Individuals exposed to asbestos in the past are at high risk of developing mesothelioma. A dose-response relationship exists between asbestos and the development of mesothelioma, which means exposure to significant amounts will increase your risk of getting the disease. Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos several years ago. So by the time their condition gets identified, it has already progressed extensively.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. The only known cause of this malignant tumor is exposure to asbestos fibers embedded in the abdomen, lungs, or heart cavity. They cause irritation and excessive scarring, because of which patients may experience a dry cough, shortness of breath, congestion, or fatigue. Since these symptoms are similar to several other conditions, mesothelioma misdiagnosis is common. Therefore, if you or anyone you know got exposed to asbestos in the past, it’s essential to inform your doctor as soon as you start developing symptoms.

People most at risk of developing mesothelioma are:

• Construction workers
• Shipyard workers
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Firefighters
• Veterans
• Mechanics

Although there is no specific cure for mesothelioma, conventional cancer therapies can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. These may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. But because every case is different, eligibility for treatment options varies among patients.

Role of Diet in Mesothelioma Prognosis

For patients undergoing mesothelioma treatment, proper dietary intake is crucial. While some people believe that cancer-fighting foods can kill tumor cells, that is not the case. Instead, nutritious and healthy food bolsters your immune system and enhances the body’s natural ability to wade off cancer. By promoting tissue healing, your body stays on track with treatment schedules and is better able to cope with the therapeutic effect of medicines.

The side effects of cancer treatment may vary in patients depending on the disease severity and type of treatment. Chemotherapy in particular often causes more side effects and can make eating seem like a chore. However, side effects that are known to improve with proper diet include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Reduced appetite
• Trouble swallowing or chewing
• Mouth sores

If you or a loved one is undergoing mesothelioma treatment, implement these four diet changes below to improve disease prognosis and ensure good quality of life.

1.      Maintain a Balanced Diet

Essential nutrients that patients must include in their everyday diet are protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fat, and water. The correct nutritious value can help the body repair itself and grow stronger to maintain a patient’s health.

Health professionals can help you determine the food groups that work best for you before, during, and after treatment. By including the following foods in your diet, you can improve the overall quality of life and live longer with a healthier body.

·         Fruits and Vegetables

Research has shown that several fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that may help fight cancer. Antioxidants counteract the harmful effects of substances that can damage our cells, while phytochemicals help the body fight against pathogens. They are both crucial in defending the body when it’s already vulnerable and help it recover faster. Fruits and vegetables also contain vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, C, and E, phosphorous, zinc, and folate. These are all essential immunity boosters that can improve cancer prognosis and strengthen the body. Dieticians most commonly incorporate leafy greens, broccoli, oranges, pears, garlic, spinach, carrots, beets, and onions in a mesothelioma patient’s diet.

·         Calories and Protein

Due to loss of appetite and trouble swallowing or chewing, mesothelioma patients often don’t receive adequate protein and calories. They must preserve muscle mass and support immune cell repair, for which a high-protein and calorie-rich diet is necessary. Options for protein and calorie-rich food include chicken, fish, eggs, yogurt, cheese, honey, potatoes, and yams. Although some patients might find high-calorie foods unhealthy, they are vital for achieving a healthy weight and fighting cancer.

·         Fat, Fiber and Dietary Supplements

Most cancer patients undergoing treatment deal with metabolic issues such as constipation or diarrhea. Incorporating whole grains and fibers like oats and barley in a diet can help alleviate these symptoms and maintain a healthy metabolism. Additionally, some unsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and other cell abnormalities that contribute to cancer growth. Snack bars, protein drinks, and other dietary supplements also help cancer patients meet their nutritional requirements.

2.      Limit Sugar Intake

Limiting sugar intake in your diet is a tricky thing to do. Some people believe that sugar fuels the growth of cancer cells, and hence, they avoid all foods containing carbohydrates. However, this approach is wrong and unnecessary because while cancer cells need glucose to survive, so do normal healthy cells. No study has proven that sugar intake causes cancer, yet several studies have defined an indirect link between the two. Therefore, you must focus on consuming less sugar rather than eliminating it from your diet. Cancer patients should especially avoid artificial sweeteners as they offer no nutritional benefit and may do more harm than good. Try to eat whole-grain carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, whole-wheat bread, and brown rice instead.

3.      Stay Hydrated

Water makes up nearly 60% of our body mass. Our body fluid carries nutrients to cells, flushes out pathogens, and prevents constipation among its various functions. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in and may cause severe debilitating effects. Staying hydrated also reduces the side effects of treatments such as nausea, weakness, and fatigue. Some cancer treatment regimens cause frequent vomiting and diarrhea, putting the patient at risk of dehydration. These complications can delay treatment or force a patient to miss sessions for chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

General tips that can help you stay hydrated are:

• Keeping a water bottle with you and taking small sips throughout the day
• Designing a schedule to refill bottles and setting goals for how many glasses to consume
• Eating foods with high water content such as citrus fruits, soups, and popsicles.

4.      Avoid Certain Foods

Cancer research has shown that sometimes red and processed meat promote cell inflammation. Greasy food containing saturated fat can also negatively impact mesothelioma treatment because it can lead to obesity, heart disease, and other ailments. Some oncologists also advise patients to limit or avoid alcohol use as it poses additional risks with certain medications.

Conclusion

Other lifestyle changes like physical activity and restricting tobacco use can also support mesothelioma patients undergoing treatment. However, before making any dietary or routine adjustments, you must first consult your doctor to ensure they don’t pose any danger to you or your treatment plan.