Yogurt and CLL

[bayside64]

When purchasing yogurt, what do you look for on the label to promote a healthy gut? Sorry to sound so naive.

[Steffi50]

I buy live yogurt with probiotic qualities but realise for some if the disease is more advanced this would not be a good idea. I am also aware we are warned not to take probiotics because they introduce live bacteria so maybe those who know a little more than me could answer more fully.

[AdrianUK in reply to Steffi50]

Certainly if neutropenic we are advised NOT to eat yoghurt if it has live cultures / probiotics. Because then there is a risk of sepsis as a result. The issue is for the rest of us we all have some degree of immune compromise and especially if nearing treatment or on treatment we could have developed neutropenia and not know about it.

Some people with CLL will introduce some aspects of the neutropenic diet even if they are not neutropenic. There is unfortunately not a lot of evidence as to how much changing our diet or for that matter taking other precautions to prevent infections actually work (eg hand washing, social distance, masks, etc).

My gut feeling is we have to balance some kind of common sense acknowledgment of our immune compromised status (perhaps for example following the pregnant woman’s diet and avoiding things like finger buffet food?) but not allowing our lives to be totally dominated by the fear of catching another infection.

Hope that helps. Sorry I couldn’t be more specific!

More on the neutropenic diet bloodwise.org.uk/sites/defa...

[bayside64 in reply to AdrianUK]

Thanks for such an insightful reply. I will check my recent numbers. My concern is the live cultures. I heard that Greek yogurt might be a good choice.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero in reply to bayside64]

It must be active yogurt to be effective... or have bacteria added, but there are only a few types allowed, under the food laws.

Most yogurt has has treated after it is made to kill off the bacterial... nothing alive in it...

~chris

[ygtgo]

Hi Bayside

I have had CLL since 2006, not needing treatment as yet.

I eat yoghurt daily as part of my ' healthier ' diet.

As noted by Steffi and Adrian, if my circumstances change healthwise, I would be inclined to bring the matter to the attention of my GP.

ygtgo

[helenolton]

Hi, I have bone broth every day has helped with my digestive issues.

[bayside64 in reply to helenolton]

I read that it’s very healthy for CLL patients.

[MystyUK]

Kefir is good for gut health.

[Hoffy]

Sour kraut is a cheap healthy probiotic. Not totally sure how good yogart is. I am vegan now because of my CLL so I avoid dairy. See my past posts.

Be well,

Hoffy