Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a rare form of cancer that develops in the blood and bone marrow. It is usually triggered due to a genetic mutation that affects the DNA in the stem cells making up the bone marrow. There is no definitive cure for CML. At best, symptoms can be managed with changes in daily foods, effective lifestyle choices, natural remedies, and prescriptions deemed effective for slowing down the disease progression.

Nutritious foods
Blood cells absorb nutrients from foods directly and help slow down the progression of cancer. Cruciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, Bok choy, cabbage, and cauliflower are rich in a compound called sulforaphane that actively fights cancer cells. Whole grains, including barley, wheat, oats, and whole cereals, are healthy fibrous foods that should be included in your regular meals. Apples and blueberries are rich sources of antioxidants that counter free radicals. Low-fat dairy, lean proteins (preferably fish, chicken, and soy), and other omega 3 healthy fats boost strength and immunity.

Herbs for symptom management
Some herbs have anti-tumor and anti-cancer active compounds. For example, curcumin found in turmeric helps lower the risk of side effects of CML. Ginsenosides found in ginseng have been effective when combined with chemotherapy treatments done for blood cancer.

Managing stress
One must consider taking up preferred activities that help lower stress and boost mood. Mindfulness techniques, relaxation therapies, and counseling can help cope with ongoing treatments.

Lifestyle changes
One must lower the risk of infection by maintaining proper hygiene. Also, daily physical activity increases energy levels and improves mood to manage the disease better. Exercise helps maintain high energy levels and enhances immunity.

Detox therapies
A body detox help promotes better health to improve cancer outlook. Specific changes in eating habits and following physical therapies help remove toxins, enhance blood circulation, and lower stress levels.

Prescriptions for CML
The following FDA-approved prescriptions work well with suggested food and lifestyle changes.

• Gleevec® (imatinib)
  Gleevec® is one of the earlier prescriptions to be approved for oral treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. It actively helps inhibit the production of specific proteins that trigger cancer growth.
• Tasigna® (nilotinib)
  Tasgina® belongs to a special class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors that works by deactivating and preventing the spread of proteins that trigger CML.
• Sprycel® (dasatinib)
  Sprycel® belongs to a class of tyrosine kinase inhibitor antineoplastic agents suggested for patients newly diagnosed with CML. Doctors also suggest this prescription as an alternative to Gleevec®.
• Bosulif® (bosutinib)
  Bosulif® is another tyrosine kinase inhibitor prescription that works by binding active cancer-causing proteins and rendering them inactive to prevent the spread of cancer.