Surprising Information about Nutrition for Mesothelioma Patients
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma you have more than likely already sought out a good attorney that specializes in these types of cancers. It is now critical 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 one 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: fighting off infection, keeping the immune system strong, slowing the growth of the cancer, and easing the pain.
Disclaimer: This is presented for informational purposes only. It is always best to seek out the advice of a medical physician. Now lets move forward
What will follow here are basic guidelines about what is considered good nutrition for those suffering from mesothelioma and other cancers. For specific suggestions 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 develop a nutritional plan that works just for you.
1. Eliminate from eating 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-Oneside 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 fruits 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 must have.
6. Make 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 harmful to your immune system.
7. When eating fish choose 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. Eat more foods that are high in fiber. 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.
Probably the most conventional treatments for patients suffering with mesothelioma is chemotherapy. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, 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.
Because of this 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. Add honey to cereal
2. Sauté meats instead of boiling
3. Dip slices of fruit, like apple, in peanut butter
4. Top your salads with protein rich kidney or black beans
5. Munch on a handful of nuts
6. Mix 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 health care provider.
Finally, If you or a loved one has mesothelioma you also may want to consider speaking with a mesothelioma attorney that handles these types of cases.