The 7 Best Foods for Multiple Myeloma, According to Research
CancerMultiple Myeloma

7 of the Best Foods for Multiple Myeloma

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Published on May 29, 2026
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Spinach, sardines, berries
Good nutrition plays an important role in caring for your body when you’re living with multiple myeloma. While eating well doesn’t replace medical treatment, it can make a big difference in how you feel from day to day and ease some of the side effects of treatment.

But eating well isn’t always easy. Fatigue can make grocery shopping or cooking feel overwhelming. Treatment side effects like a poor appetite, dry mouth, or changes in taste or smell can make food less appealing. And digestive issues like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea can make it hard to get the nutrients you need.

If you’re not sure where to begin, focusing on a few key nutrient‑dense foods can make eating well feel easier. Here are seven of the best foods to prioritize when you have multiple myeloma.

1

Dark Leafy Greens

Spinach

Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and bok choy are some of the most nutrient-rich foods you can eat to support your overall health, says Natalie Ledesma, RDN, CSO, senior oncology dietitian at the University of California, San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. “They’re rich in B vitamins. And greens like kale and bok choy are rich in calcium without putting extra strain on the kidneys. Spinach is also high in iron and folate, which can help with the anemia that many patients face,” she says.

Vitamin B6 and folate are important for nutrient metabolism, the immune system, and red blood cell formation.

 But you may want to consider eating something with vitamin C alongside your dark leafy greens in order to absorb the iron.

 For example, adding strawberries or tomatoes on top of your salad.

When it comes to preparation, Ledesma favors cooked leafy greens over raw. “Cooking them makes the portion smaller and easier to eat, which can help if you have a low appetite or if chewing a large salad feels exhausting. A half-cup portion is all you need,” she says.

2

Cold-Water Fish

Sardines
Many cold-water fish, such as wild-caught salmon and sardines, are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation.

 A 3-ounce (oz) serving of salmon provides 22.5 grams (g) of protein to help maintain muscle mass and vitamin B12, zinc, and vitamin D to support your immune system.

Because sardines are small fish, they don’t build up mercury the way larger fish can.

 Salmon is also a low-mercury option, making both safe to eat regularly.

“Canned salmon and sardines with bones are worth seeking out, since the bones give you calcium for bone health,” says Ledesma. “They’re also a great option on days when fatigue makes cooking feel overwhelming.”

3

Berries

Berries
Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are an easy and delicious way to support your immune system. A half-cup serving contains 4 g of fiber and is packed with phytochemicals, which have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

 “[Berries] also tend not to affect the blood sugar as much as you may see with some of the other kinds of fruits,” says Ledesma.

Be sure to keep some fresh or frozen berries on hand to add a touch of sweetness to yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies.

4

Hydrating Foods and Drinks

Bone Broth
Staying hydrated is an important part of taking care of yourself when you have multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma can be hard on the kidneys because the disease produces proteins that can damage them. High calcium levels in the blood caused by bone damage can add to that strain.

“[Drinking fluids] helps flush the kidneys and reduce symptoms like nausea and fatigue,” says Ledesma. “It can also help manage digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation.”

Aim for two to three liters (L) of fluid a day — and remember that it doesn’t have to be plain water.

 Herbal tea, broth, and even soups and fruits count toward your daily intake.

5

Legumes

Black beans
Legumes like lentils, black beans, and garbanzo beans are an easy way to add fiber and plant‑based protein to your meals. One cup of beans provides roughly 16 g of each.

 They also contain iron, folate, and B vitamins, which can help with anemia‑related fatigue that’s common in patients with multiple myeloma.

For a quick and convenient option, keep canned beans on hand to toss into soups, salads, or grain bowls.

6

Seeds

Chia seeds
Seeds like chia, flax, and sacha inchi pack a lot of nutrition into a small serving. They’re rich in fiber and plant‑based protein, which can help combat digestive issues and reduce inflammation.

Sacha inchi seeds are especially impressive, says Ledesma. Just 2 tablespoons (tbsp) provide 9 g of protein, 4 g of fiber, and healthy omega‑3 fats to help reduce inflammation.

 “The great thing is that they don’t need to be soaked or ground. You can literally open the bag and eat two tablespoons, which makes them an easy option if you have low energy or a small appetite,” says Ledesma.
Chia and flaxseed are also easy additions to your meals. Sprinkle them over your yogurt, overnight oats, or smoothies for a fiber and protein boost without making your meal feel too big.

7

Whole Grains

Brown rice
Whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, and quinoa are a great way to add fiber to your diet.

 “Fiber is important because treatment can damage the lining of the gut, and eating high‑fiber foods helps it regrow and get strong again,” says Heather-Ann Younker, RDN, CSO, stem cell transplant dietitian at the Hackensack University Medical Center John Theurer Cancer Center in Hackensack, New Jersey. One cup of cooked brown rice provides about 3 g of fiber.

If your taste changes during treatment, try experimenting with new grains like buckwheat or barley to help keep meals interesting.

The Takeaway

  • Focusing on a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and legumes can improve your gut health.
  • Prioritizing protein-rich foods can help maintain your muscle mass, which can be affected by treatment.
  • Staying hydrated is just as important as eating well. Aim for two to three liters of fluid a day to support your kidneys and manage treatment-related side effects like nausea and fatigue.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
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Reyna Franco, RDN

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Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American Col...

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