This article will help to explain the importance of optimizing nutrition for mesothelioma patients. There are three different categories (Fruits, Vegetables, Protein-Rich ) that include recommended foods, their benefits, as well as their characteristics.
Optimizing Nutrition for Mesothelioma
Nutrition is a critical component in preventing malnourishment during a mesothelioma diagnosis. Here are a few tips to help yourself or a loved one diagnosed with mesothelioma, a form of cancer that attacks the mesothelial cells, optimize their nutrition. Let’s dive into why nutrition is important for these individuals.
Weight Loss
A common symptom that mesothelioma patients face is unexpected weight loss. This results from the “imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure” (Ross et al.). In addition to this, chemotherapy, a medical treatment for individuals diagnosed with cancer, bears the side effect of rapid weight loss. Prioritizing nutrition can help to restore some of the lost energy in the process as well as encourage healthy digestive processes. Additionally, these nutrition tips can be beneficial for both causes of weight loss.
Mesothelioma Wellness Foods
These categories contain nutrients that are often lost in cancer treatments such as “vitamins B1, B2, and K and of niacin, folic acid, and thymine” (Dreizen et al.). Loss of these nutrients can lead to a weakened immune system and can make it more difficult to do everyday activities. Here are three food categories to ensure you or a loved one are optimizing nutrition for their mesothelioma.
1. Fruits
Fruits are high in nutrients and contain many vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium. They also contain antioxidants, which can help to “protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals”(“Stanford Health Care”). A few recommended fruits include:
- Berries
- Grapes
- Oranges
- Apples
In addition to these benefits, fruits can help with the fatigue that is associated with chemotherapy and feeling symptoms of nausea. It is important, however, to ensure that all fruits are clean and safe to consume as many fruits can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria.
2. Vegetables
Vegetables are rich in nutrients and vitamins and can help to reduce some of the symptoms of different cancer treatments. They can help to address symptoms such as constipation, nausea, and fatigue. A few recommended vegetables include:
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Cauliflower
The vegetables listed above contain very powerful chemicals that are uniquely produced by plants called phytochemicals. They have been recognized to slow down the rate of cancer cells which can be beneficial during mesothelioma treatment.
3. Protein-Rich Foods
While the other two food categories are focused on nutrients and vitamins, protein-rich foods can assist in maintaining a healthy calorie intake. The protein can also help prevent muscle loss, especially after various types of treatment where “extra protein is usually needed to heal tissues and help fight infection” (“Benefits of Good Nutrition during Cancer Treatment”). A few foods include:
- Eggs
- Peanut Butter
- Fish
- Fiber
Incorporating these foods into your or a loved one’s nutrition plan during mesothelioma treatments can help reduce symptoms, as well as ensure nutrition optimization. It is important to take safety measures and consult with a doctor before making any major changes to your or a loved one’s diet. If you or someone you know has been affected by asbestos exposure or mesothelioma in the state of Pennsylvania, please call 1 (800)505-6000 or fill out our form.
Sources:
“Benefits of Good Nutrition during Cancer Treatment.” Cancer.org, 2024, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping/nutrition/benefits.html#:~:text=When%20your%20body%20doesn’t,need%20more%20protein%20than%20usual. Accessed 21 Feb. 2024.
“Cancer Diet: Foods to Add and Avoid during Cancer Treatment.” Hopkinsmedicine.org, 26 Oct. 2021, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cancer/cancer-diet-foods-to-add-and-avoid-during-cancer-treatment. Accessed 21 Feb. 2024.
Cooper, Tessa. “What Are Some of the Best Fruits to Eat with Cancer Treatment?” Medicalnewstoday.com, Medical News Today, 3 July 2023, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-fruits-to-eat-with-cancer-treatment#summary. Accessed 21 Feb. 2024.
CDC. “Fruit and Vegetable Safety.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 June 2023, www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/steps-healthy-fruits-veggies.html#:~:text=manage%20your%20weight.-,Sometimes%2C%20raw%20fruits%20and%20vegetables%20contain%20harmful%20germs%20that%20can,the%20next%20safest%20is%20washed. Accessed 21 Feb. 2024.
“Nutrition in Cancer Care.” National Cancer Institute, Cancer.gov, 7 Dec. 2023, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/appetite-loss/nutrition-pdq#:~:text=Cancer%20and%20cancer%20treatments%20may%20cause%20malnutrition.,-Cancer%20and%20cancer&text=As%20a%20result%2C%20malnutrition%20can,the%20cancer%20grows%20or%20spreads. Accessed 21 Feb. 2024.
Ross, P. J., et al. “Do Patients with Weight Loss Have a Worse Outcome When Undergoing Chemotherapy for Lung Cancers?” British Journal of Cancer, vol. 90, no. 10, Springer Nature, Apr. 2004, pp. 1905–11, https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjc.6601781. Accessed 19 Feb. 2024.
Dreizen, Samuel, et al. “Nutritional Deficiencies in Patients Receiving Cancer Chemotherapy.” Postgraduate Medicine, vol. 87, no. 1, Taylor & Francis, Jan. 1990, pp. 163–70, https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.1990.11704531. Accessed 19 Feb. 2024.
“Stanford Health Care.” Stanfordhealthcare.org, 2024, stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-clinics/cancer-nutrition-services/reducing-cancer-risk/antioxidants.html#:~:text=They%20protect%20the%20body%20from,the%20risk%20of%20developing%20cancer. Accessed 21 Feb. 2024.
“Stanford Health Care.” Stanfordhealthcare.org, 2024, stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-clinics/cancer-nutrition-services/reducing-cancer-risk/5-a-day-better-health.html#:~:text=Broccoli%2C%20cabbage%2C%20collard%20greens%2C,the%20growth%20of%20many%20cancers. Accessed 21 Feb. 2024.
