Foods That Can Be Beneficial to Mesothelioma Patients

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is primarily caused by exposure to a naturally occurring mineral called asbestos. The cancer develops in the mesothelial cells that make up the lining of the lungs, heart and abdomen. Like many types of cancer, it is most treatable when caught early. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to become noticeable and by the time the cancer is diagnosed, it is usually in advanced stages making it more difficult to treat.

A balanced and healthy diet is essential to help prevent cancer and other health problems. Although malignant mesothelioma is not a type of cancer that can be prevented by good nutrition, mesothelioma patients can certainly benefit from a more balanced and healthy diet in a number of ways. Better nutrition can not only alleviate mesothelioma symptoms and treatment side effects, but also fight the cancer itself.

One of the most common side effects of mesothelioma treatment is nausea. There are a number of dietary changes that can be made to help this problem. Dry grain products like crackers and toast can help calm an upset stomach. Bland foods will also help with nausea, as well as acid reflux problems.

Garlic can be useful for mesothelioma patients as it generates a chemical called allicin. Garlic appears to have the most affect on stomach cancer and prostate cancer in men, but affects have been noted in all types of cancer and on different carcinogens. Animal trials have been performed with positive effects. In one such study, a number of mice with cancer were injected with allicin. The control group (those not injected with the compound) lived an average of two months, while those receiving the injection lived an average of six months or longer.

Fruit is also a must. There are many types of berries mesothelioma patients can fit in into your diet to benefit from the cancer-fighting nutrients they contain, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, loganberries, cranberries. Berries contain a number of cancer-fighting phytonutrients like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, pterostilbene and resveratrol. In one study, extracts of six types of berries were tested for their ability to prevent the growth and spread of different types of cancer cells. Amazingly, each different type of berry was found to have an entirely unique combination of phytonutrients, and all six varieties of berry extract were able to kill cancer cells in the laboratory.

Low white blood cell count is another trait found often in cancer patients. This raises the risk of contracting an infection. To avoid this side effect, a number of changes can be made in the foods you eat. It is most important to avoid “bad” bacteria, which is common in foods that are spoiled or not prepared well. Avoid buffets when eating out, wash your hands before preparing meals, avoid raw meats and fish (like sushi), and throw away any foods that are bruised or damaged.

Cancer is a complex medical condition, with many factors playing various roles in development and treatment. However, most patients will undoubtedly benefit from a healthy diet in a number of ways.

This article was generously provided by Richard Moyle of The Mesothelioma Center:

Richard Moyle
National Awareness Coordinator
Mesothelioma Center
Asbestos.com