Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells and blood-forming tissues. Like nearly all other types of cancer, leukemia can be controlled to a reasonable extent if eating habits and treatments are managed efficiently when an individual’s condition is in its initial stages. Eating right is a massive factor in managing leukemia during this phase. Some foods to avoid to reduce the risk of developing leukemia or worsening its symptoms are listed below.

Hot sauces
Several research studies have found spicy foods to trigger various types of cancer. For example, ultra-spicy foods such as chili peppers and hot sauces contain an element known as capsaicin. This actively pungent and spicy substance has a controversial history regarding cancers of all kinds. High doses of capsaicin can act as a carcinogen, or a volatile cancer-causing agent, in a person’s body. Therefore, hot sauces must be avoided (or taken in small quantities) for people living with leukemia and those wanting to stay away from the condition at all costs.

Cakes and pastries
Bread, cakes, and pastries are high-fiber foods that have historically been known to aggravate leukemia symptoms in people with the condition. Moreover, these foods can cause internal inflammation and lead to leukemia and other cancer types. Most importantly, such foods contain a massive amount of sugar – a leading cause of diabetes in individuals. Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are risk factors linked to leukemia. High sugar intake can lead to the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in people. As a result, foods containing large amounts of fiber and sugar must be avoided. If avoiding such foods is not possible, one must take them in low to moderate portions.

Lamb chops
Red meat is another food to avoid to keep leukemia at bay. Additionally, red meat-based foods also rank among the worst foods for people trying to avoid worsening cancer symptoms. Examples of red meat include veal, lamb, pork, and beef. Lamb chops are heavy on red meat and fat, two of the most avoidable foods for managing leukemia. According to health experts, red meat foods are cancer-causing because of how they are cooked. Such foods are typically fried, broiled, or grilled – three high-temperature cooking methods that can generate cancer-promoting chemicals.

Sodas
Processed foods contain many chemicals that can trigger the multiplication of cancerous cells among an individual’s blood cells. Sodas are among the most harmful products to drink as they are high in processed chemicals, artificial sweeteners, and large amounts of sugar. Consuming such fizzy drinks can increase a person’s chances of developing or aggravating leukemia. Soft drinks such as sodas contain a chemical known as aspartame. Multiple research studies have found that this element triggers non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma in men. Chemicals such as aspartame affect a person’s blood circulation and other elements connected to the bloodstream. Apart from being one of the primary triggers of leukemia, sodas can also affect a person’s respiratory and lymphatic systems and cause other health issues. Therefore, one must keep away from fizzy drinks at all costs.