Before I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, I had only one dietary restriction. I wasn't allergic, but they instantly gave me a severe heartburn. At the time, I had no idea about the dietary restrictions imposed on lung transplant patients.
Once we received approval for the implant, we began to learn more about these restrictions thanks to patient education sessions conducted by. INOVA Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Clinic In Virginia, where I live. I would like to share some changes that had to be implemented in July 2021 immediately after bilateral lung transplantation.
On my post-transplant journey, the medications I take aim at suppressing my immune system. Right now I take 34 tablets every day. This includes combinations of medications, vitamins and supplements. Certain foods may interact with them.
Food Safety Guide The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) contains information about organ transplant recipients. I recommend avoiding foods that may interact with my medication. It's not that they're going to disable reflexes. Instead, they Increase the amount of anchovy In my system, it can be harmful.
The most common foods I'm advised to eat are grapefruit, pomegranate, pomelo, blood orange, and black licorice. Foods containing marijuana or marijuana-derived products have similar effects.
Foods to avoid
The most difficult adjustment for me was vegetables. Raw or uncooked unwashed vegetables pose a greater risk, especially when consumed outside the home. For example, if you need a fresh salad, you will need to wash the vegetables containing lettuce. Inova had her vegetables washed at home using an Apple Cider Vinegar.
It's not wise to have a salad outside the house where you can't be confident about how the raw vegetables are cleaned. The era of all-you-can-eat salad bars is behind me. Additionally, my care team advised me to avoid public buffets due to unknown hygiene habits of the people who were there before me.
Delicatessen sliced meat and cheese are also on the avoidance list from my food, with certain exceptions. Previously, I enjoyed sliced deli products for making sandwiches and appetizer trays at home. Heat the product to 165 F and I can enjoy them. This limit also applies to cooked meats such as hot dogs.
Milk and eggs should only be consumed if they are pasteurized. I have always enjoyed easy or poached eggs, but eggs with soft or smooth centers are not allowed. Similarly, soft cheeses such as brie, feta, and camembert should be avoided unless clearly labeled from pasteurized milk.
Proteins such as meat, chicken, and seafood should not be consumed raw food or undercooked. This guidance eliminated sashimi and many forms of sushi from my diet. Red meat should be cooked to at least medium temperatures, but the poultry recommendation was 165 F.
The FDA Food Safety Guide is a useful reference for transplant recipients. I shared it with my family and made it better understand the steps they have to take to protect my diet and the implanted lungs. I still love sushi – sometimes it's a craving – but I pass. Following my care team's dietary recommendations is how I count all my breaths.
Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is a news and information website about the disease. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. There are always questions about your medical condition, seeking advice from a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider. Please do not ignore any professional medical advice or delays in seeking it because of what you read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are intended to spark discussions on issues related to pulmonary fibrosis, not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company Bionews.
