MPN Voice is producing a recipe book designed by and for MPN patients and we need your help!
Background
Diet is so important in contributing to a healthy lifestyle – we all know that we are what we eat. However, emerging research is looking at the relationship between nutrition and MPNs, and the potential benefits of an anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean diet.
This research explores the link between inflammatory cytokines and MPN symptoms which can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. It is inspired by research in cardiovascular diseases, which are also characterised by chronic inflammation, investigating the potential benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet. Following a Mediterranean diet might similarly reduce inflammatory cytokines in MPN patients, thereby alleviating symptoms and potentially halting disease progression. An initial study, which assessed 30 MPN patients following a Mediterranean diet, discovered a 42% reduction in patients’ symptoms after 9 weeks (Fleischman, 2019; Mendez et al., 2019a; 2019b)[1]. Although early days, this research makes a persuasive case for adopting a similar diet in the MPN patient community.
What is a Mediterranean Diet?
According to the NHS, a Mediterranean diet incorporates the traditional healthy living habits of people in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Spain, Greece and Italy. Although the diet varies by country and region, in general, it is high in vegetables, fruits, pulses, lentils, nuts, beans, cereals, whole grains, fish, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil. It also includes a low intake of meat (especially red meat) and dairy foods. Experts suggest this type of eating pattern will reduce inflammation and promote good health, hence its characterisation as an ‘anti-inflammatory diet’.
What we need
MPN Voice is producing a recipe book made up of patients’ favourite anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean-style recipes. We hope this will be a fantastic resource for patients who already follow an anti-inflammatory diet by offering new recipe ideas, and help those who are thinking about starting the diet but aren’t sure where to begin. This book – unique to the MPN community – will then be sold to help raise money for the charity.
We are therefore asking patients to email us one recipe that fits the description of an ‘anti-inflammatory’, Mediterranean-style dish.
This will then be reviewed by the MPN Voice team, together with a dietician from Guy’s Hospital, for inclusion in our new recipe book.
Recipes can be for a starter; a main meal; a pudding; a snack; a treat.
Your entry should include the ingredients, quantities, and instructions on how to make the dish. Please let us know in your email if you have taken the recipe from a published book and include the title and author/s.
We would also like you to include a few words on why you have chosen this recipe for us to publish alongside your dish. For example:
“Susan’s Lentil and Walnut Spaghetti Bolognese”.
“This recipe is a firm favourite with my partner who has ET. It’s a quick and easy dish that offers a creative spin on Italy’s traditional ‘spag bol’. We often make a big batch, which can then be frozen in containers for multiple meals – ideal if you’re feeling tired or rushed of an evening. We hope you enjoy it too!”
Please send your recipe to: fundraising@mpnvoice.org.uk
Closing date for recipe submissions is: Sunday 10th April 2022
We may not be able to include every recipe in the book, so please do not be disappointed if your recipe is not used.
[1]Fleischman (2019): Angela Fleischman, MD, PhD – Chronic Inflammation in MPNs – YouTube
Mendez et al. (2019a): The Nutrient Trial (NUTRitional Intervention among myEloproliferative Neoplasms): Feasibility Phase | Blood | American Society of Hematology (ashpublications.org)
Mendez et al. (2019b): Key Role of Inflammation in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Instigator of Disease Initiation, Progression. and Symptoms – PubMed (nih.gov)
