Fact 13: Dietary and Lifestyle Impacts on MGUS
The saying “You are what you eat” holds profound significance in the context of health. Our diets play a pivotal role in either reinforcing our health or opening doors to vulnerabilities. When it comes to MGUS, the connection between diet and its progression remains a subject of active research, but preliminary findings highlight some intriguing links.
A diet rich in plant-based foods has always been hailed as the cornerstone of good health. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are abundant sources of antioxidants, known to combat cellular damage. For MGUS patients, a diet skewed towards these food groups might offer protection against progression to more severe conditions like multiple myeloma.
Excessive consumption of red meat, especially the processed variants, has been under the scanner for various health reasons. In the context of MGUS, limiting red meat might be beneficial, not directly for MGUS itself, but for the overall health profile it brings, which can indirectly influence MGUS trajectories.
Moderation is the key when it comes to alcohol. While a glass of red wine might boast of antioxidants, excessive consumption can be detrimental. There’s no direct link between MGUS and alcohol, but a balanced approach to drinking can be seen as a protective measure, given the myriad of health issues excessive alcohol can lead to.
Our modern lifestyles come packaged with their fair share of stress, be it professional, personal, or environmental. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, leading to a cascade of physiological responses. For those with MGUS, managing stress becomes even more vital. Uncontrolled stress might just tip the balance, increasing the chances of MGUS progression. (13)
