Mesothelioma Treatment -What is the role of Diet in the treatment of mesothelioma?

For victims of diseases like cancer, proper eating can make the difference between life and death, they must eat a very balanced diet. Cancer and the anti cancer drugs used to treat it can destroy the appetite and drain the body of vital nutrients so that it can no longer fight the drugs. Nausea, vomiting, and constipation, and even loss of smell and taste are common side effects of Chemotherapy which tend to reduce the desire to eat a balanced diet and ensure sound health.

The type of diet recommended for mesothelioma patients include foods from four food groups namely protein, fat, water and carbohydrates. Protein is the most essential part of a good mesothelioma diet as protein helps repair cells damaged by chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. The prestigious National Cancer institute recommends that people with this cancer take foods such as cheese, milk, eggs, yogurt, nuts, peanut butter, fish, meat, and ice cream.

Fats are also a very important component of a good cancer diet as fat help store energy which the body can make use of later to provide a much needed boost during chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Although fat intake depends on the size and body type of the person, but the National Cancer Institute believes that high calorie foods such as butter, cheese, milk, honey, sugar, dried fruits, and granola can provide adequate fat stores to be used by the body during the mesothelioma recovery process.

Water is also important because it helps to improve the state of hydration in the body especially during radiotherapy and chemotherapy when the body tends to loose some water.

Carbohydrates should also be part of their diet as they also help to provide the much needed energy to be able to cope with the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Some patients prefer to throw caution to the wind, and eat whatever they desire, believing that food is a simple pleasure in life and the joy experienced from eating their favorite dishes has a more positive effect than a menu of "approved" foods.

A balanced diet can help victims of mesothelioma maintain their overall health and improve their quality of life even though they will still likely succumb to the devastating effects of the disease Every mesothelioma victim should take steps to get compensated for the terrible pain and hardship that they pass through when they are diagnosed. They must learn as much as they can about the disease and how to get compensated.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com