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    Foods to Avoid if You Have Enlarged Spleen: Experts Advice

    Posted: Mar 1, 2021 · Last updated: Mar 15, 2023 · by Shai Cohen · This post may contain affiliate links

    The spleen is an important organ of the body; it is located below the ribcage at the left upper section of the abdomen. Although many people do not understand the functions of the spleen, it is one of the most vital and largest organs of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a part of your body’s immune and circulatory system; its main functions include protecting the body from infections and eliminating waste and toxins.

    A functional spleen performs the task of regulating the red blood cells, storing white blood cells, and ensuring the storage of platelets for blood clotting. These functions help the immune system to respond better in the event of disease and injury. The size of the spleen can be likened to that of a fist; but when it becomes enlarged, it becomes many times larger than its normal size. 

    An enlarged spleen, a condition known as splenomegaly, can be caused by different medical conditions and infections. Some of the risk factors that can lead to an enlarged spleen include:

    • Blood disorders — The primary function of the spleen is to regulate the production of red blood cells, therefore any disorder that involves the red blood cells can cause an enlarged spleen. The health conditions that can cause blood disorders include sickle cell disease, hemolytic anemia, and spherocytosis.
    • Cancer — Blood cancers have a great impact on the spleen. These cancers can cause damaged cells, thereby restricting the spleen from performing its functions. Such cancers include lymphoma and leukemia.
    • Infections and diseases — Many infections can cause the spleen to increase in its size. They include malaria, anaplasmosis, HIV/AID, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis. Some diseases occurring from the body’s inability to fully carry out the function of metabolism can also cause an enlarged spleen. These metabolic diseases include sarcoidosis, Gaucher disease, and Hurler syndrome. 

    As with almost all medical conditions, some foods should not be in your diet. These foods can worsen the situation of an already enlarged spleen. when battling with an enlarged spleen, it is advised that you eliminate foods that can further weaken your immune system to reduce your risk of getting a disease or infection. 

    Jump to:
    • Foods to avoid with an enlarged spleen
    • Foods to consume with an enlarged spleen
    • Conclusion
    • Comments

    Foods to avoid with an enlarged spleen

    Foods to avoid with enlarged spleen infographic
    Foods to avoid with enlarged spleen infographic

    1. Sugary foods

    A piece of chocolate and cream cake with espresso
    A piece of chocolate and cream cake with espresso

    Consuming foods that are rich in sugar can have negative effects on your general immune system and they are also bad for your spleen. An enlarged spleen means that the rest of the immune system has to work harder to keep out infections and diseases. If you already have an enlarged spleen, you should reduce the number of sugary foods that you consume. 

    2. Alcohol 

    Two cosmopolitan cocktails in triangular glass
    Two glasses of cosmopolitan cocktail

    Drinking alcohol with an already enlarged spleen can unarguably worsen your condition. Too much drinking of alcohol can generally affect your immune system, and it can cause your blood cell level to go low, thereby limiting the function of the spleen and resulting in a disease called anemia. Excessive consumption of alcohol can also limit the activity of platelets which helps with blood clotting. If you want to relieve the symptoms of an enlarged spleen, you should reduce your intake of alcoholic beverages. 

    3. Caffeine

    Coffee cup with coffee beans on bamboo tray
    A fresh coffee cup with coffee beans

    Although tea and coffee contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, consuming too much caffeine can affect your sleeping patterns, and can, in turn, lead to an increase in inflammation and may affect your immune system. Medical research has shown that consuming coffee with a weak spleen can further irritate your system. 

    4. Diet sodas 

    Diet cola soda glass on white table
    A glass of diet cola

    Sodas are commonly filled with ingredients that are not natural; these ingredients can include artificial colors and sweeteners like saccharin and aspartame which are not beneficial to your immune system. Rather than using carbonated drinks to quench your thirst, instead, drink water.

    5. Processed oils 

    Pouring processed oils into glass tube
    Pouring processed oils into glass tube

    Foods that are cooked with refined oils can cause an increase in the production of free radicals in the body. These free radicals can cause damage to the body’s tissues, can cause inflammation, and make your immune system become exposed to diseases and infections. Natural oils are recommended, as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins.

    6. Refined carbohydrates 

    Variety of freshly baked bread on wooden table
    Variety of freshly baked breads

    An enlarged spleen puts you at risk of getting infections. Consuming foods that are rich in refined carbohydrates can further limit the ability of your immune system. Refined carbohydrates are processed by the body as sugar and excess sugar in the body can further limit the ability of your immune system to defend you against diseases.

    7. Fast foods

    Variety of fast foods on black table
    Variety of fast foods

    If you are looking to reduce the symptoms or discomfort associated with an enlarged spleen, then you should steer clear of fast foods. Fast foods are generally bad for the immune system because most of them contain a lot of salt. Excess consumption of salt can result in immune deficiencies. 

    8. Cold foods 

    Variety of cold and raw fresh fish
    Variety of cold and raw fresh fish

    Avoid foods that are too cold or raw if you have an enlarged spleen. Try to reduce your intake of food stored in the refrigerator because your body may have a problem digesting it. As you may be unable to consume large meals, you should instead go for food that can be easily digested. Avoid raw vegetables and green salads that have high water content as they can increase swelling. 

    Other foods to avoid with an enlarged spleen include red meat, packaged cookies, dairy products, white bread, shellfish, and soy.

    However, while avoiding the foods that are listed above with an enlarged spleen, there are foods that you should consider integrating into your diet to strengthen your immune system and reduce your risk of getting an infection or disease.  

    Foods to consume with an enlarged spleen

    1. Cooked vegetables 

    Chef cooking with vegetables
    A chef cooking fresh vegetables

    Well-cooked vegetables can be easily digested. With an enlarged spleen, you should consume well-cooked vegetables. Such vegetables include parsnip, pumpkin, turnip, winter squash, and carrot. You can also add legumes like peas, black beans, and garbanzo to your diet. Leafy green vegetables are rich in Vitamin A, which is great for the immune system function. These vegetables are not only healthy, but they can also help to nurture your digestive system.

    2. Foods rich in zinc

    Lobster with lemon on black slate plate
    Cooked lobster with lemon

    Foods that are rich in zinc are excellent for the function of your immune system. Zinc can help with inflammation and alleviate stress. Foods that are rich in zinc that you can add to your diet include crab, lobster, oysters, clams, and mussels. 

    3. Seeds and nuts 

    Mixed nuts walnut pistachios almonds hazelnuts cashews in wooden bowl
    Variety of seeds and nuts

    Try to eat nuts and seeds like hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, sesame, flax, chia, pumpkin, and peanuts.

    4. Immune boosting fruits 

    Fresh figs whole and sliced figs on yellow background
    Whole and sliced fresh figs

    Add fruits that are immune-boosting to your diet. Citrus fruit is an awesome source of vitamin C, which is known for supporting the immune system. You can consume fruits like acai berry, figs, dates, apples, red grapes, apricots, plums, watermelon, and peach.

    5. Spices 

    Variety of spices on black table
    Variety of spices

    Try adding ginger, nutmeg, aniseed, rosemary, cinnamon, vanilla, garlic, turmeric, molasses, capsicum, and fennel to your food.

    6. Neutral foods

    Dry red goji berries in wooden bowl
    Dry red goji berries

    Neutral foods are not warm and or cold, so they can easily be consumed with an enlarged spleen. Some neutral foods that you can eat include rice, fish, goji, plums, string beans, mushrooms, turnips, berries, kidney beans, and pork.

    7. Turmeric

    Turmeric root and powder on wooden table
    Turmeric root and powder

    Turmeric contains a natural compound called curcumin which has great anti-inflammatory properties. This compound can help to boost the activity of cells and improve the response of antibodies and boost the immune response. 

    8. Ginger and garlic 

    Ginger, garlic, turmeric, honey and lemon on table
    Ginger, garlic, turmeric, honey and lemon

    Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help your immune system ward off infections and diseases when you are battling with an enlarged spleen. Garlic, on the other hand, also has antioxidants that can support your white blood cells by giving them a boost to be able to fight against infections. 

    Conclusion

    To ease the symptoms of an enlarged spleen, make sure you eat meals slowly and chew slowly too. Avoid snacking between meals and after meals because snacks are unhealthy for the spleen. Remember to eliminate from your diet any food that can further weaken your immune system and make you prone to infections. Vitamins C, E, A, and D, zinc, and selenium are great for your immune system. Make sure you eat more foods that are rich in these nutrients. 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Arthur says

      July 08, 2021 at 6:06 am

      Just found out I have a large spleen, now I have to change my eating habits. I'm lost, don't know how to do it, I'm 61 yrs old, diabetic, with diverticulitis, can't have seeds, nuts, corn, or peas, so I'm out as far as eating those for large spleen, I have IBS syndrome in my colon, I have COPD, 20% blockage of my heart, 10% Blockage in my right kidney and cyst on it. Rheumatoid Arthritis in neck, shoulders, and right ankle, allergic to many meds, on many meds, overweight by 100 lbs. So how do I eat to stay safe and get well? Help please.

      Reply
      • Shai Cohen says

        July 27, 2021 at 1:13 pm

        Wow Arthur,

        I’m so sorry to hear all that, thank you for sharing.

        Because you are allergic to many meds, a great nutrition and a great diet plan can be your saviors!

        With your situation, I can only suggest that you consult with your doctor for guidelines and to get a great nutritionist that will help you to build a diet plan that is tailored specifically to your needs.

        I wish you the best health! 🙏

        Reply
      • Lisa says

        September 02, 2021 at 3:56 pm

        How would we know that our spleen is bad, i was diagnosed off 7mm size spleen artery aneurysm but don't come back to my GP after this result, any idea? Thanks, lisa.

        Reply
    2. John says

      August 19, 2021 at 12:48 am

      Try intermittent fasting eat one small healthily meal a day and then do it again 16 hours later also try and do some light exercises like daily walks for 25-30 min

      Reply
    3. Joan says

      September 04, 2021 at 6:36 pm

      The information and tips provided by Blend of Bites has helped me change my eating habits for the better. I have more energy and overall feel healthier since following their nutrition advice.

      Reply
    4. Ericka says

      December 18, 2022 at 10:07 pm

      I was diagnosed with a 12.24cm spleen enlargement and I have horrible upper left abdomen pain for 3 days now what can I do ?

      Reply
      • Shai Cohen says

        December 27, 2022 at 2:49 pm

        Ericka, I'm so sorry to hear that you are experiencing pain in your upper left abdomen. It's important to see a doctor or healthcare professional as soon as possible to determine the cause of your pain and to receive appropriate treatment. In the meantime, you can try using over-the-counter pain medication, applying heat to the area, or taking shallow breaths to help alleviate your pain. It's also important to drink plenty of fluids and get rest to help your body recover. Again, it's essential to see a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and treatment plan. Please take care and feel better soon.

        Reply
    5. Margarito says

      March 13, 2023 at 8:21 pm

      5 stars
      I am genuinely thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this enormous article
      here.

      Reply
    6. Laura L Marlow says

      April 13, 2023 at 2:38 am

      I have an enlarged spleen from Ebstein barr virus/mononucleosis.
      Will eating sugar or fatty foods actually cause my spleen to enlarge even more?

      Reply
      • Shai Cohen says

        April 26, 2023 at 2:51 am

        Hello Laura and thank you so much for your comment!

        While there's no direct evidence that sugar or fatty foods cause an enlarged spleen from EBV/Mononucleosis, a healthy diet with whole, nutrient-dense foods can support overall health and alleviate symptoms. Excessive sugar and unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation and weight gain, which may stress the spleen and other organs. I would recommend you to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Ellen says:
      May 17, 2022 at 3:29 pm

      Thank you for the informative article.

      Reply

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    Shai Cohen

    Blending the lessons of global culinary classes with a passion for nutritious eating, Shai Cohen offers readers a blend of delectable recipes and invaluable health articles. Here, the love of food and well-being dance together.

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