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Healthy Eating and Exercise Important for Mesothelioma Patients
According to the National Cancer Institute, at least 35 percent of all cancer cases are related to poor nutrition. Although mesothelioma is not a cancer that is related to poor nutrition, improving nutritional intake can help cancer patients fight the progressive disease.
Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium – the thin layer of tissue that lines the area around the heart, the chest cavity, and the abdominal cavity, as well as the outer surface of most of the organs. The only known cause of this type of cancer is exposure to asbestos – a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively throughout the 20th century.
Living a healthy lifestyle by achieving good nutrition, consistent exercise and eating organic foods can be helpful for patients fighting the disease and the side effects of treatment.
Asbestos
Often appearing in roof shingles, popcorn ceilings, piping and insulation, asbestos became one of the most popular building applications of the 20th century. Due to its flame resistant and highly durable qualities, asbestos was the ideal form of insulation for many industries.
When asbestos is left alone, it is harmless. But if the material is disturbed or becomes damaged, millions of tiny fibers are released into the air where they can then be inhaled or ingested. These fibers become lodged in the tissue of organs (most often the lungs) and can eventually cause a number of illnesses.
This asbestos-related illness is very difficult to treat and diagnose because mesothelioma symptoms may not show up from 20 to 50 years after exposure. Due to the fact most asbestos-related illness are usually diagnosed in late stages, sometimes 20 to 50 years after exposure, a mesothelioma diagnosis is most often poor. The average life expectancy after someone is diagnosed with this type of cancer is about one year.
Healthy Tips and Immune Boosting
One of the most common side effects of cancer and cancer treatment is nausea. There are a number of dietary changes you can make to help this problem. Dry grain products like crackers and toast can help calm an upset stomach. Bland foods will also help with nausea, as well as acid reflux problems.
Another common characteristic found in cancer patients is low white blood cell count, which increases the chance of contracting an infection. To avoid this side effect, a number of changes can be made in the foods you ingest. It is most important to avoid “bad” bacteria, which is common in foods that are damaged or not prepared well. Avoid buffets when eating out, wash your hands before preparing meals, avoid raw meats and fish (like sushi), and throw away any foods that are bruised or damaged.
Dark green leafy vegetables are packed with necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that provide important cancer-fighting benefits. Beta-carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against all forms of cancer by destroying free radicals. Dark leafy green vegetables also contain folate which is essential for the proper repair and replication of DNA. Without folate, damaged cells would be unable to repair their own DNA.
Be sure to talk to your doctor to learn about more ways to decrease the risk of developing cancer. Positive changes in your diet and other areas of your life (such as your physical activity) will help prevent cancer. If you do develop this medical condition, at the very least, these changes will allow you to fight the cancer more readily.
