What are the Best Natural Foods to Shrink an Enlarged Spleen?

Managing an Enlarged Spleen: Diet, Symptoms & Treatment

There are no specific dietary guidelines that have been proven to reduce the risk of developing an enlarged spleen. However, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can help protect your overall health and lower the risk of various diseases. It is beneficial to include plenty of natural foods such as:
 

• Fruits: Berries, citrus fruits, cherries, bananas, and apples
• Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and peppers
• Starchy Vegetables: Sweet potatoes and butternut squash
• Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, brown rice, and barley
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocados, low-fat yoghurt, and unsweetened coconut
• Legumes: Black beans, lentils, and chickpeas
• Nuts, seeds, and nut butters: cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds
• Animal Proteins: Fish, chicken, eggs, and turkey. Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish and meat, as they can contain dangerous bacteria for individuals with spleen issues.
• Spices and herbs: basil, turmeric, thyme, and oregano
   

If your enlarged spleen is due to another condition such as cancer, heart failure, cirrhosis, or an autoimmune disease, then your diet needs may be different and more specific than others.

Therefore, if you have an enlarged spleen, it is important to consult a doctor. They can help you choose a diet that supports treatment of the underlying cause and reduces the risk of spleen complications.

What are the symptoms of an enlarged spleen?

The symptoms of an enlarged spleen are as follows:

• Pain in the upper left side of the abdomen, which may also spread to your left shoulder or back.
• Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly, because an enlarged spleen can press on the stomach.
• More frequent colds or infections, since the spleen helps fight germs.
• Easy bleeding or bruising, as the spleen helps manage blood cells and blood clotting.

How is an Enlarged Spleen Diagnosed?

To confirm that your spleen is enlarged and find out the cause, your healthcare provider may do several tests, including:

• Imaging Tests: An abdominal ultrasound or CT scan test is done to confirm if the spleen is enlarged and to show details such as how big it is, whether it has a lesion, or if it’s pressing on nearby organs.
• Blood Tests: If the cause is not clear, the healthcare provider may do blood tests to look for infections, cancers, blood disorders, or liver problems.
• Bone Marrow Analysis: In some cases, the provider may take a bone marrow sample to examine the blood cells. This helps them understand how the spleen is working and may help diagnose certain conditions.
   

How Do You Treat an Enlarged Spleen?

In many cases, the spleen returns to its normal size once the underlying condition improves. Some conditions, like temporary infections, may resolve on their own.

• Others may require treatment with medication like blood therapy or surgery.
• Some conditions have no cure. In these cases, healthcare providers may use low-dose radiation therapy to shrink the spleen or may recommend surgery to remove it.
• In some cases, like certain cancers or autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or specific medications may help control the disease and reduce spleen size.
• Radiation therapy is another option in some cases, especially if surgery is too risky. Low-dose radiation can help shrink the spleen and reduce symptoms.
   

While undergoing treatment, it is very important to avoid activities that could cause injury to the abdomen. Doctors usually advise avoiding doing sports and heavy lifting until the spleen returns to a normal size.

So, always follow the doctor’s advice and do regular check-ups to monitor the spleen and overall health.

An enlarged spleen is usually a sign of another health problem, so treating the underlying cause is the best way to help the spleen return to normal. While no specific foods can directly shrink an enlarged spleen, eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can strengthen your overall health and support recovery. Therefore, always follow the doctor’s advice and treatment plan, and avoid activities that could injure your spleen. With proper care and treatment, many people recover well and maintain good health.