Nutrition

Cancer Diet: Feasting on the Four Food Groups - A Mesothelioma Patient's Guide to Nutrition 

At some point during our childhood we have all been told to eat our vegetables. Forcing down tasteless green beans and brussel sprouts were supposed to make us taller and stronger. Well, so it is for mesothelioma patients. Often diet is an overlooked subject for cancer patients, but eating the right nutritional foods for strength and energy is just as important as taking the proper medication. Mesothilioma patients undergoing treatment must follow a special cancer diet devised by their nutritionists. Cancer diets involve eating the correct amounts of protein and calories as well as drinking the right amount of water to keep the ailing body replenished and energized. When going through Chemotherapy the body needs plenty of nourishment. This is also true when the patient is taking certain medications. Doctors and nutritionists may also recommend a special cancer diet because many mesotyelioma patients tend to lose their appetites due to worry over their condition. Also, those who are undergoing treatment may choose not to eat because of the unpleasant side effects they may experience. Chemotherapy and some particular medications may cause an imbalance of nutrients that must be corrected in order to keep the body as strong as possible and to keep the patient from losing an excessive amount of weight. Other side effects of mesotheloma treatment include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, a change in the sense of smell or taste, and/or constipation. Below are some of the important nutrients patients are encouraged to include in their mesothelioma diet:

The details of every patient’s mesothelioma diet will vary. Some patients will need to incorporate more fat into their diets, while others may need more protein. It is important that patients devise a cancer diet under the guidance of their doctor and nutritionist to ensure that they receive the proper amount of nutrients to improve their quality of life

Does what we eat really affect our risk?

The National Cancer Institute estimates that at least 35% of all cancers have a nutritional connection. When lifestyle factors such as smoking and exercise are included the associated risk becomes much stronger and may be as high as 85%. What we eat makes a big difference in our energy levels, our mood and even our self esteem. When we choose foods rich in protective factors such as fruits and vegetables we are also doing something positive for our health and well-being

Why is dietary fiber important in cancer prevention?

Dietary fiber is the indigestible part of foods of plant origin (it doesn't occur in any foods that come from animals, e.g. butter, meat, eggs, fish). Fiber provides bulk to our diet and helps to maintain a healthy colon. It does this in several ways. Firstly it stimulates muscle contractions and hence reduces colon transit time (minimizes constipation). Secondly it dilutes any potentially hazardous or carcinogenic substances and also reduces the amount of time these substances are in contact with the colon wall. Thirdly it provides an environment that is conducive to "friendly" bacteria or acidophilus. These are supportive to us as they partially digest some of the fiber and provide us with nutrients. They also maintain a healthy acidic level in the colon. All of these factors are synergistic, therefore eating dietary fiber throughout the day provides the best environment in our colon which is reflected in our overall health. Cholesterol and steroid hormones that are similarly structured including the sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone as well as vitamin D and cortisol are regulated in part by secretion into the digestive tract via the bile and re absorption. Dietary fiber plays an indirect part in regulating the re absorption as the bacteria acts on some of these bile acids and assists in their excretion. Most Americans eat about 10 grams of dietary fiber each day> This is about half of what is ideal. The suggested range is 25-35 grams spread over the day. This is best achieved by eating fiber rich foods at each meal such as whole grain cereals, breads, pastas, beans, leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.

Can eating fish be protective?

Oily fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, halibut and tuna contain oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Docohexanoic acid (DHA) and Eicosopentanoic acid (EPA) are two of these long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. These occur in fish and in certain vegetables. They are protective in animal studies. It is recommended that you try to eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids several times each week. Although fish is a good source berries, mushrooms and Brussels sprouts are also dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids.