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Pleural Mesothelioma Nutrition

Maintaining a good diet is very important when an individual is diagnosed with and being treated for any type of cancer, including pleural mesothelioma. A patient needs to be as strong as possible in order to deal with often difficult cancer treatments, and eating the right foods as well as taking vitamins, herbs and other supplements under the supervision of a doctor can go a long way in strengthening the body.

Sometimes, unfortunately, eating is tough due to treatment side effects like mouth sores, and cancer victims tend to shy away from many foods or from eating altogether, resulting in a loss of weight and an increased inability to fight the disease. It’s important to remember that good nutrition is essential and patients may want to turn to a nutrition specialist at the hospital where they are being treated.

Eating for Pleural Mesothelioma

Simply stated, the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of cancer therapy affect the way you eat. Nonetheless, eating is essential and most nutritional experts suggest high-protein, high-calorie meals for cancer patients taken several times each day instead of three large meals. For pleural mesothelioma patients who may be having problems swallowing due to esophagitis or may have a persistent cough that makes it tough to eat solid food, liquid supplements are suggested such as Ensure®, Boost® or Carnation Instant Breakfast®. Smoothies, soups, shakes and other liquids are recommended as well.

Pleural mesothelioma patients undergoing radiation or taking certain medicines may experience extreme changes in their sense of taste. Foods they once loved may no longer taste very good to them. So, it’s essential to try different foods until you find those that are now most appealing. Also, avoid foods with a strong odor that might trigger nausea and vomiting.

Fluid intake is also essential for those who have pleural mesothelioma. It’s a good idea to try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluid a day, including juices that are rich in vitamins. This helps with constipation caused by chemotherapy drugs. High fiber foods are important to a cancer patient’s diet for the same reason.

Herbs and Supplements

While many doctors suggest that their pleural mesothelioma patients take the minimum of a multi-vitamin each day, many individuals are realizing that other herbs and supplements are also helpful in dealing with their cancer or cancer treatment. It’s important to understand, however, that there is no proof that these substances can cure cancer or even extend one’s life, but many patients report a better quality of life due to their consumption of herbs and other supplements.

Some examples of herbs and other natural substances recommended for lung health include (do not take these without doctor supervision and approval):

• Pleurisy root – It is believed that this herb helps retain the health of the lining of the lungs – the pleura – hence, its name. It supports relaxation of the bronchial muscles and also helps maintain the right amount of mucus in the mucus membranes.
• Mullein/Horehound – Ancient Roman physician, Galen, noted that this herb helped maintain healthy lungs in his patients of long ago.
• Perillyl alcohol – Found in lavender, cherries and mint, perillyl alcohol is believed to stimulate lung cancer cell death.
• Green tea – In 2005, green tea was tested in a phase I clinical trial with individuals suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (Laurie SA et al). Results showed that green tea might be useful in preventing the progression of certain lung cancers and growth of lung cancer tumors. 

A number of other herbs are considered to be antioxidants and/or anti-cancer agents and may help to boost the immune system. These include common herbs that you might find in your seasoning rack, including oregano, rosemary, turmeric, ginger and garlic. It has also been hypothesized that chili peppers with a high level of capsaicin (the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin) can neutralize cancer-causing substances.

Sources:

1. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/MBC_6.asp
2. http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/supportivecare/nutrition
3. http://www.webmd.com/cancer/nutrition-cancer-8/default.htm
4. http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-information/cancer-topics/dealing-with-cancer-treatment/nutrition/index.html