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Nutrition During Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy delivers concentrated doses of radiation to a tumor to shrink it and prevent it from spreading. Although this treatment can help kill mesothelioma cells, it may also damage the surrounding tissues. Radiation therapy can cause side effects such as diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, loss of appetite, mouth sores, nausea and vomiting. Maintaining a healthy diet can help the body repair the damage, and certain foods can alleviate some symptoms.

A high-protein, increased-calorie diet is often recommended to mesothelioma patients receiving radiation therapy. Additional calories, which are often needed in order to maintain the body’s natural processes, should come from high-quality snacks, drinks and meals which include fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and protein.

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Unique Nutrition Needs of Radiation Patients

Many of the side effects associated with radiation can interfere with a patient’s appetite or eating habits. Although the side effects may be severe, it is crucial for patients to consume adequate calories. The following chart includes some of the most commonly reported side effects of radiation therapy and correlating nutritional recommendations.

Radiation Side Effect Dietary Recommendations
Diarrhea Eliminate fried foods, greasy foods, caffeine and alcohol. Instead, eat starchy foods such as rice and crackers. Probiotics in yogurt can help balance the digestive tract.
Dry Mouth Eat foods that require minimal chewing, such as mashed potatoes, soup and milkshakes.
Fatigue Frequent, small meals with dense foods like nuts, cheese, honey and cream-based sauces give the body more calories to convert into energy.
Loss of Appetite/Weight Loss Liquid nutrition such as protein shakes can be a valuable source of much-needed calories. Snacking frequently or grazing throughout the day can reduce the need for three large meals.
Mouth Sores Avoid eating spicy foods. Instead, soft and bland foods like oatmeal and ice cream will be easier to consume.
Nausea/Upset Stomach Avoid strong-smelling foods that may induce nausea. Bland foods such as rice and toast can help absorb stomach acid, and peppermint candies can have a soothing effect.
Vomiting Bananas can help replace lost potassium, and soft foods such as toast and rice are easy to keep down. Stay away from fried, acidic or heavily flavored foods.

Dietary Tips During Radiation

To deal with the dietary adjustments that are recommended during treatment, cancer patients often visit a nutritionist or dietitian. Many hospitals employ nutrition specialists to help patients track dietary changes, address fluctuating appetite and create a daily diet plan that considers each person’s unique symptoms.

Radiation directed at the abdomen, which is often a part of peritoneal mesothelioma treatment, can create difficulties digesting lactose or high-fiber foods such as raw fruits and vegetables or wheat bran. As a result, peritoneal mesothelioma patients receiving radiation therapy may consider temporarily adopting a lactose-free and reduced-fiber diet plan during or after treatment. 

Maintaining a healthy weight during and after radiation is one of the biggest challenges faced by patients who receive radiation therapy. Extra attention must be paid to calorie and protein intake to ensure that you have an adequate supply of the nutrients you need to fight cancer.

The following tips can help patients meet their nutritional needs during mesothelioma treatment:

fruit mesothelioma

Juice fresh fruits and vegetables to obtain their nutrients without filling up.

liquids Mesothelioma

Consume liquids after meals or as snacks– not before or during mealtime. Liquid can fill you up before you have had the chance to consume the whole, nutrient-dense foods on your plate.

protein mesothelioma

Include a portion of protein like skinless poultry, fish, eggs, beans or peanut butter at each meal.

multiple small meals mesothelioma

Eat multiple small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones.

snack Mesothelioma

Snack whenever you are hungry, even if it is not mealtime, and enjoy the foods that appeal at the time.

dense foods for mesothelioma

Not all foods with high calorie counts, particularly fast food meals, provide essential vitamins. Increase calories through nutritionally-dense foods such as cheese, bread or protein shakes.

Dietary Supplements During Radiation

Several mesothelioma survivors attribute their success to nutritional changes such as adopting a vegetarian diet or developing a supplement regimen.  A nutritionist may be able to help you construct similar a routine of natural supplements to accompany radiation therapy and replace the minerals lost during treatment. For instance, vomiting and diarrhea can create magnesium and potassium deficiencies; patients who find it difficult to consume enough food to replace these minerals may choose a pill form. Mesothelioma patients may also consider certain herbal supplements such as cat’s claw or graviola, which are believed to have antioxidant properties.

While there is evidence that specific vitamins and minerals found in certain foods may potentially help slow or stop the spread of cancer, some supplements can interfere with the body’s response to traditional treatment. Accordingly, a doctor should approve any supplemental programs before you begin. If you need help fast, fill out our quick question form and get information in minutes.

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