Eating well becomes more important for people diagnosed with Mesothelioma and other cancers. Getting the proper nutrition is difficult enough for the average person, and it becomes even more challenging when faced with the loss of appetite and nausea that many Mesothelioma patients experience. The disease itself or side effects from treatment can make it hard to maintain nutritional health. The goal is to eat a healthy, balanced diet in order to feel better and remain stronger. A Mesothelioma diet differs from a suggested diet for a non-Meso patient, which can be confusing. Rather than focusing on large portions of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with moderate amounts of meats and dairy products and limited fats, sugar, and salt; the Meso diet recommends a higher calorie and protein intake. Below I’ve listed some of the main reasons for good nutrition and some tips for eating when diagnosed with Mesothelioma or another cancer.

Eating a Healthy Diet will:

• Help patient to maintain weight, keep strength and energy

• Increase protein level needed to help build and repair body tissues

• Allow patient to tolerate treatment better

• Strengthen your immune system, allowing the body to fight infection more easily

• Raise patient’s outlook and quality of life

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Diet:

• Drink plenty of fluids – try drinking between meals rather than with meals, to avoid feeling full

• Focus on eating high calorie and high protein foods (nuts, eggs, cheese, peanut butter, milkshakes, etc.) – use butter, margarine, creams, and gravies to boost calories

• Try adding protein powders to drinks

• Liquids and soft foods may be better tolerated than solids, especially if you are nauseous

• Snack frequently throughout the day or whenever you feel you can

• Vary your mealtime routine

• Try new foods and/or recipes (your tastes may change)

• Use plastic utensils if food tastes metallic

• Eat with friends and family, with the television or the radio on, which can stimulate your appetite

• Let others prepare your food to save energy and avoid cooking odors

• If possible, engage in light exercise one hour prior to meals to stimulate appetite

• Use food supplements, such as liquid drinks and powder

• Ask your doctor if you need a nutritional supplement, such as a multivitamin or another supplement

• Plan ahead: stock pantry and freezer, keep foods that need little or no preparation handy, cook in advance and freeze meals, and/or ask for help with shopping/cooking

If you have nutritional questions or need assistance planning your diet, talk to a dietitian. They can work with your specific symptoms and needs to individualize a plan.