Nutrition is one of the most important ways to help civilians and U.S. veterans with mesothelioma heal.
Maintaining a good mesothelioma diet can help manage symptoms and ease the side effects of cancer treatment. Many leading doctors and cancer centers recommend incorporating nutrition and diet strategies into a patient’s treatment plan.
Amy Fair, a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience helping mesothelioma patients, has 5 tips for maintaining good nutrition.
These tips are:
- Eat smaller meals rather than large ones
- Increase protein consumption
- Consume food and drinks at room temperature
- Stimulate appetite with hard, sugar-free candy or spicy food
- Find a cancer nutritionist
Learn more about each of these mesothelioma diet tips below. You can also call (877) 450-8973 now to get tips on managing treatment and nutrition from Amy and our nursing support team.
1. Replace Large Meals With Several Small Meals
Instead of having three large meals a day, Amy Fair recommends six to eight smaller meals.
Eating smaller meals throughout the day can:
- Allow you to maintain energy levels
- Help your body more easily digest food
- Lessen mesothelioma symptoms like fatigue
For example, you can eat fruits and vegetables for a nutritious snack.
2. Add Protein to Your Mesothelioma Diet
After major treatments like surgery, mesothelioma patients’ bodies use up protein to heal. Without enough protein, patients can experience muscle loss and weakness. A high-protein diet can help with recovery and improve strength.
Good sources of protein include:
- Dairy like milk and yogurt
- Low-sugar protein shakes
- Non-processed meats
- Nuts
- Plant-based proteins like beans, peas, and tofu
“A very good, protein-forward, healthy diet around the time of an operation is really important."
— Dr. James Pingpank, peritoneal mesothelioma specialist
However, make sure to consult with your mesothelioma doctor before increasing your protein intake. Some mesothelioma treatments affect your kidney function, and too much protein can be harmful in these cases.
3. Consume Food and Drinks at Room Temperature
Mesothelioma patients could feel nauseous, which can negatively impact their diets and ability to get enough nutrition.
Amy’s tips for avoiding nausea include:
- Ask for anti-nausea medications like ondansetron (Zofran®) and lorazepam (Ativan®).
- Don’t drink liquids while eating to make digestion easier.
- Try ginger teas, chews, or mints, which naturally fight nausea.
- Wait for foods and beverages to reach room temperature before consuming.
Want more tips for managing your mesothelioma treatment? Get a Free Veterans Packet now.
4. Eat Sugar-Free Hard Candy or Spicy Food
Some mesothelioma treatments can cause a loss of appetite, making eating feel like a chore. Amy Fair suggests eating spicy foods or hard candy to prevent this.
20+ years helping mesothelioma victims
“Spicy foods increase the functioning of the salivary glands, which stimulates appetite. For those with sensitive stomachs who cannot tolerate intense flavors, sucking on hard candies can also produce this effect.”
Sugar-free hard candy may be a great option for veterans since sugary candy can spike insulin levels.
Doctors can also recommend a medication called megestrol acetate (Megace®) and exercise plans to increase hunger.
5. Find a Cancer Nutritionist
Each mesothelioma patient is different and may have unique dietary needs. For this reason, it is incredibly important to seek out a nutritionist or dietitian familiar with mesothelioma.
Some cancer treatment centers have nutritionists available. If not, mesothelioma doctors may be able to refer you to a nutritionist.
Additionally, some health insurance plans may cover the cost of mesothelioma nutrition consultations.
Use our Free Doctor Match for help finding specialists who can recommend mesothelioma diet and nutrition plans.
U.S. Veteran With Mesothelioma Eases Symptoms With Good Nutrition
Nobody understands the power of good nutrition better than U.S. Army and Air Force veteran Arthur Putt. Diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2018, Art was given a year or less to live.
Determined to live longer, Art underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments, which slowed the cancer but also caused side effects that impacted his ability to eat solid foods.
Art’s wife and daughter, both registered nurses, suggested a mesothelioma nutrition plan of oils, powders, asparagus, and cottage cheese given through a feeding tube. Art credits this with improving his health and has since returned to eating normal meals.
“At one time, doctors told me I’d never eat solid food again, but we showed them wrong.”
– Arthur Putt, U.S. veteran & mesothelioma survivor
Each mesothelioma patient’s nutritional needs will vary depending on the unique factors in their case. For best results, always consult a mesothelioma specialist before making any changes to your diet — especially while undergoing treatment.
Get Help Improving Mesothelioma Nutrition
Mesothelioma nutrition and other alternative therapies are important parts of a patient’s treatment plan.
Art Putt and other veterans with mesothelioma can attest that nutrition and diet changes can improve quality of life and lessen symptoms.
With the guidance of a mesothelioma doctor, you or a loved one battling this cancer can start a nutrition plan to help with healing.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you and your family find top doctors and explore nutritional options. Call (877) 450-8973 or get a Free Veterans Packet now to see how we can assist you.
