Nutrization: Nutrition, Supplements and Herbs

The folloing is a post by guest blogger Richard Moyle, National Awareness Coordinator for the Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com

Mesothelioma Patients Can Benefit From Better Nutrition

The National Cancer Institute has stated at least 35 percent of all cancer cases are linked to poor nutrition. Though mesothelioma is not a cancer that is related to poor nutrition, improving nutritional intake can help mesothelioma cancer patients fight the progressive disease.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs, heart and abdomen. It is caused primarily by exposure to a naturally occurring mineral known as asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take up to 50 years to become noticeable and typically the disease is diagnosed in advanced stages when treatment options are limited.

One of the most common side effects of mesothelioma 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.

Garlic can be beneficial for mesothelioma patients as it produces a chemical called allicin. Garlic appears to have the greatest affect on stomach cancer and prostate cancer in men, but affects have been noted in all types of cancer and on different carcinogens. Animal trials have been performed with positive effects. In one such study, a number of mice with cancer were injected with allicin. The control group (those not injected with the compound) lived an average of two months, while those receiving the injection lived an average of six months or longer.

Dark green leafy vegetables are filled with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that provide important cancer-fighting benefits. Along with antioxidants that fight cancer-causing free radicals, dark leafy greens contain phytochemicals, powerful anti-cancer enzymes that help cleanse the body of carcinogens and block the activity of enzymes that are known to activate carcinogens.

Berries also contain a whole host of important nutrients, including plenty of fiber and vitamin C. In fact, just one cup of strawberries has the same amount of vitamin C as one cup of orange juice, and all berries are great sources of this anti-oxidant and immune-strengthening vitamin. In addition to essential vitamins, berries are packed with several different types of cancer-fighting nutrients. They also contain anthocyanins which are phytonutrients that give red berries their luscious color. Laboratory studies have shown that anthocyanins can prevent the growth of lung cancer cell. Berries also contain other cancer fighting phytonutrients like ellagic acid, pterostilbene and resveratrol.

Cancer is a complex medical condition, with many factors playing various roles in development and treatment. However, most patients will undoubtedly benefit from better nutrition in a number of ways. In addition to eating a balanced diet, use the following tips to help strengthen the body’s ability to function well and fight disease:

• Avoid alcohol in excess amounts.
• Monitor weight carefully, not only being sure to stay trim, but also being sure to avoid becoming too thin.
• Learn about safe food preparation techniques.
• Cut the “bad” fats from your diet, opting instead for “good” fats, such as olive oil.
• Choose fruits and vegetables daily (these food groups should represent the bulk of your diet, approximately 50 percent).
• Avoid processed foods, like prepackaged meals.
• Make healthy choices when eating out, opting for low-carb or vegetable-based meals when possible.
• Monitor the types of fish you eat, choosing species low in mercury.
• Buy products that are organic.
• Do not eat fast food.
• Cut tobacco products out of your life.
• Take a multi-vitamin every day.
• Include adequate amounts of fiber in your diet.