Written by Tejal Parekh • Edited By Walter Pacheco
Shared with you by A Mustard Seed Company a herbal honey provider.
Diet and nutrition for mesothelioma impact weight, immunity and general health. Many mesothelioma patients should consume more protein and limit whole grains. Proteins may boost the immune system and restore tissue damaged by mesothelioma.
Nutrition supports the body’s immune system and maintains energy levels. Patients should consume a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet can also reduce the side effects of cancer treatment.
Diet and nutrition are essential for mesothelioma patients because:
They boost the immune system. A robust immune system is vital in fighting cancer and infections. Proper nutrition can help strengthen the immune system.
They provide energy. Consuming the right foods can give you the power to carry out daily activities. Mesothelioma treatment can be taxing on the body.
You can maintain a healthy weight. A proper weight reduces complications during and after mesothelioma treatment. Eating a balanced diet helps you maintain a healthy weight.
You can manage treatment side effects. Nausea, fatigue and more are associated with mesothelioma treatment. Eating healthy can help reduce side effects.
Common diet concerns for people with mesothelioma include eating too little protein and too few calories. Both are essential to aid recovery, support immunity and fight fatigue.
Top Diet Tips for Mesothelioma Patients
Eat 5-6 small meals or snacks every 2 or 3 hours instead of 3 large meals daily. This can help you get the nutrients you need without feeling too full or overwhelmed.
Choose nutrient-dense foods that are easy to eat. These can include full-fat Greek yogurt, eggs and salmon. You can also try whole milk, fruit and protein powder smoothies. These foods will help keep your energy levels up and give your body the nutrients it needs to heal.
You Can add A Mustard Seed Company wonderful infused herbal honeys' to your smoothies for more energy!
If cooking smells bother you, avoid kitchens. Also, try colder foods such as sandwiches or cheese with crackers. This can help reduce nausea and other unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy.
Taste changes are typical with chemotherapy. Experimenting with different foods can help you find more palatable ones. Try sweet, sour, salty and bitter flavors to identify what your taste buds can handle.
Try a mouthwash of 1 quart water, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda. This mixture clears taste buds and relieves dry mouth. This can help improve your sense of taste and make eating more enjoyable.
A Mustard Seed Company Herbal Honeys can also help with with sense of taste!
Eating at routine times can help keep your energy levels up and prevent malnutrition. If you’re not eating every 3 hours, set a timer. It’s easy to forget to eat when you’re not feeling well.
Stay hydrated with water, milk, 100% fruit or vegetable juices and soups. These liquids will help keep you hydrated. They’ll also provide your body with essential nutrients.
Before dietary changes are made, all patients should consult with their mesothelioma doctor.
Foods to Aid Recovery After Mesothelioma Treatment
Some foods contain nutrients that may support recovery after mesothelioma treatment. Also, some foods can negatively interact with chemotherapy and other mesothelioma drugs. Speak to your doctor about possible interactions.
A Mustard Seed Company herb infused honey with Black Seed & Pepper | Blood CLeanser
While antioxidants are generally considered part of a healthy diet, they neutralize free radicals. Many chemotherapy drugs use free radicals to attack cancer cells. Chemotherapy patients may be advised to avoid foods and supplements high in antioxidants.
Speak with your doctor about adding the following foods to your diet.
Fiber-Rich Foods: Vegetables, fruit, beans, potatoes and nuts can balance insulin levels, possibly minimizing cancer cell growth.
Try A Mustard Seed Company candied sugar free pecans today!
Green Tea (Brewed from Loose Leaf or Tea Bag):Rich in antioxidants.
Medicinal Teas: Essiac tea or moringa leaf are antioxidant-rich and may have limited anti-cancer actions in the body, though more research is needed to assess potential benefits.
Introducing Kita B's Herbal Whole Leaf Teas by A Mustard Seed Co
Natural Sources of Coenzyme Q: The nutrient in beef, chicken, pork, trout, herring, sardines, soybeans, lentils and peanuts may protect the heart from chemo damage.
Omega-3 Fats in Fish: May reduce harmful weight loss and inhibit metastasis.
Other Herbal Teas: Chamomile, ginger, mint and hibiscus may have anti-cancer properties.
Heal your body from the inside out with A Mustard Seed Company
Nutritional and herbal therapies usually are less well-researched than mainstream medications. This makes it even harder to predict what problems they may cause when combined with chemotherapy. Even traditional supplements doctors may recommend can have harmful interactions with mesothelioma therapy. For example, vitamin B6 supplements can interact negatively with cisplatin.
Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs and Other Dietary Supplements
Supplements may provide relief from certain symptoms or side effects. Some mesothelioma patients may experience a decrease in appetite. You may have difficulty digesting food due to cancer or treatment. Your provider may recommend protein powder, nutritional shakes or meal replacement bars.
Dietary supplements can interact with cancer drugs. These interactions may make them less effective or cause harmful side effects. High levels of vitamin C or E can interfere with radiotherapy. St. John’s wort, ginseng and garlic supplements may also interfere with chemo drugs.
Other supplements can have potential benefits for cancer patients. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. This property can benefit patients with a higher risk for heart problems. Ginger supplements may also help relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Discuss any supplements you are considering with your provider before taking them. They can provide guidance on which supplements are safe to take. They’ll also tell you which ones to avoid during mesothelioma treatment.
Meal Planning for Your Mesothelioma Diet
Meal planning can alleviate the stress associated with food shopping. Meal prepping will also make crafting and following your mesothelioma diet easier.
As a caregiver, stock up on the patient’s favorite foods when food shopping. Buy items essential for meeting their nutritional needs. This can reduce the need to shop often.
Planning Healthy Portions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture retired the Food Guide Pyramid years ago and replaced it with My Plate. However, My Plate isn’t designed to give people with cancer information about their specific nutrition needs before, during and after treatment.
A diet to follow for mesothelioma patients
The Harvard School of Public Health created the Healthy Eating Plate — a better starting place for designing a healthy diet for people with mesothelioma. The effects of cancer and treatment can make it challenging to eat.
You’ll need to adjust the Healthy Eating Plate guidelines during cancer therapy to find the best mesothelioma diet for you.
Replace green vegetables, salads and other lower-calorie foods with starchy vegetables such as potatoes and sweet potatoes. For most mesothelioma patients, it’s helpful to increase the protein portion of the plate and decrease whole grains a bit. Sometimes, you may need to add a high-protein, high-calorie liquid nutrition supplement.
Rarely, mesothelioma may also cause hypoglycemia, a form of low blood sugar that can be controlled through medication and diet. In 2021, a case study was reported on a 77-year-old man who developed nonislet cell tumor hypoglycemia associated with malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is responsible for 8% of NICTH cases.
Tips to Get More from Your Meals
Eating enough and getting proper nutrition can be challenging if you have mesothelioma. Here are some tips to help you get more from your meals:
Eat multiple small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones.
Snack whenever you are hungry, even if it is not mealtime, and enjoy the foods that appeal to you at the time.
Drink liquids after meals or as snacks, not before or during mealtime. Liquid can fill you up before you have the chance to consume the whole, nutrient-dense foods on your plate.
Include a portion of protein, such as poultry, fish, eggs, beans or peanut butter, at each meal.
Juice fresh fruits and vegetables to obtain their nutrients without filling up. If you don’t own a juicer, you can create a juice with a blender and cheesecloth. Blend fruit or vegetables with filtered water, then strain with a cheesecloth available at most grocery stores.
Consume your favorite foods any time of day. If you love breakfast foods, eating them for lunch or dinner is OK.
Create a joyful or relaxing setting by enjoying food with friends or family.
Tips to Add Protein
Patients with mesothelioma may have difficulty eating and require additional nutrients to maintain their weight and strength. Here are some tips for adding protein:
Eat protein-rich foods regularly, such as chicken, fish, lean beef and pork, Greek yogurt, beans, nuts, spinach, cheese, eggs and soy foods such as tofu or tempeh.
Add cheese to omelets, sandwiches, soups, salads and casseroles.
Increase protein in milk by blending one packet of dry milk powder into one quart of whole milk.
Powdered milk can also be added to milkshakes, cream-based soups and mashed potatoes.
Add cooked meats to omelets, soups and salads.
Snack on cheese, nut butter, roasted nuts or sliced meats.
Blend nut butter or ice cream into smoothies and milkshakes, and add vanilla or plain whey protein powder for a more balanced snack or meal.
Choose desserts made with eggs, such as cheesecake, custard and pudding.
Tips to Add Calories
Mesothelioma patients often struggle with maintaining a healthy weight due to the side effects of treatments. Adding extra calories to meals can be challenging, but patients must get the necessary nutrients to help their bodies fight cancer. Here are some tips to increase the calories in your meals:
Avoid foods labeled as low-fat, nonfat and low-calorie. For example, choose whole milk in place of reduced fat.
Opt for high-calorie drinks like milkshakes with added ice cream or fruit nectars.
Cook with butter and oil, and add them to meals when possible. For example, top vegetables and bread with butter or toss oil into rice, pasta and casseroles.
Add avocado to sandwiches and salads. Eat guacamole with tortilla chips.
Smear cream cheese onto bagels, sandwiches or crackers.
Toss salads with high-calorie dressings.
Top vegetables with creamy or cheesy sauces.
Add Greek yogurt, heavy cream or sour cream to dessert recipes, sauces and soups.
If sweet flavors are appealing, add whipped cream or chocolate sauce to pancakes, waffles, French toast, ice cream and cakes.
Prepare meals in advance and freeze them in meal-sized portions that are easy to heat. Talk with a dietitian if you want assistance planning your meals or preparing a grocery list.
Understanding Nutrition During Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma treatment can affect your ability to eat as you usually do. You can take proactive measures to meet nutritional needs for each type of treatment.
Surgery
Certain surgeries can complicate eating. Some peritoneal mesothelioma patients may receive nutrition intravenously shortly after abdominal surgery.
If you are underweight, you may need to gain weight before surgery. A healthy weight before mesothelioma surgery can improve wound healing, reduce infection risk and aid recovery.
Proper nutrition after your surgery will also replace blood loss and increase your energy level. Post-operative care and nutrition are essential considerations for patients returning to normal health.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy affects chewing and digestion because the treatment kills cells in the mouth, hair follicles and digestive tract. Cool or lukewarm soft foods may reduce chewing if mouth sores develop from the treatment.
Some patients receiving cisplatin experience extreme cold sensitivity. If this happens, avoid handling or eating icy or frozen foods.
Chemotherapy also may cause nausea, decrease appetite or change how food tastes. Alterations to your diet and eating habits can help you cope with these side effects. For example, eating with plastic or wooden utensils can help if the food tastes metallic.
Radiation Therapy
Receiving radiation therapy around the chest can impact swallowing. It is rare for peritoneal mesothelioma patients to receive radiation around the abdomen, but this can cause digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, bloating and diarrhea.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy unleashes the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer. Because the treatment removes the usual restrictions on immune cells, they can attack normal tissue, too.
Side effects of immunotherapy may include diarrhea, vomiting, trouble breathing, cough, rashes and vision changes. They require immediate attention from your oncologist. Doctors may use steroids and other medications to reduce immune attacks on healthy tissue.
Pain Medications
Certain pain medications can decrease appetite, cause nausea and contribute to constipation. Increasing dietary fiber and water can help lessen constipation.
Always drink plenty of water when increasing fiber because, without adequate fluids, constipation may worsen.
Eating enough during treatment is always the goal but often times easier said than done. I find making small changes can make a big impact on your nutrition plan.
Tejal Parekh
Registered & Licensed Dietitian
Food Safety and Mesothelioma
For people undergoing mesothelioma treatment, food safety is crucial. Cancer therapies like radiation and chemotherapy often weaken the immune system. A weakened immune system may not correctly fight bacteria, parasites or other potentially dangerous organisms in food.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services outlines four critical steps to ensure food safety: clean, separate, cook and chill. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood and eggs. Unpasteurized or raw milk and cheeses should also be avoided.
Foodborne illnesses or “food poisoning” can cause serious adverse effects. Food poisoning side effects can include:
Abdominal cramps
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Fever
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Muscle aches
Nausea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Weakness
Paying attention to reports of food recalls and food-related disease outbreaks can also help prevent health complications. Avoid any contact with or consumption of suspected foods.
For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert in December 2022 for ground beef that tested positive for E. coli. That same month, the Kraft Heinz Company recalled approximately 2,400 pounds of ready-to-eat ham and cheese loaf because of possible cross-contamination with under-processed products.
Common Questions About Nutrition & Mesothelioma
What is the best diet for mesothelioma patients?
Mesothelioma doctors recommend that cancer patients eat foods rich in nutrients such as eggs, fruit and salmon. Also, patients should have a diet high in protein with starchy vegetables and plenty of water to counter the effects of mesothelioma treatment.
WRITTEN BY
Tejal Parekh
Registered and Licensed Dietitian & Contributing Writer
(855) 797-1982
Tejal Parekh is a registered and licensed dietitian in Florida with a master’s in nutrition and dietetics from Georgia State University. Tejal is one of the first dietitians in Florida to be board-certified as a specialist in oncology nutrition. She worked as an outpatient specialist in oncology nutrition at UF Cancer Center of Orlando for six years. Tejal has taught cooking classes, held monthly presentations to staff and patients, and hosted multidisciplinary conferences.
Registered and licensed dietitian in Florida
Expertise: Oncology nutrition
Served as outpatient specialist in oncology nutrition at the UF Cancer Center of Orlando
Authored 'Your Nutrition Guide to Mesothelioma'
EDITED BY
Walter Pacheco
Managing Editor
This Page Contains 14 Cited Articles
The sources on all content featured in The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com include medical and scientific studies, peer-reviewed studies and other research documents from reputable organizations.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (2023, February 1). Eating Well During Your Cancer Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/resources/eating-well-during-and-after-your-treatment
Harvard School of Public Health. (2023, January). Healthy Eating Plate. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/
National Cancer Institute. (2022, December 9). Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ) – Patient Version. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nutrition/Patient/page4
FSIS. (2022, December 5). FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Beef Products That Tested Positive for E. Coli O157:H7. Retrieved from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ground-beef-products-tested-positive-e--coli-o157h7
FSIS. (2022, December 5). Kraft Heinz Foods Company Recalls Ready-To-Eat Ham and Cheese Loaf Products Due to Possible Cross-Contamination From Under-Processed Products. Retrieved from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/kraft-heinz-foods-company-recalls-ready-eat-ham-and-cheese-loaf-products-due
Ono, M. et al. (2021, October 28). A case of nonislet cell tumor hypoglycemia associated with malignant mesothelioma requiring a multifaceted approach for optimal glycemic control. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ccr3.5028
Yang, W. et al. (2019, February 21). Association of Intake of Whole Grains and Dietary Fiber With Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in US Adults. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2725404
Gorjao, R. et al. (2018, December 4). New insights on the regulation of cancer cachexia by N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163725818302171
World Cancer Research Fund International. (2018, May). Third Expert Report on Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective. Retrieved from https://www.wcrf.org/diet-activity-and-cancer/global-cancer-update-programme/about-the-third-expert-report/
De Carvalho, C.M. et al. (2017, August 30). Plasma glucose and insulin responses after consumption of breakfasts with different sources of soluble fiber in type 2 diabetes patients: a randomized crossover clinical trial. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28855225
Kim, Y. & Je, Y. (2016, January). Dietary fibre intake and mortality from cardiovascular disease and all cancers: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1875213615001783
De la Iglesia, R. et al. (2016). Dietary Strategies Implicated in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/17/11/1877
Yao, Z. et al. (2013, December). Prognostic nutritional index predicts outcomes of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00432-013-1523-0
Jing, K., Wu, T. & Lim, K. (2013, October). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cancer. Retrieved from http://www.eurekaselect.com/114970/article