Top Foods to Avoid Without a Spleen

Your spleen plays a critical role in supporting your immune system.

It acts as a filter for your blood, fights off infections, and stores red blood cells. 

Living without a spleen requires supporting your overall health and immune function.

While you don’t have to completely avoid most foods you love, it’s necessary to know that certain foods carry a higher risk of causing an infection, and as such, may not be ideal for you. 

Read on for a complete guide on which foods to avoid if you do not have a spleen and which foods to prioritize.

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What Is The Function Of The Spleen?

The spleen, while not a common topic of discussion, is an important organ. 

Located in the upper left portion of your abdomen (behind your stomach), this organ has several key functions.

• Filtering blood: The spleen removes old, larger, and deformed red blood cells from the bloodstream.
• Recycling: The spleen breaks down the red blood cells and stores the iron. 
• Fighting infection: The spleen contains white blood cells that help identify and destroy harmful viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that enter your bloodstream.
• Storing blood: The spleen also stores red blood cells that can be released in the event of large blood loss.

When living without a spleen, it’s important to consider that your immune system is more vulnerable to infection. 

Because of that, it’s best to avoid foods with a higher potential for foodborne illness.

Top Foods To Avoid When Living Without A Spleen

Here is a list of foods you need to consider avoiding if you don’t have a spleen. 

Undercooked Meats And Seafood

Undercooked and raw meats, poultry, and seafood can contain bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. 

Without thorough cooking, these pathogens can cause serious illness, especially if you don’t have a spleen to help fight off the infection.

Examples of undercooked meats and seafood to avoid include:

• Sushi.
• Sashimi.
• Ceviche.
• Refrigerated smoked seafood.
• Oysters.
• Clams.
• Mussels.
• Scallops.
• Steaks cooked rare.
• Unheated deli meats, cold cuts, hot dogs, and fermented or dry sausages.

Unpasteurized Products

Pasteurization is a process that kills dangerous organisms by heating a food or beverage to a specific temperature for a certain length of time. 

Consuming unpasteurized products is risky if you don’t have a spleen to help filter harmful bacteria like Listeria.

Examples of unpasteurized products include:

• Unpasteurized milk.
• Unpasteurized cheese — queso fresco, brie, camembert, and blue-veined cheese.
• Unpasteurized juice or cider.

Raw Or Undercooked Eggs

Avoiding raw and undercooked eggs is recommended if you don’t have a spleen.

Raw and undercooked eggs are at high risk for Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. 

If you don’t have a spleen, this can make you very sick.

Always cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm.

Some foods may also contain raw eggs as an ingredient.

Use caution and check the food label with the following:

• Raw cookie dough.
• Caesar dressing.
• Eggnog. 

Raw Sprouts And Unwashed Fruits And Vegetables

Raw sprouts, such as alfalfa and beans, as well as fruits and vegetables that haven’t been washed, carry the risk of several bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli.

Eating these are not recommended if you don’t have a spleen. 

Instead be sure to only eat washed and cooked sprouts.

Also, thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before eating. Cooked fruits and vegetables are the safest option.

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Foods That Support The Immune System Without A Spleen

Here’s a list of foods that are low risk for causing sickness and support a healthy immune system.

Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and vitamins that help boost your immune system.

They also contain fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. 

However, washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean, running water is crucial, and it’s even safer to cook them. 

Prioritize filling your plate with various fruits and vegetables throughout the day.

Whole Grains

Whole grains contain fiber as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help boost your immune system if you don’t have a spleen.

Eat whole grains such as:

• Brown rice.
• Quinoa.
• Oats.
• Whole-wheat bread.

Lean Proteins

Consuming lean proteins is an important aspect of supporting your immune system without a spleen.

Proteins provide the building blocks for antibodies—specialized proteins that identify and stop harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses.

Good sources of lean proteins include:

• Fish.
• Chicken breast.
• Turkey.
• Lean cuts of beef or pork.
• Lentils.
• Beans.

Try to incorporate a variety of lean proteins in your meals and snacks throughout the week.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are essential for boosting your overall and cardiovascular health. 

Some good sources of healthy fats include: 

• Nuts and nut butters.
• Seeds.
• Fatty fish (tuna, salmon, sardines).
• Olive oil.
• Canola oil.
• Avocados. 

Other Ways To Support The Immune System Without A Spleen

Here are several other ways to support your immune system health if you are living without a spleen. 

Vaccinations

Staying up-to-date with your vaccines is important if you don’t have a spleen. 

Since your spleen plays a key role in fighting certain illnesses, vaccinations provide extra protection against infections that may be particularly dangerous for you. 

Talk with your medical provider about which vaccinations you may need.

Regular Medical Check-Ups

Getting regular medical check-ups provides an opportunity for your medical provider to monitor your overall health and identify any potential issues early on. 

Early detection and treatment for infections and other health issues is helpful when you don’t have a spleen. 

Avoid Exposure To Infections

Take extra precautions to avoid potential exposure to infections.

For example, be extra cautious around people who are sick, especially if they have contagious conditions like colds or the flu. 

Reconsider attending events with large gatherings of people, as you may be unknowingly exposed to illnesses.

Wash Hands

Washing your hands is a good habit and is essential when living without a spleen. 

To effectively wash your hands, lather your wet hands with soap and scrub them for at least 20 seconds before thoroughly rinsing them off. If handwashing is not available, use hand sanitizer.

Good times to wash your hands include:

• Before and after eating.
• Before, during, and after preparing food. 
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick.
• After using the restroom. 
• After changing a diaper.
• After handling your pet food or pet treats.
• After picking up pet waste.
• After handling garbage.
• After coughing, blowing your nose, or sneezing. 

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Proper Food Preparation And Storage

Proper food preparation and storage are fundamental for preventing foodborne illnesses and are necessary if you don’t have a spleen.

When preparing food, wash your hands and preparation surfaces often. 

Keep the raw meat and any kitchen items used with the meat (cutting boards, knives, bowls, etc.) separate from the other foods. 

Cook the food to the proper temperature and refrigerate leftovers promptly in airtight containers. 

Here is a reference chart of the appropriate internal temperature according to the USDA.

Takeaway

The spleen plays an important role in keeping you healthy by supporting the immune system.

Living without a spleen requires taking a proactive role in minimizing exposure to potential infection and boosting your immune system. 

Limiting or avoiding foods with a high risk of causing foodborne illness, such as raw and undercooked meats, seafood, and eggs, unpasteurized foods, raw sprouts, and unwashed produce, decreases your risk of getting sick.

Prioritizing a balanced diet incorporating fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports your immune system and enhances your overall health.

Practicing other lifestyle habits such as staying up to date with your vaccinations, regularly checking in with your medical provider, limiting exposure to infection, regularly washing your hands, and preparing and storing food properly also help you stay well.

How A Dietitian Can Help

Consulting with a registered dietitian can be valuable if you no longer have your spleen.

They can create a personalized nutrition plan that prioritizes immune-boosting foods while addressing any specific dietary needs you may have. 

They can also provide further guidance on safe food handling practices to minimize your risk of foodborne illnesses.

Find a Nourish dietitian who accepts your insurance and can help you learn what to eat without a spleen.