The Blog Street Journal

If you are a patient with mesothelioma you have probably 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 the best it can be. Here is some surprising information about nutrition and foods and the role they play for those with mesothelioma and other cancers.

According to the National Cancer Institute somewhere in the neighborhood of 35% of all cancers are related to improper nutritional diets. 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 right foods can be of benefit to those suffering with mesothelioma by: helping to fight off infection, slowing the growth of the cancer, relieving uncomfortable symptoms and offset the effects of the therapy treatments.

Disclaimer: This is presented for informational purposes only. It is always suggested to seek out the advice of certified medical professionals. That being said, lets continue.

Here are basic suggestions about what is considered good nutrition for those suffering from mesothelioma and other cancers. For more specific information it will vary depending on each person’s medical condition, weight, age, height and more. As before, the advice of a certified physian is always the best way to go and they can help you put together a nutritional plan that is designed just for you

1. It is strongly advised to stay away from processed foods and prepackaged meals-processed foods cause problems with the metabolism and immune system functions and clog the lymphatic system.
2. Completely stop smoking or using and tobacco products.
3. Drink plenty of fluids-Aside effect from chemotherapy can be both diarrhea or constipation. Drinking lots of fluids will 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 your daily intake. They are filled with minerals and vitamins that your body needs.
6. Be sure to prepare foods so that you are not inviting unwanted bacteria. Meats that are undercooked or raw and the same for fish can contain bacteria that can be restrictive to your immune system.
7. If you choose to eat fish select those with low levels of mercury.
8. Try as best you can to avoids fast food all together. Most of the fast food items on the menun 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. Eat more foods that are high in fiber. 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. 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. Patients feel so nauseated they often don’t eat that much.

Keeping this in mind it is important tochoosefoods that are loaded with calories and proteins-so that when you do eat it will give you 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. Eat peanut butter with fruit (peanut butter on apple slices is a favorite)
4. Add black beans or kidney beans to salads
5. Snack on nuts as often as you can
6. Granola in yogurt

At the beginning of this articlewe said we would share some surprising information, here is one last bit of informationto consider and talk over with your physician. 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 health care provider.

Finally, If you or a loved one has mesothelioma you also may want to think about speaking with a mesothelioma attorney that specializes in these types of cases.