What’s the science on diet and MGUS/SMM?

Welcome, @mascot. I think @pmm @gingerw @circawdm @raye @carolee888 and others may have some thoughts for you about unspecified symptoms. They are so frustrating.

The Meditterian diet is recommended. Cancer feeds on sugar, so minimize and drink lots of water,

Or might I suggest Ginger tea because it is an anti-inflammatory. It’s perfect the way it is so you won’t be tempted to sweeten it. Really sugar is good for nothing and bad for most every condition. Knowing that it’s easy not to allow it in your home.

I use Yogi Tea bags from Trader Joe’s, and plain Ginger from a more expensive herbal tea company. Two of the first with one of the latter in my tea thermos which lasts the day.

Generally, it helps most any situation to prescribe to yourself
daily discoveries of beauty and finding something to laugh about. And if you have someone to hug (I don’t) then I hope you will give each other plentiful “Gifts wrapped in arms.”

Please forgive me for suggesting something else to look into, but have you tried a sleep study yet? Getting adequate sleep cures and prevents a number of ills, some of which you mentioned. I’ve been using an AutoPap for 23 years for obstructive sleep apnea and sleep very well. (Watching IgM Kappa MGUS.) Hope this is helpful.

@mascot Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm glad you found us, and that you can report so many years with MGUS that has not progressed! Many members here worry about MGUS evolving quickly into other issues.

While I am under chemo for multiple myeloma, many of your symptoms are the same as what I have experienced. What has been beneficial for me is getting a good diet started, with as few processed foods as possible. And as others have mentioned, yes, that means cutting way down on sugars. Beyond that, getting moderate exercise, even when you don't feel like it, or especially when you don't feel like it. If you feel unstable on your feet, use an aid, whether it be a cane or rollator; don't try to tough it out and fall! Take little naps if possible, when you feel the need. My cat loves the nap-with-cat-in-my-lap time! Taking Tylenol on the worst days seem to help me smooth my reactions, and as we head in to the colder months now, I keep that bottle handy.

I see you mention bench jones proteinuria, which indicates there is some kidney involvement. Do you have a nephrologist monitoring you, also? Please don't feel like a hypochondriac! Our bodies are indeed miracle machines, and we can have so many things manifesting, it's hard to be positive.
Ginger

How nice to read your posts, Thank you all, I do eat a Mediterranean Diet mostly, no processed foods and ginger. Like my icecream though, so not always no sugar. I do have sleep issues but a lot of work related stress so tend to have my thought’s circling around at night. Does anyone have other symptoms too?

Minimizing red meat and all highly processed foods is also a very good idea. All of those cause sugar spikes and increases in inflammation. If you're going to push water (great idea) make sure it is GOOD water if you can, not tap water.

Right! I found out the city water makes sick. I am low on ImG and the city water is bad. Bottled water that I can trust right now!

Hi Ginger, I am sorry to hear that you are on chemotherapy. I hope that you are feeling better soon. My M gradient has been rising steadily over the years, and faster over the past 2 years . How were your symptoms before chemotherapy? Did you have any fractures?
All the best

Hi all, just a quick note about cancer and sugar. The phrase "sugar feeds cancer" is commonly used especially in news headlines and social media. While the 3-word phrase catches one's attention, it's not the whole story.

More research is needed to understand the relationship between sugar in the diet and cancer. All kinds of cells, including cancer cells, depend on blood sugar for energy. But giving more sugar to cancer cells doesn’t make them grow faster. Likewise, depriving cancer cells of sugar doesn’t make them grow more slowly.

Evidence suggests that consuming large amounts of sugar is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, though, including cancer of the uterus, cervix, endometrium, ovary, breast, colon, rectum, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney and prostate.

Learn more in these articles from Mayo Clinic
- Sugar's Role in Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/sugars-role-in-cancer/
- Consumer Health: Cancer myths vs. facts https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/consumer-health-cancer-myths-vs-facts/