Last Updated on September 20, 2022 by Olivia Anderson
If you have been diagnosed with splenomegaly, your doctor may have told you to avoid certain foods. This is because some foods can aggravate the condition and make it worse. In this blog post, we will discuss the foods that you should avoid if you have splenomegaly. We will also provide some tips on how to eat healthily even if you have this condition.
Let’s get started.
An Overview of Splenomegaly
The spleen is an organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, behind the stomach. It is about the size of a fist and has two main functions: filter blood and store reserve blood. The spleen also produces lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help fight infection.
Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen. It can be caused by several conditions, including infections, liver disease, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Splenomegaly can also be a side effect of certain medications or treatments, such as chemotherapy. AskApollo is the place for you if you want to know more about this condition and how it gets treated.
Symptoms of Enlarged Spleen
Enlarged spleen symptoms can include:
- A feeling of fullness or pain in the left upper abdomen that radiates to the left shoulder
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Weight loss
If you have any of these symptoms, you must see your healthcare provider. They may order tests, such as blood work or imaging studies, to check for an enlarged spleen. Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. However, if the underlying cause is severe, treatment may be necessary.
Food to Avoid
-
Fast Food
Fast food’s high fat and salt content can contribute to an enlarged spleen. In addition, the chemicals and preservatives in fast food can also lead to inflammation. This is why it is best to avoid fast food if you have splenomegaly.
-
Ultra-Processed Snack Foods
These include cookies, cakes, candies, potato chips, and other similar snacks. While they may be tempting because of their deliciousness, it’s important to remember that these foods are usually high in unhealthy fats and calories. If you have splenomegaly, it’s best to avoid these kinds of snacks altogether.
-
Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
Nothing is more refreshing than a cold, sugary drink on a hot day. However, if you have splenomegaly, you may want to avoid these drinks. Some of the most popular sugar-sweetened beverages include soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks. Sugar-sweetened beverages can cause your spleen to become enlarged and lead to other health complications.
-
Sweets
Sweets are one of the main culprits in splenomegaly and diet. Foods high in sugar can cause your blood sugar to spike, leading to inflammation and an enlarged spleen. Therefore, it’s important to avoid sugary foods as much as possible if you’re trying to shrink your spleen. This includes candy, desserts, sweetened beverages, and fruit juices. You should also limit your intake of refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta, as they can also contribute to inflammation.
-
Processed Meat Products
Hot dogs, sausages, salami, and other processed meats are generally very high in sodium. This can cause fluid retention and lead to an enlarged spleen. If you have splenomegaly, it’s best to avoid processed meats as much as possible.
Foods to Eat
Here are some major food that can protect you against the disease:
-
Fruits
Fruits such as cherries, berries, apples, bananas, and berries are rich in antioxidants and can help the body to fight against infections. If you’re having Splenomegaly, eat more of these fruits to keep your immune system strong.
-
Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They can also help to cleanse the body of toxins. Eat plenty of spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, and other dark leafy greens.
-
Starchy vegetables
Starchy vegetables are high in carbohydrates and can contribute to weight gain. They should be avoided if you have splenomegaly. Examples of starchy vegetables include potatoes, corn, and peas.
-
Legumes
Legumes are important to eat when you have splenomegaly as they contain high levels of fiber, which can help to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. However, some legumes (such as soybeans) contain goitrogens, which can interfere with the thyroid gland’s ability to produce hormones. Therefore, speaking with your healthcare provider before adding legumes to your diet is crucial.
The Bottom Line
To sum it all up, if you have splenomegaly, there are certain foods and drinks you should avoid. These include alcohol, processed meats, refined carbs, and sugary foods and drinks. While some of these may be hard to give up, it’s important to do what you can to keep your spleen healthy. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your diet and splenomegaly.
