If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you must have many concerns and questions. One often overlooked strategy for dealing with the disease is diet and nutrition. Paul Kraus, the world's longest-living survivor of mesothelioma, is now 27 years post-diagnosis. He strongly advocates for diet and nutrition to control mesothelioma and extend the lives of patients. Mr. Kraus is not alone in his advocacy for better nutrition as a tool to fight mesothelioma.
How Diet Affects Your Health
After a cancer diagnosis, it is more important than ever to protect and nourish your body. A good diet can:
· Provide strength and energy
· Help sustain a healthy weight
· Lower the risk of infection
· Help you recover and heal after treatment or surgery
· Help you tolerate treatment
A healthy diet can provide many benefits, and it is vital to eat the right foods after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Food to Support Your Health
The American Cancer Society counsels cancer patients to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains during treatment. High-quality protein is particularly important when recovering from cancer surgery. They recommend that patients eat less refined sugar, processed grains, and processed meats. Due to a weakened immune system, cancer patients should avoid high-risk food and dining options due to the potential for bacterial contamination, such as:
· Buffets and potlucks
· Raw foods like sushi, oysters, or items in public salad bars
· Soft-serve yogurt or ice cream machines
· Unpasteurized fruit juices
A large and varied diet is essential, but avoid large crowds where germs are easily spread (such as those at food trucks or fast food places) if you eat out.
Diet to Manage the Side Effects of Treatment
Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends the following diet strategies for the side effects of cancer treatment, including mesothelioma:
· Eat small frequent meals to deal with appetite loss that many patients experience
· Drink lots of water to avoid constipation and help your body deal with the rigors of treatment
· If you experience a loss of taste, try new foods with stronger flavors, like lemon or lime.
· To counteract the diarrhea many patients experience, drink and eat foods with sodium and potassium (sports drinks like Gatorade, bananas, and fruit juices)
· If treatments leave you constipated, try a fiber supplement or add plenty of veggies and beans to your diet
· To fight nausea, try citrus, ginger, and peppermint oil. Some patients swear by ginger tea with lots of lemon
Most importantly, remember that mesothelioma treatment can lead to weight loss for many patients, so try to fill your diet with nutritious foods you enjoy.
Getting Help To Fight Mesothelioma
It's crucial to have support when exploring treatment options with your doctors. Grocery shopping and cooking can be time-consuming and exhausting, especially when you're not feeling your best. Consider asking a family member or friend to help by preparing nutritious meals and snacks in advance, ensuring that you have healthy food available to aid your recovery. It can be challenging to ask for help, but now is the time to lean on your support network.
The team at Madeksho Law is also here to help you with any financial recovery questions. Since 1972, we have secured over $400 million in compensation for our clients and their families. Please contact Madeksho Law at 888-910-MESO (6376) or fill out our website form, and we will get in touch with you.
