Tumors and the Immune System

Tumors and their treatment can weaken the body's immune system by affecting the blood cells that protect us against disease and germs. ^{[American Cancer Society, 2014]} When this happens to an individual with perpetual tumor growth, a low immune system will be a constant issue, which would be seen as the wrong proportion of white to red blood cells.

Vitamins and food management can help raise the immune system.

1. Vitamin B12

It could be as simple as finding the right amount of Vitamin B12 for you since Vitamin B12 is required for proper red blood cell formation, and would also be helpful for neurological function. ^{[National Institute of Health, 2011] With tumors and neurological issues it is hard to get the right amount in food alone.}

2. Food Management

Food management is not about just foods to eat, but how it is cleaned and handles to minimize germs, prevent cross-contamination, how well food should be cooked, temperatures it should remain at and where not to eat certain foods from.

3. Reference Sources

1. American Cancer Society. Nutrition for the Person With Cancer During Treatment. (Last Medical Review: 06/09/2014) http://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorshipduringandaftertreatment/nutritionforpeoplewithcancer/nutritionforthepersonwithcancer/nutrition-during-treatment-weak-immune-system
2. National Institute of Health. Vitamin B12, Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet. (June 24, 2011) http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional