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.

Back To School Meal Planning Tips

I know a lot of kids in the States have gone back to school, but here in Canada the kids don't go back until after Labour Day. This gives moms and dads here a few more weeks before cracking down on the school routine.

If your kids haven't gone back to school yet, now is the time to prepare and plan ahead and for the parents who are adjusting and getting back into the groove, here are some great back to school meal planning tips.

1. A Meal Plan
Nowadays kids are required to purchase school daily planners. It keeps them organize and on track. Working parents also utilize daily planners to be more efficient. It makes sense to also have a meal plan for the week. You can shop for groceries beforehand and even prepare some meals.

2. Frozen Dinners
No, I don't mean the ones that comes in a store bought package. Make ahead foods like sauces, casseroles or soups can be frozen and used in the future.

3. Simple Schedules
It's important to have your kids involved in extracurricular activities, but too many in a week creates chaos and stress not only for you, but for the child too. When that happens usually fast foods replaces home cooked healthy meals.

Mark the activities on a calendar or board where everyone can see it and will use it. Any changes in activities should be marked ahead of time if possible.

4. Involve The Kids
It's true that kids who take part in preparing foods will be more likely to eat it. Also encouraging your kids to come up with a meal idea for one day out of the week will make them a feel they have control and a choice. It's a good opportunity to introduce healthy foods to your kids. Involve your spouse, if possible as it's a perfect way of spending quality family time together.

All family meals should be enjoyed together, but having a special Sunday meal together is a nice way to start off another busy week.

5. Emergency Alternatives
When life throws you a curve ball don't opt for the easy way of ordering take-out. Make sure your pantry is stock with items you can throw together. 30 minutes meals are not only awesome, but can be nutritious as well. Remember the sauce you have in the freezer?

6. Routine
Start getting into a routine at least a week before school starts. This includes wake up time and bedtime and earlier dinners.

7. Once A Week Cooking
Some people do once a week cooking. It's basically choosing one day of the week to make large batches of foods that will last one week.

It saves time and you can make meals in a snap!

No More Workout Excuses!

There are numerous of excuses people come up with to avoid working out. Are you one of those people who always say there's not enough hours in the day? Did you get 30 minutes to watch TV? If you answered yes, then what's your excuse?

In 30 minutes you could have done some serious walking outdoors.
In 30 minutes you could have completed an in-home walking program.
In 30 minutes you could have ran outside or use your treadmill.
In 30 minutes you could have worked your upper body.

But you didn't because there's always tomorrow. Yep, I've heard that excuse too.

Take your health seriously; you only have one life to make it right.

Can you relate to these excuses?

1. I don't have the proper equipment
Use your local community center if you're on a tight budget as they often have inexpensive or free classes. Many have drop-ins where you only pay a small fee. Swimming is a great overall body workout. Otherwise there are fitness centers with a variety of memberships.

You can also purchase a variety of DVDs to suit your workout needs. Pilate, yoga, kickboxing, in-home walking program, cardio workouts etc.

2. I don't see any results
Results don't happen overnight. Being inconsistent will slow down your results tremedously. Although you don't see the benefits feeling the benefits are just as important.

3. I have no support
No one said support has to come from your family. How about a friend, a neighbour, someone at the gym?

4. I'm too embarrassed. I can't do it
I can't is not an option. You can and you will. There are other forms of exercise beside aerobics. For example try cycling, swimming, dancing or rollerblading.

5. I have my period or I have menstrual cramps
Granted some menstrual cramping can be quite painful, but the more healthy you are, the less symptoms you will exhibit when you have your period. It's still not a good enough excuse.

I find working out in the morning best for me. It clears my head, it energizes me and it just refreshing, plus it's done and I don't have to think about it the rest of the day.

The important thing is find something you enjoy doing and you can mix it up to add variety. No one wants to be forced to run when they don't like running. Remember high school? For me I loved to run so it was easy and enjoyable. What wasn't enjoyable was square dancing.

Track your progress. Take your own measurements and weight. For example, write down how many situps you can do in one minute. Do this daily and you will see your progress.

Finally watch what you eat; eat in moderation and savour your food. Don't forget to hydrate yourself with water whether you're working out or not.