We all realize good nutrition is important. But like everyone else, multiple myeloma patients are often too busy to eat well all of the time.

And even if we do eat well, nutritional science teaches us there are advantages to additional supplementation.

No problem, right? Head off to the health food store and begin loading-up?

How about extract from exotic berries from the Amazon, touted to contain super concentrated anti-oxidants?

Or how about supplements designed to lesson the ongoing struggle many of us have with pain and tingling in our extremities due to peripheral neuropathy? Things like extra vitamin B complex, alpha lipoic acid, and magnesium, to name just a few.

Let's not forget about the multiple myeloma “super supplement,” curcumin. Should we buy some of this too? This extract from the spice, turmeric, is believed by some to have the power to stop myeloma in its tracks. The fact that no one knows which dose works best—if at all—doesn't stop hopeful survivors from trying.

Of course, there are a number of other supplements to consider. Calcium in a number of different forms, made from a wide variety of sources. Vitamins C and E as well as selenium—even though this once popular trio has fallen on hard times recently after failing to show any anti-cancer benefit in several large, ten year studies.

But it is misguided to believe that you can—or should—take as many of these supplements as you can afford. Because besides draining your bank account, some of these pills, powders, and potions may actually hurt more than they help.

Deciding which supplements to take is hard enough for a healthy person. But for a multiple myeloma patient it can be especially difficult.

The number one issue for multiple myeloma patients are drug interactions. Since many of us are constantly undergoing some sort of therapy, understanding which supplements may negatively affect the drugs we are taking is vitally important.

But how can we know that? If only it were as easy as asking your doctor.

It is good advice to always check with your doctor first before you start taking a new supplement—your oncologist should always know which supplements you are taking and in what dose.

But this is where things get complicated. Some oncologists frown upon taking any supplementation while using chemotherapy. Others are extremely cautious. Why? Because some supplements may hurt the effectiveness of your chemo.

Truth be told, often a doctor isn't sure. So their feeling is “better safe than sorry.” The problem with this philosophy is, by recommending a patient not take supplements, the physician may be doing the patient a disservice by depriving them of the extra nutrients they need to stay strong during therapy.

Next week I will cover some specifics. I will share my long list of oncologist-approved supplements I use with you—and list some known supplement/prescription combinations to avoid.

Until then, take only the vitamins your oncologist has approved and wait until next week to learn about other vitamins you might want to discuss with your physician.

Feel good and keep smiling! Pat