Gaucher disease diet tips: Foods to boost energy and immunity

Last updated June 23, 2025, by Agata Boxe
Fact-checked by Inês Martins, PhD

Living with Gaucher disease can bring challenges like fatigue, pain, and other symptoms that may make it hard to prepare meals or pay attention to your diet. However, a strategic approach to Gaucher disease nutrition may complement your medical treatment and make a difference in how you feel.

Learning about the best foods for Gaucher disease and following a well-designed Gaucher disease diet may not make your symptoms disappear, but it can be an important part of a broader approach to feeling your best.

Why nutrition matters when you’re living with Gaucher

Knowing what to eat with Gaucher disease can play a role in managing fatigue, supporting your immunity, and dealing with other aspects of living with the disease.

For example, including energy-boosting foods may help ward off fatigue, and focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet that features a variety of immune-boosting foods can help support your immune system.

In addition, Gaucher may affect your bone density, so incorporating nutrients that support bone health is another key part of a well-rounded nutrition plan.

Energy-boosting foods

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of Gaucher disease and can be worsened by anemia, or low red blood cell levels, which often accompanies the disease. A well-balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates, iron-rich foods for anemia, and healthy fats for energy may help maintain your energy levels throughout the day.

Examples of complex carbohydrates, which increase blood sugar more slowly, include:

oats
brown rice
quinoa.

Iron-rich foods:

red meat
poultry
fish
eggs
beans
lentils
dark leafy greens.

Healthy fats:

avocado
nuts
seeds
olive oil
fatty fish.

Foods that help support your immune system

Because Gaucher disease can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections and inflammation, it’s helpful to focus on foods that provide key nutrients for immune function.

Incorporating foods with vitamin C and other nutrients crucial for immunity may support your body’s defenses and overall wellness.

Foods that support your immune system include:

fruits and vegetables, such as berries, green leafy vegetables, and bell peppers
nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds
fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies
herbs and spices, such as ginger and turmeric.

You can also include foods containing probiotics for immune support, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and tempeh.

Foods that boost your bones

Bone health is another important consideration for people with Gaucher disease, as the condition may affect bone density and increase the risk of fractures over time. Certain nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D, can help strengthen your bones when included regularly in your diet.

Examples of bone-strengthening foods include:

spinach
broccoli
kale
fatty fish
nuts and seeds
fortified plant-based dairy alternatives.

In addition to nutrition, exercise also plays an important role in maintaining bone strength. A physical therapist can help you design an exercise routine that supports your mobility and bone health safely and effectively.

Foods to avoid with Gaucher disease

Because Gaucher disease can affect liver function, even during treatment, it’s important to limit or avoid foods that may put an added strain on your body.

First, try to eliminate alcohol and smoking, as both may negatively impact your overall health and worsen symptoms over time.

Processed foods and those that contain excess sodium should also be limited. Some of these include:

chips
doughnuts
candy
fries
deli meats
canned soups.

Finally, some conventional dairy products can be inflammatory, so consider choosing plant-based dairy alternatives instead.

Dietary tips

Nutrition is a key aspect of managing Gaucher, but it can be difficult to try to meet your dietary needs when dealing with fatigue and other symptoms. Following specific strategies can help you eat as healthily as possible without exerting too much effort.

Advice for eating with Gaucher:

Try to plan meals ahead of time.
Prep and freeze meals on days when you feel less tired.
Buy pre-chopped fruits and vegetables to help conserve energy.
Sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Eat small, frequent meals for sustained energy.

Try to find recipes for meals made with healthy, nourishing ingredients that taste good. It is much easier to follow a healthy diet when you enjoy it.

Ask your doctor about the optimal timing of your meals, especially if you are on enzyme replacement therapy or substrate reduction therapy.

How a dietitian can help you personalize your plate

Figuring out the best nutrition plan on your own can be challenging. You may want to consult a registered dietitian or a nutritionist to help you build a personalized nutrition plan.

The expert should ideally specialize in nutrition for rare diseases and can help you by:

tailoring your nutrition plan to your symptoms and lifestyle
suggesting meal and snack ideas that are easy to prep
monitoring potential nutrient deficiencies
helping you manage weight by preventing or addressing weight loss or weight gain
recommending a physical therapist who could help you design a workout plan.

With Gaucher disease, nutrition plays a key role in managing symptoms and benefiting your overall health. With the right information and support from your care team, you can create a nutrition plan packed with meals that are nourishing, flavorful, and easy to make.

Gaucher Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.