Webinar Recap: Mesothelioma Nutrition Tips for the Holidays
Health & Wellness
Written by Travis Rodgers | Edited by Amy Edel
Our recent webinar, Holiday Nutrition Tips for People Diagnosed With Mesothelioma, gave patients and caregivers down-to-earth solutions to tackle holiday nutrition challenges. Registered Nurse and Patient Advocate Karen Selby and registered dietitian Dr. Sylvia Klinger shared simple ways mesothelioma survivors can enjoy holiday meals. They offered tips for safe food choices and smart swaps that make eating easier and more enjoyable during gatherings.
Karen emphasized the importance of personally tailoring nutrition care in mesothelioma. She said, “A nutrition plan is intended to be customized for a patient’s unique situation based on their medical history, current health, cancer stage, cancer cell type and much more.”
Beyond the basics of meal planning, how you feel during the holidays is just as important. Dr. Kinger noted, “I can imagine when you’re not feeling up to par, when you’re feeling fatigued and tired, the holidays can bring extra stress in your body and we don’t want that to happen because we want you to navigate this with ease.”
Dr. Klinger added, “I think the key is to be prepared. Because no matter where you go, whether it be a restaurant or family, or a friend’s house, I think the best thing is to prepare. I think planning is going to be your key to avoiding any digestive issues, any side effects or any worries that you might have.”
Top 5 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Plate
Balanced plates with nutrient-rich foods are key, Dr. Klinger said. Patients should focus on lean proteins, colorful vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.
Building Your Holiday Plate
- Whole grains should fill a quarter of your plate to support digestion and energy.
- Fill half your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants important for immune health.
- Include fortified plant-based milks or dairy for bone health and protein.
- Lean protein like beans, fish or turkey should fill the remaining quarter of your plate to help maintain muscle mass and repair tissues.
- Stay hydrated with water, soups or 100% fruit and vegetable juices.
For people with small appetites, nutrient-dense additions like powdered milk in soups or cereals and healthy fats such as olive oil can increase calories without large volume. If staying hydrated is challenging, Dr. Klinger recommends regular small sips of water to support organ function and prevent fatigue.
Dr. Klinger also talked about simple ingredient swaps to boost the nutritional value of your meals. “Think about boosting the nutritional value of what you’re eating. Think about how to add healthy fats,” she advised.
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“Instead of butter or shortening, [use] olive oil, avocado oil, even things like avocados, hummus, beans, smashed beans. I use all that as spreads in sandwiches, on toast or anything that you might have. Even making a paste with some kind of nuts is also great.”
How Mesothelioma Can Change Your Relationship With Food
This cancer can change the way you experience food. Mesothelioma symptoms are a major reason why. Symptoms also differ based on the type of mesothelioma you have.
Mesothelioma Symptoms That Affect Eating
- Peritoneal symptoms and appetite: Abdominal pressure, bloating and constipation or diarrhea can cause a reduced appetite.
- Pleural symptoms and swallowing: Chest tightness and chronic cough can make swallowing and breathing harder.
Side effects from treatments like chemotherapy or surgery can also impact appetite and cause discomfort when eating. Mouth sores and nausea can further complicate eating.. Vomiting and changes in taste or smell can make it hard to enjoy food or keep it down.
Our panelists recommend bringing foods you know work for you to holiday gatherings. Familiar, easy-to-digest options won’t trigger unexpected digestive issues. Soft, nutrient-dense snacks can ease mouth irritation and make swallowing easier. Eating smaller amounts more often throughout the day can help you maintain your energy without overwhelming your system during busy celebrations.
Why Nutrition Is So Important for People With Mesothelioma
Karen explained mesothelioma changes how your body uses nutrients, often causing fatigue and weight loss. She described this as “metabolic hijacking,” where cancer cells aggressively consume nutrients normally reserved for healthy tissues.
“It’s like running a marathon a day. But you’re not running a marathon. Your body may begin to break down muscles and fat just to keep up with the tumor’s energy needs. This is called ‘metabolic hijacking.’” she said. Karen encouraged participants to see nutrition as a key part of managing their strength and overall health throughout mesothelioma treatment.
She stressed that nutrient-dense foods can improve how you feel and respond to treatment. Following nutritional guidance can help you maintain your strength, manage side effects and recover after aggressive treatments like surgery.
Creative meal ideas shared during the webinar included nutrient-rich recipes like pumpkin pie smoothies, turkey cranberry shepherd’s pie, roasted root vegetables and comforting soups. Our experts also noted involving family in meal prep can reduce stress and add to the enjoyment of meals.
While the holiday season can be a joyous time with friends and family, it disrupts routines, which can be stressful. Additional pressures to socialize when you’re tired or eat certain foods can add anxiety and physical discomfort. There can also be added anxiety about food safety when your immune system is compromised.
Mesothelioma caregivers play a critical role in ensuring safety, either bringing food to gatherings or coordinating with hosts to prep safe food options. As Dr. Klinger explained, using food thermometers to confirm food is cooked thoroughly and avoiding dangers like unpasteurized dairy can prevent infections.
Dr. Klinger also stressed the importance of prepping meat on a cutting board that “can go in the dishwasher” or can be “scrubbed really well.” She recommends reserving wooden cutting boards for non-meat options.
She adds, “You don’t want to mix and match. You want to keep the one for plastic for the meat and then a wooden one for your fruits, vegetables and breads.”
Participant Questions Answered
The webinar closed with a Q&A session where the panelists answered questions from attendees. The questions covered a wide range of topics, from managing specific symptoms to navigating social situations around food.
Key Q&A Topics Discussed
- Alcohol consumption: Often discouraged during treatment, Dr. Klinger suggested festive mocktails. Always consult your doctor regarding alcohol and how it could interact with or affect your treatment.
- Hydration requirements: Guidelines recommend aiming for 8 ounces of fluid hourly. But adjust as needed if liquids make you feel full and reduce your appetite.
- Smaller meals: Eating small, frequent meals that combine proteins and carbohydrates can hep if your appetite is reduced, optimizing nutrition.
- Sugar: Moderate sugar is ok, but excessive sweets should be limited to avoid appetite suppression or blood sugar spikes.
If you’re too fatigued to cook, don’t hesitate to ask family members to take over meal prep. Potluck-style gatherings or catering can also take the pressure off while still letting you enjoy the celebration.
