The Surprising Importance of Nutrition for Mesothelioma Cancer Patients
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma you have probably already sought out a good attorney that specializes in these types of cancer cases. It is now very important to insure your nutritional intake is the best it can be. Here is some surprising information about foods and nutrition and the role they play for those with mesothelioma and other cancers.
The National Cancer Institute states that approximately 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 fibers from asbestos. However, a diet consisting of the right foods can help 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.
It is important to note that all of thisis presented for informational purposes only. It is always best to seek out the advice of a medical physician. Now lets move forward
Here are basic guidelines about what is generally considered proper nutrition for those suffering from mesothelioma and other type of cancer. 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 medical professional is always the best way to go and they can help you develop a nutritional plan that is designed just for you
1. 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. Eliminate tobacco products completely.
3. It is important to drink plenty of fluids-Oneside effect from chemotherapy can be both diarrhea or constipation. When you drink lots of fluids you help to replenish what your body is losing or needs.
4. Cut back on the quantity of alcohol that you drink.
5. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. Fruits and Vegetables should become at least 50% of what you consume on a daily basis. They are filled with natural vitamins and minerals 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 a negative thing for your immune system.
7. When eating fish choose those with low levels of mercury.
8. Avoid fast-food. Many 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. Increase the amount of fiber you eat. 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.
One of the more common treatments for patients suffering with mesothelioma is chemotherapy. It is critical to watch your nutritional intake if you are undergoing this type of treatment.
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 toeatfoods that are loaded with calories and proteins-so that when you do eat you will receive the best nutritional value that is high in protein.
Here are a few ideas:
1. Put a topping of honey on your cereal
2. Instead of boiling meats, sauté them
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. 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. 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 brought up in conversation with your physician.
Finally, If you or a loved one has mesothelioma you also may want to think about getting advice from a mesothelioma attorney that handles these types of cases.
Tags: chemotherapy, lawyer, asbestos cancer, attorney, mesothelioma nutrition, mesothelioma, texas, Cancer, treatment