Nutritional Help for Mesothelioma Patients
April 30th, 2009 | by Clare |
If you are a patient with mesothelioma you have probably already sought out a good attorney that has a specialty in these types of cancers. It is now important to make sure your nutritional intake is the best it can be. Here is some surprising information about foods and nutrition and the role they play for those with mesothelioma and other cancers.
According to the National Cancer Institute approximately 35% of all cancers are related to problems with nutrition. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is not related to improper nutritional intake; it is brought about by breathing asbestos fibers. However, a good diet of the correct foods can help those suffering with mesothelioma by: fighting off infection, keeping the immune system strong, slowing the growth of the cancer, and relieving uncomfortable symptoms.
Disclaimer: This is presented for informational purposes only. It is always best to seek out the advice of certified medical professionals. That being said, lets continue.
What will follow here are basic guidelines about what is generally considered proper nutrition for those suffering from mesothelioma and other cancers. For specific suggestions it will vary depending on each person’s medical condition, age, weight and more. As before, the advice of a certified physian is always best and they can help you develop a nutritional plan that works just for you.
1. It is strongly advised to stay away from processed foods and prepackaged meals-processed foods clog the lymphatic system and cause problems with the metabolism and immune system functions.
2. Completely stop smoking or using and tobacco products.
3. Drink plenty of fluids-Aside effect from chemotherapy can be diarrhea or constipation. Drinking lots of fluids will help to replenish what your body is losing or needs.
4. Stop drinking alcohol as much as possible.
5. Increase the intake of vegetables and fruits. Fruits and Vegetables should become at least 50% of your daily intake. 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 the amount of fiber you eat. Here’s a short 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.
Probably the most conventional treatments for patients suffering with mesothelioma is chemotherapy. If you are undergoing chemotherapy treatments, it is important to watch your nutritional intake.
Chemotherapy has a number of side effects—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 filled with proteins and calories-so that when you do eat it will give you the best nutritional value that is high in protein.
Here are a few ideas:
1. Add honey to cereal
2. Instead of boiling meats, sauté them
3. Dip slices of fruit, like apple, in peanut butter
4. Top your salads with protein rich kidney or black beans
5. Snack on nuts as often as you can
6. Granola in yogurt
At the beginning of this articlewe said we would reveal some surprising information, here is a final piece of informationto consider and talk over with your doctor. Recent studies aresuggesting that vitamin C may decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy. This is not offered to alarm, but to be brought up in conversation with your physician.
Finally, If you or a loved one has mesothelioma you also may want to consider talking to a mesothelioma attorney that specializes in these types of cases.