How Nutrition and Diet Contribute to a Mesothelioma Prognosis
After receiving a cancer diagnosis, like mesothelioma, there are many changes a patient will undergo, both physically and mentally, during their treatment journey. Of the many important factors that play a role in a patient’s prognosis, no other may be as under appreciated nor as important as nutrition. Nutrition and diet can either help or hurt a patient’s treatment and recovery process. Therefore, proper nutrition and healthy meals are crucial factors in keeping a health mind and healthy lifestyle. But with so many options the task can be daunting. This is why we dive in and answer 5 diet and nutrition questions and give you 5 tips specific to mesothelioma and cancer patients.
1) What is the Best Diet for Mesothelioma Patients?
A good mesothelioma diet can help manage treatment side effects, increase energy and muscle tone, and reduce inflammation. When diagnosed, mesothelioma patients should eat a well-rounded diet to stay in good health. Eating high-protein foods, healthy fats, whole grains, and getting a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals is essential. Mesothelioma caregivers can provide patients with sufficient meals if a patient is unable to do so themself, but it is always best to ask a doctor specializing in your cancer.
2) What Are Foods That Aid Mesothelioma Treatment and Recovery?
For instance, when suggesting a diet for a chemotherapy patient, medical professionals recommend certain foods to better ensure they are healthy. Patients that commit to eating foods that benefit their lungs and mental health can expect an easier recovery and the possibility of a better prognosis.
| Best Foods for Lung Health | Best Foods for Mental Health |
| Beets | Cold-Water Seafood |
| Peppers | Whole Grains |
| Apples | Berries |
| Pumpkin | Nuts |
| Turmeric | Legumes |
3) What Diets and Foods Should Mesothelioma Patients Avoid?
Just as there are foods that assist patients during their journey with mesothelioma, there are also foods that patients should avoid. Because mesothelioma patients have a compromised immune system, they should avoid foods that will negatively affect their prognosis. Generally, it is recommended to avoid highly refined, processed foods as well as fried foods that contain hydrogenated oils. Specific foods that mesothelioma patients should avoid include:
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- Lightly cooked or uncooked fish
- Raw eggs or soft-boiled eggs
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
4) How Can Nutrition Help Treatment Side Effects?
There are many side effects associated with mesothelioma treatment that would require treatment in a medical center. Common side effects of chemotherapy treatment include nausea, vomiting, and mouth tenderness. However, there are certain foods and diets, such as soft foods and nutritional supplements for cancer patients, that can help combat these nasty side effects.
| Side Effect | Suggested Foods |
| Nausea | Soup, Oatmeal, and Other Soft Foods |
| Vomiting | Vegetable Broth, Mashed Potatoes, and Bananas |
| Constipation | Whole Grains, Dried Fruits, and Raw Vegetables |
| Diarrhea | Canned Fruits, Cream of Wheat, and Meal Supplements |
| Mouth Tenderness | Ice Cream, Applesauce, and Yogurt |
5) Does Mesothelioma Cause Weight Loss?
The physical and mental health effects that mesothelioma has on patients can lead to another side effect – loss of appetite. If a patient struggles with the loss of appetite due to treatment, a mesothelioma diagnosis can cause weight loss. There are some guidelines to ensure a patient gets the proper nutrition including:
- Eat three small meals and three snacks every day
- Eat high-calorie foods
- Meal plan
- Eat milkshakes and nutritional supplements
Contact a Nutrition and Mesothelioma Specialist
These are all guidelines that patients can follow, but they are dependent on the mesothelioma stage, age, and gender of a patient. Patients should consult with a registered dietician or mesothelioma specialist to determine what is right for them. By doing this, patients can maintain their health and avoid unwanted consequences thanks to eating healthy and being wise with their meals. Eating right may sound easy, but ultimately it’s up to you to take control of your health.
Last updated on June 9th, 2023 at 10:04 pm