New to CLL-no treatment-what to eat?

In reply to @mylilbit . Do you like protein bars? I have found some called Perfect Bar, and they are found in the refrigerator section at the grocery store. They have 15 grams of protein and include 20 plus "superfoods." Once they soften they are very easy to eat. I buy the dark chocolate chip peanut butter ones, and they make a quick snack or sometimes a meal for me because of my appetite. I have checked their website and on their site they offer many flavors. They have 330 calories. While the label does mention they contain milk, I have not had any issues eating them with my lactose intolerance. 6 bars cost about $8.
I hope you are able to find something that you can eat and like at the same time.

Thanks @frances007. I live in anothet country but will certainly look for something similar. It is a challenge but any advice is truly appreciated.

There have been studies lately of the Seventh Day Adventists. They only eat what comes out of the ground and they don't drink or smoke. They tend to live longer and stay healthier into old age than others in the same area. I am trying to eat this way. They also avoid processed foods. For me that means oatmeal with fruit and nuts in the morning, whole grains, beans, nuts seeds fruit vegetables etc.

Thanks. Yes, Adventists have some of the best dietary advice. It's good that you are eating well. Best wishes to you. That's the best thing you can do. I've found, unfortunately, if you haven't followed a good diet all your life, chances are you can still get ill in adulthood and old age.

Actually, the one thing to avoid or at least cut way back is not diary, it’s alcohol which interferes with the ability of the bone marrow to produce healthy white and red cells. Good luck.

Ok. Thanks for letting me know. Any advice is truly appreciated. I consume alot of dairy but I don't drink alcohol for quite a number of years now.

I've been diagnosed with CLL & am not yet on any therapy meds. Can any supplements or foods improve my immune system?

@frances007 - I have found "Perfect Bars" at Costco & ate them exclusively for 18 months (to lose weight). The Costco deli manager tends to keep them in stock (near the concentrated juice drinks in refrig section. You will probably find their box of 12 (?) assorted flavors are money-savers. P.S: Larabars are also very healthy (no milk & Kosher!) - Trader Joe's carries them but they're less expensive online.

Sounds and looks great! Wish I could get / have something like that :). You have more options there. Gotta watch my carb and sugar intake too. Type 2. Quite challenging though. Thanks for your input.

Hello @ksmith8771 Our immune system takes a hit when we have a blood cancer so anything we can do to keep up a healthy diet with plenty of antioxidant, nutrient dense foods is vital to our health. Avoid process foods, fried foods, sugar and ‘bad’ fats.
As for supplements, there are theories surrounding the benefits of ECGC (green tea extract). I’ve posted a link to the discussion in the forum below.
However, it is not recommended to take these supplements without discussing it with your hematologist because there can be some serious complications with a high dosage of this extract.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chronic-lyphocetic-leukemia/

I had AML which, in my case, was a very aggressive blood cancer. Prior to that diagnosis, I lived a really ‘clean’ life for decades with a super healthy diet, didn’t smoke, seldom drank alcohol, exercised and at 65 was walking 10 miles daily. I still got this blood cancer…totally random mutation that tricked my immune system. That occurrence then clipped me off at the knees in seemingly 3 weeks time. To that point, I had no symptoms though it would have started a few months before my diagnosis). Diet and a healthy life had no bearing on what happened to my immune system. However, it did impact how well I thrived through chemo and a bone marrow transplant. My medical teams have all stated that my previous life greatly and positively impacted my new life in that I recovered quickly and now, 4 years later, still in a durable remission. (And at 69, still walking at least 8 miles daily).

So you’re on the right track for finding foods and a lifestyle which will keep your compromised immune system as robust as possible. You may not require treatment for a long time, if ever, but in the meantime keep up your health with exercise, diet and a positive mental attitude.

I found this article that’s relevant to your CLL and question of diet and supplements.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-diet

There’s no magic bullet of foods and supplements. If there was, none of us would have to worry about our bone marrow churning out defective cells. But it’s important to keep moving forward and do the best we can. I read about your “Perfect Bars” from Costco. I’ll have to give them a try! Do they come in different flavors?