It has been stated by the National Cancer Institute that 35 percent of all cancer diagnoses can be linked to poor nutrition. Even though mesothelioma is not a cancer that can be prevented by better nutrition, people who have been diagnosed with this type of cancer can benefit from a healthier and more balanced diet in a number of ways.

Malignant mesothelioma is caused primarily by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a number of military and industrial applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was used mostly as insulation, brake lining and piping. Treatment options for this type of cancer are usually limited as symptoms do not become noticeable for at least 20 years after exposure and the diagnosis is often made late in the disease’s progression.

Good nutrition is vital to anyone fighting mesothelioma. It is important to eat a diet heavy in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, supplementing with dairy and healthy carbohydrates (such as whole wheat pastas and potatoes). In addition to improving chances of survival, proper dietary care can help relieve the painful or uncomfortable symptoms of cancer.

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.

Fresh foods are cancer fighting because they contain live enzymes that act as a catalyst for detoxification. Fruits and vegetables are the best source for these enzymes. Berries in particular can be quite helpful for someone fighting mesothelioma cancer. 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. In one study, extracts of six types of berries were tested for their ability to prevent the growth and spread of different types of cancer cells. Amazingly, each different type of berry was found to have an entirely unique combination of phytonutrients, and all six varieties of berry extract were able to kill cancer cells in the laboratory.

Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, romaine lettuce and collard greens are bursting with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that provide important cancer-fighting benefits. They contain beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin; all powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against all forms of cancer by destroying free radicals. Dark leafy greens 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. The phytochemicals in these greens boost levels of enzymes that help cleanse the body of carcinogens and block the activity of enzymes that are known to activate carcinogens.

Cancer is a complex medical condition, with many factors playing various roles in development and treatment. However, most patients will undoubtedly benefit from a better diet 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.

A new study out of the University of California at San Francisco, and published in the American Journal of Epidemiology has shown that in eating a diet that is high in fiber rich foods and whole grains, a person has the chance to lower their risk of pancreatic cancer.

Each year in the United States of America, over 37,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and just over 34,000 people die from it. In Europe, that number is even higher, with 60,000 people diagnosed each year. Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas, an organ in the digestive system.

“There is a possibility that diet can affect one’s risk of pancreatic, as well as other cancers,” researcher June M. Chan said, “and that eating a diet rich in a wide variety of grains is likely to not only help in the prevention of diabetes and heart disease, but also this very deadly cancer.”

University of California researchers examined the grain intake of 2,233 San Franciscans, who were relatively similar in age, body weight and gender distribution. However of the number, 532 had already been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and were also detailed as being more likely to be smokers.

In their research they found that those they surveyed who ate two or more servings of whole grains per day were 40% less likely to suffer from pancreatic cancer, than those who ate less than two servings per day. Likewise, but focusing more on fiber, they found that those who ate 26.5 grams or more fiber daily were 35% less likely of contracting pancreatic cancer.

Whole grains are cereal grains that retain their levels of bran, germ and endosperm, compared to refined grains which only retain the latter. Spend any amount of time in front of a television, and you will no doubt be told that eating a healthy breakfast of bran is good for your digestive track and healthy living.

In fact, you will probably have already encountered health advice along these lines. Eating whole-wheat bread or brown rice, compared to their “white” relatives, is good advice, to say the least.

The researchers believe that there seems to be a fundamental misunderstanding of what is good and bad for you. They found that those who ate two or more servings per week of donuts or cooked breakfast cereals, were more likely to contract pancreatic cancer than those who ate less than one serving per month. They speculate that many are simply unable to distinguish between the above mentioned whole grain and refined grain breakfast cereals. Subsequently, this misunderstanding could be a clue as to why their findings appeared as they did.

“The risk reductions associated with some whole grain foods and fiber provide general support for the hypothesis that whole grains are better than more refined and sweetened grains for pancreatic cancer prevention,” Chan said.

Other Foods High in Fiber

Whole grains are a great source for fiber, but there are many other foods that you can implement into your diet to provide you with beneficial fiber. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of fiber. The skins of apples, and many other fruits, contain a large amount of fiber. Nuts like almonds, pecans and cashews are full of fiber, as well as many essential fatty acids & Omega-3’s.

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