunotherapy.
• Large studies across the United States, the U.K., and France have shown that individuals following vegan or vegetarian diets have a significantly lower risk of developing multiple myeloma compared to those who consume meat, highlighting the impact of dietary choices on cancer risk.

Groundbreaking Research: The Nutrivention-2 Study

Dr. Shah, in collaboration with the HealthTree Foundation, is at the forefront of research exploring the link between diet and myeloma progression. The Nutrivention-2 Study is a pioneering national, multi-arm, randomized prospective telehealth study. It investigates how a plant-based diet and supplements can alter the gut microbiome in patients with smoldering myeloma, potentially reducing inflammation and cancer risk. 

To learn more about Dr. Shah’s research on diet and multiple myeloma, read our previous article, ‘Advancing Myeloma Research with Dr. Urvi Shah Through HealthTree Cure Hub’.

Taking Control of Your Health: Explore the Possibilities

For individuals living with multiple myeloma, diet can be a powerful tool in managing the disease. If you or your loved ones are interested in learning more about how dietary changes can impact multiple myeloma, you can listen to Dr. Shah herself explain the latest advances here: Dietary Research in Blood Cancers: Exploring the Impact of a Plant-Based Diet.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

The link between diet and myeloma is a rapidly evolving area of research. If you wish to participate in this groundbreaking study, please contact the HealthTree support team at support@healthtree.org. You can also explore ongoing HealthTree research projects on HealthTree Cure Hub.

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Stay informed, and consider joining this important research to help shape the future of cancer treatment for yourself and others.

Sources: 

• Studying the Relationship Between Myeloma Progression and Diet with Dr. Urvi Shah
• Can You Slow Your Myeloma Progression by Eating a Plant-Based Diet?
• Sustained Minimal Residual Disease Negativity in Multiple Myeloma is Associated with Stool Butyrate and Healthier Plant-Based Diets
• Modulating gut microbiome in cancer immunotherapy: Harnessing microbes to enhance treatment efficacy