Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer due to asbestos exposure. Science has unveiled that almost 8 out of 10 mesothelioma patients invite cancer into their bodies by breathing in asbestos fibers that eventually make a home in their bodies. Why is mesothelioma so deadly? Because mesothelioma refers to a type of cancer in the thin layer of tissue covering most of a human being’s internal organs.
While other types of cancer attack a particular organ or part of the human body, mesothelioma invades the entire body. This factor explains why most mesothelioma patients don’t survive for more than 12 months after their bodies are diagnosed with cancer. According to experts, a cure for mesothelioma hasn’t been found yet. However, several patients have succeeded in extending their life expectancy well beyond their initial medical prognosis with consistent treatment and care.
The real question: Should one only start caring for themselves after being diagnosed as cancer patients? No. Individuals shouldn’t begin to improve their body’s natural balance by sleeping, eating, and exercising well only when cancer knocks on their door. Fighting malnutrition and muscle loss early on can help individuals boost their immunity and decrease the chances of cancer. People should always put in the effort to maintain proper nutrition that can help them fight diseases, boost immunity, and gain energy.
Several online resources like mesotheliomahope.com can help individuals learn how to deal with cancer or figure out the right treatments to safeguard themselves from chances of cancer. As per specialists’ opinion, here are three simple diet improvements people should make in their eating habits to enhance their body’s natural processes and keep themselves well away from the threat of cancer:
Table of Contents
1. Value Eating A Balanced Diet
The proverbial saying, ‘you are what you eat’, explains well why individuals eat good nutritious foods to keep themselves fit and healthy. A balanced diet can help individuals enhance their body’s natural function to maintain a healthy weight and sustain more energy. A well-balanced diet consists of seven essential factors. Here is a breakdown of these factors with examples of the foods that come under each category:
- Carbohydrates – bread, beans, milk, potatoes, pasta, cookies, corn, and more
- Proteins – meat, fish, eggs, lentils, seeds, nuts, yogurt, cheese, milk, and more
- Fats – butter, oils, nuts, meat, cheese, seeds, avocados, fish, and more
- Fibers – beans, broccoli, berries, whole grains, dried fruits, apples, cereal, and more
- Vitamins – carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, meat, fish, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and more
- Minerals – nuts, seeds, beans, cocoa, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and more
- Water – cucumber, celery, watermelon, lettuce, mineral water, flavored or infused water, and more
A human body requires a range of these food groups in a balanced proportion to function efficiently. Therefore, doctors recommend individuals plan every portion of their meals daily to ensure that they consume a good quantity of each food group in their diet.
2. Prefer Consuming Cancer-Fighting Foods
According to the World Health Cancer organization, approximately 30% of cancer cases are linked to poor dietary habits. No single food can help prevent cancer. However, a plateful of the right combination of foods can make a severe difference in fighting cancer. Some studies have linked the generous consumption of the following foods to boosting immunity and increasing the chances of cancer prevention in a human body:
- Superfoods – dark, leafy green vegetables filled with vitamins A, C, and K like kale, cabbage, spinach, or collard greens and sweet potatoes, squash, and berries containing a high amount of antioxidants
- Protein-Rich Foods – lean meats such as chicken and fish and protein-rich foods like milk, cheese, beans, nuts, and eggs that contain healthy calories keeping a stomach full for a long time
- High-Fiber Foods – 100% whole grain (not canned, refined, or processed) bread, crackers, cereals, dried fruits, cooked beans, and peas that contain valuable fiber content
- Healthy Fats – unsaturated fats found in some dairy and lean meats like avocados, extra virgin olive oil, almonds, and salmon
- Water – 8 to 12 cups of mineral water per day and freshly squeezed juices
3. Limit Sugar, Alcohol, and Processed Foods Intake
A survey conducted by a team of researchers at the University of North Carolina found out that packaged foods and drinks available in American grocery stores contain 60 percent of some form of added sugar. Cancer researchers have linked spiked blood glucose levels caused by sugar with higher cancer risk. Therefore, doctors recommend eating a limited amount of processed sugar and replacing cravings with healthier snacks.
Individuals must always check nutrition labels of everything they buy at a grocery store for the amount of sugar or sweeteners they contain. Here is a list of some food and drink items individuals should avoid to boost their immunity and decrease chances of cancer:
- Gravy/dressings/sauces
- Refined carbs like white bread, regular pasta, white rice, and sugary breakfast cereals
- Processed meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs
- Alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, spirits, and more
Conclusion
Eating right can help an individual seriously eliminate the risk of various types of cancer (even mesothelioma) from their life. While the above dietary tips can help people create an excellent balanced diet, it’s always good to hire a dietitian to create a customized nutritional plan that fits their specific needs. A nutritionist can explain what foods are great for an individual during treatment or everyday life, keeping in mind their lifestyle choices and medical needs.
Also read: Top 10 Hospitals for Mesothelioma Treatment
