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Surprising Information about Nutrition for Mesothelioma Cancer Patients

August 12, 2009

If you are a patient with mesothelioma you have more than likely already sought out a good attorney that specializes in these types of cancers. It is now very important to make sure your nutritional intake is correct. Here is some surprising information about foods and nutrition and the role they play for those with mesothelioma and other cancers.

The National Cancer Institute states that nearly 35% of all cancers are related to improper nutritional diets. Mesothelioma is one cancer that is not related to improper nutritional intake; it is brought about by breathing asbestos fibers. However, a diet consisting of the right foods can be of great benefit to those suffering with mesothelioma by: helping to fight off infection, slowing the growth of the cancer, relieving uncomfortable symptoms and counter balancing the effects of the therapy treatments.

It is important to note that all of thisis presented for informational purposes only. It is always suggested to seek out the advice of a medical physician. That being said, lets continue.

What will follow here are basic suggestions about what is generally considered proper nutrition for those suffering from mesothelioma and other type of cancer. For more specific information it will vary depending on each person’s medical condition, age, weight and more. As before, the advice of a medical professional is always the best way to go and they can help you develop a nutritional plan that works just for you.

1. Avoid processed foods and prepackaged meals-processed foods cause problems with the metabolism and immune system functions and clog the lymphatic system.
2. Eliminate tobacco products completely.
3. Drink plenty of fluids-Aside effect from chemotherapy can be both diarrhea or constipation. When you drink lots of fluids you help to replenish what your body is losing or needs.
4. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
5. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. Foods from this category should become at least 50% of what you eat daily. Fresh fruit and vegetables filled with minerals and vitamins that your body needs.
6. Be sure to prepare foods so that you are not inviting unwanted bacteria. Raw or undercooked meats and fish can contain bacteria that can be a negative thing for your immune system.
7. If you choose to eat fish select those with low levels of mercury.
8. Avoid fast-food. Most of the fast food choices are high in the “bad” fats, contain many processed products, are too high in sugar and in general are not fit for a good nutritional diet.
9. Increase your fiber intake. Here’s a list of some of the more popular high fiber foods: apples, bananas, avocados, beets, potatoes, spinach, kale, brown rice, black beans, lima beans, kidney beans, bran cereal.

One of the more common treatments for patients suffering with mesothelioma is chemotherapy. It is critical to watch your nutritional intake if you are undergoing this type of treatment.

There are a number of side effects that accompany chemotherapy—top on the list is anorexia. Because patients feel so awful following treatment they often cut back on what they eat.

Keeping this in mind it is important toeatfoods that are loaded with calories and proteins-so that when you do eat you will receive the best nutritional value that is high in protein.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Put a topping of honey on your cereal
2. Sauté meats instead of boiling
3. Dip slices of fruit, like apple, in peanut butter
4. Add black beans or kidney beans to salads
5. Snack on nuts as often as you can
6. Granola in yogurt

At the top of this articlewe said we would share some surprising information, here is a final piece of informationto consider and talk over with your doctor. There is information coming out from recent studiessuggesting that vitamin C may decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy. This is not offered to alarm, but to be discussed with your physician.

Finally, If you or a loved one has mesothelioma you also may want to think about getting advice from a mesothelioma attorney that handles these types of cases.

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