Mesothelioma Patients Can Benefit From Better Nutrition

I hope you find this article helpful as I enjoyed reading it. This article was submitted to me by Richard Moyle.

Mesothelioma Patients Can Benefit From Better Nutrition
By: Richard Moyle, National Awareness Coordinator
Mesothelioma Center
Asbestos.com

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that normally affects the lining of the lungs, heart and abdomen. It is caused mainly by exposure to a naturally occurring mineral called asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take up to 50 years to become noticeable and usually the disease is diagnosed in advanced stages when treatment options are limited.

The National Cancer Institute has stated at least 35 percent of all cancer cases are linked to bad nutrition. Though mesothelioma is not a cancer that is related to poor nutrition, improving nutritional intake can help mesothelioma cancer patients fight the progressive disease.

Garlic can be helpful for mesothelioma patients as it creates a chemical known as allicin. Garlic seems to have the greatest affect on stomach cancer and prostate cancer in men, but affects have been observed in all types of cancer and on different carcinogens. Animal trials have been carried out with positive results. 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.

Dark green leafy vegetables are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that offer important cancer-fighting benefits. Beta-carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants that help defend the body against all forms of cancer by obliterating free radicals. Dark leafy green vegetables also contain folate which is necessary for the proper repair and replication of DNA. Without folate, damaged cells would be incapable of repairing their own DNA. Cells with damaged DNA are more likely to become malignant. Powerful anti-cancer enzymes called phytochemicals are also present in dark green cruciferous vegetables such as bok choy and kale. Some phytochemicals boost levels of enzymes that help cleanse the body of carcinogens and block the activity of enzymes that are known to stimulate carcinogens.

In addition to improving chances of survival, proper dietary care can help ease the painful or uncomfortable symptoms of cancer. Obviously, this depends on the type and stage of cancer, but improving symptoms can improve quality of life—even if the cancer is severe. One of the most common side effects of malignant mesothelioma and mesothelioma treatment is nausea. There are a number of dietary changes you can make to help this problem. Dry grain products like crackers and toast can help calm an upset stomach. Bland foods will also help with queasiness, as well as acid reflux problems.

Berries can also be beneficial as they contain a whole host of vital nutrients, including an abundance of fiber and vitamin C. In fact, just one cup of strawberries has the same amount of vitamin C as one cup of orange juice, and all berries are great sources of this anti-oxidants and immune-strengthening vitamins. In addition to essential vitamins, berries are full of several different types of cancer-fighting nutrients. They also contain anthocyanins which are phytonutrients that give red berries their luscious color. Laboratory studies have shown that anthocyanins can prevent the growth of lung cancer cell. Berries also contain other cancer fighting phytonutrients like ellagic acid, pterostilbene and resveratrol.

Cancer is a complex medical condition, with many factors playing various roles in development and treatment. However, most patients will undoubtedly benefit from healthy eating in a number of ways. In addition to eating a balanced diet, use the following tips to help strengthen the body’s ability to function well and fight disease:

• Avoid alcohol in excess amounts.
• Monitor weight carefully, not only being sure to stay trim, but also being sure to avoid becoming too thin.
• Learn about safe food preparation techniques.
• Cut the "bad" fats from your diet, opting instead for "good" fats, such as olive oil.
• Choose fruits and vegetables daily (these food groups should represent the bulk of your diet, approximately 50 percent).
• Avoid processed foods, like prepackaged meals.
• Make healthy choices when eating out, opting for low-carb or vegetable-based meals when possible.
• Monitor the types of fish you eat, choosing species low in mercury.
• Buy products that are organic.
• Do not eat fast food.
• Cut tobacco products out of your life.
• Take a multi-vitamin every day.
• Include adequate amounts of fiber in your diet.