Dieting Tips for Mesothelioma Patients

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos inhalation or ingestion. Just like any other illness, the patients diagnosed with mesothelioma must change their diet to improve their quality of life and survival rate. When one is battling cancer, it often requires a diet adjustment to suit the patient’s specific needs. For example, The Mesothelioma Center suggests patients increase their protein consumption. Having meals high in protein keeps an individual healthy enough to endure various treatments, including chemotherapy. Foods high in protein include:

• Eggs
• Turkey
• Chicken
• Fish
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Peanut butter
• Soymilk

It is often difficult for those dealing with cancer to eat a full meal. Therefore, those with mesothelioma should focus on starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, to avoid excess weight loss. Similarly, mesothelioma patients should also focus on other vegetables and foods high in potassium. These foods aid in muscle growth and help curb fatigue. Foods high in potassium include:

• Carrots
• Tomatoes
• Watermelon
• Cabbages
• Mushrooms
• Mangoes
• Raisins

Other foods that mesothelioma patients should focus on are foods rich in antioxidants, foods that are naturally anti-inflammatory, and foods that minimize the growth of cancer cells.

Lifestyle Changes

Changing one’s diet is always difficult, however, dealing with mesothelioma treatments often makes this transition harder. This is typically due to the frequent nausea and fatigue associated with treatments, like chemotherapy. To combat this, experts suggest that patients eat less food, but eat more frequently. Big meals might tend to feel like a chore to those on chemotherapy, therefore, this trick makes eating less intimidating. It can help a patient avoid feeling too full and helps an individual maintain their body weight.

Those with mesothelioma should try to incorporate light physical activity in their daily life. Doing so has several benefits. Light physical activity helps strengthen the body, which is particularly important while on cancer treatments. It can also help boost one’s appetite, helping those with food aversions to eat a full meal. In order to incorporate light physical activity, experts suggest that mesothelioma patients get in 2.5 hours of physical activity each week.

Benefits of a Healthy Diet for Mesothelioma Patients

According to The Mesothelioma Center, there are plenty of benefits to adopting a healthy diet. For those with mesothelioma, it is important to battle fatigue, boost immunity, and focus on recovery. However, it is also important for a patient to have a good support system and legal team. Finding a mesothelioma lawyer can help a patient throughout a difficult diagnosis.

Philadelphia Mesothelioma Attorneys at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Help Those Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

If you or a loved one face a mesothelioma diagnosis, contact a Philadelphia mesothelioma attorney at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler. Our lawyers can help you hold responsible parties accountable. If you are interested in contacting a mesothelioma attorney, contact us online or call us at 215-569-4000 for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County.