Neutropenia
Dietary Considerations

Many healthcare providers believe that dietary restrictions should be implemented when your counts are very low (i.e. when you are neutropenic). There is not a lot of research that has studied this, but ask your healthcare provider what their specific recommendations are. Many of these recommendations are based on common sense and are not difficult to follow.

Food and Nutrition

• Clean and cook all foods thoroughly.



• Have someone peel the skin off of fresh fruits and vegetables to be sure that they are free of germs so that you are not handling them. Some physicians may ask you to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables until your counts have recovered.



• Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.