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Good nutrition plays a crucial role in cancer prevention. Though cancerous mesothelioma is not caused by bad nutrition, improving nutritional with a cancer diet rich in antioxidants can allow asbestosis mesothelioma patients to better fight the cancer, as well as ease symptoms and treat side effects.

Although a few other causes of malignant mesothelioma have been determined, the primary cause is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a number of military and industrial applications throughout the 20th century. Symptoms don’t usually become noticeable until as long as 50 years after primary exposure. Unfortunately, the cancer is typically diagnosed in later stages when treatment options are limited.

One of the most frequent side effects of mesothelioma and cancer treatment is nausea. There are a number of nutritional changes that can be made to help this problem. Dry foods such as crackers and toast can calm an upset stomach and bland foods help with nausea and acid reflux problems. Dark green leafy vegetables can also be beneficial when treating mesothelioma, because they’re rich with essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that help fight cancer. Dark leafy greens contain antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are powerful enzymes that help clean the body of cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) and block enzymes known to activate carcinogens.

Mesothelioma patients can also benefit from the cancer-fighting nutrients found in berries. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries, strawberries and loganberries are known to contain cancer-fighting phytonutrients, such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, pterostilbene and resveratrol. In fact, extracts of six types of berries were tested in one laboratory study to determine whether they could prevent the growth and proliferation of different types of cancer cells. Each berry type was found to have unique phytonutrient combinations and extracts of all of them killed cancer cells.

Also, garlic produces a chemical called allicin which can be beneficial for mesothelioma patients. Garlic appears to have the greatest affect on stomach cancer and prostate cancer in men, but affects have been noted in all types of cancer and on different carcinogens.

What are phytochemicals?
Phytochemicals (or “plant chemicals”) contribute to the vivid colors found in fruits and vegetables and have a major positive impact on human health. It should be obvious that vegetables and fruits are healthful — this is probably due to some balance of phytochemicals, carotenoids, fibers, vitamins and minerals.

What are polyphenols and flavonoids?
Polyphenols include flavonoids (or “catechins”) and appear to be powerful antioxidants. Certain flavonoids, including quercetin, are more active than others. Laboratory studies have shown that flavonoids suppress tumor growth, interfere with sexual hormones, may help prevent blood clots, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids are found in celery, cranberries, onions, kale, broccoli, apples, cherries, berries, tea, red wine, parsley, soybeans, tomatoes, eggplant and thyme. Most common berries, which contain flavonoids, are particularly rich in potent antioxidants.

What are isothiocyanates?
Isothiocyanates and the related substances, indoles, are often referred to as mustard oils, and are responsible for the sharp taste in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, rutabaga, turnips, bok choy). They stimulate enzymes that convert estrogen to a more benign form and may block steroid hormones that promote breast and prostate cancers. Cruciferous vegetables are also high in fiber, vitamin C and selenium.

What are monoterpenes?
Monoterpenes have two important phytochemicals, perillyl alcohol and limonene. They block proteins that stimulate cell growth and reproduction and are being tested for actions against cancer.

Limonene is found in the peels of citrus fruits.

What are phytoestrogens?
Phytoestrogens, also called isoflavones, have actions that are similar to the female hormone estrogen. Important phytoestrogens are genistein, daidzein, enterolactone and equol. Phytoestrogens act as antioxidants and tumor suppressors. These compounds may improve cholesterol, prevent bone loss and suppress enzymes that stimulate breast cancer.

Phytoestrogens are found in soy products (not soy sauce), whole grains, berries, fruit, vegetables and flax seed.

What are organosulfur compounds?
Organosulfurs, which include allicin, boost the immune system, assist the liver in rendering carcinogens harmless, and may reduce production of cholesterol in the liver. These compounds are found in garlic, leeks, onions, chives, scallions and shallots.

What are saponins?
Saponins are forms of carbohydrates that neutralize enzymes in the intestines that may cause cancer. They also may boost the immune system and promote wound healing. Saponins are found in ginseng, beans (including soybeans) and whole grains.

What is capsaicin?
Capsaicin seems to reduce levels of substance P, a compound that contributes to inflammation and the delivery of pain impulses from the central nervous system. Research suggests it may inhibit cancer-generating substances. Capsaicin is found in hot red peppers.

What are plant sterols?
Plant sterols, which include sitosterol and squalene, are found in vegetable oils and may have cholesterol-lowering effects.

What are the benefits of vitamins and phytochemicals?
Currently, the most important benefit claimed for vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C and many of the carotenoids and phytochemicals is their role as antioxidants, which are scavengers of particles known as oxygen-free radicals. These unstable particles are by-products of many of the body’s normal chemical processes and are increased by smoking, environmental toxins and stress. They can damage cell membranes and interact with genetic material, possibly contributing to the development of a number of disorders, including cancer, heart disease, cataracts and the aging process. Oxygen-free radicals can also enhance the dangerous properties of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a major player in the development of atherosclerosis.

Antioxidant vitamins and many phytochemicals can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even prevent some of their damage. Although it is clear that vitamins are required to prevent deficiency diseases, the possible benefits of higher-dose supplements are still unproven in most cases. In fact, there is some evidence that in high doses vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene have pro-oxidant effects that can be harmful. The best way to obtain combinations of natural vitamins and antioxidant nutrients is to eat plenty of dark-colored fresh fruits and vegetables.

Image via WikipediaThis FAQ covers all the basic concepts you need to know as you read our health articles.

What are herbs?
According to Webster’s dictionary, an herb is “a plant valued for its medicinal, savory or aromatic qualities.” In fact, a number of today’s synthetic pharmaceutical preparations are derived from herbal extracts that were originally discovered and prescribed many years ago. The drug digitalis, for example, which is used to treat various types of heart ailments, is made from the leaves of the foxglove plant.

What are standardized extracts?
One problem with selecting herbal supplements is that you can’t always be certain of the potency of a particular formulation. Potency depends on a number of factors — what part of the plant was used, where it was grown, when it was harvested, how it has been processed and packaged — and it can either be very strong or virtually inert.

Because of these variables, it’s best to look for herbal supplements that list a “standardized” level of potency. The active compounds found in herbal extracts are usually expressed as a percentage of the total. For example, if a typical standardization level for an ingredient is expressed as 6 percent, that means 100 mg of the standardized herb supplies 6 mg of the active ingredient.

What are vitamins and carotenoids?
Although vitamins do not share a common chemistry, they share certain characteristics. They are all organic nutrients that are necessary in small amounts for normal metabolism and good health. Most vitamins must be provided by the diet or by supplements, but three vitamins (D, K and the B-vitamin biotin) can be manufactured in the body from non-dietary sources. Vitamins are not sources of energy as are carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Instead, vitamins serve as chemical partners for the enzymes involved in the body’s metabolism, cell production, tissue repair and other vital processes. Vitamins are either fat-soluble or water-soluble.

The fat-soluble vitamins, which include A, D, E and K, are absorbed by the body using processes that closely parallel the absorption of fat. They are stored in the liver and used up by the body very slowly. The water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the B vitamins. The body uses these vitamins very quickly. Excess amounts are eliminated in urine.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamins, which is set by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council, has been enhanced with a standard called the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). The DRI is a general term for four different rating sets that apply to vitamins, minerals and proteins taken by men or women in specific age groups. These ratings are:

* Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
EAR is the daily intake of vitamins that meets the requirements of 50 percent of the population group.

* Adequate Intake (AI)
If the EAR is unknown, AI is used. This is an estimate of an average intake that seems to be healthy and not dangerous.

* Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
RDA is the amount of a supplement that is sufficient to meet nearly all the needs of men or women in certain age groups.

* Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
UL is the maximum dose likely to be safe in nearly all individuals.

Another standard being developed is Daily Reference Values (DRV), which covers nutrients and other food components, such as phytoestrogens, fiber and nutritional factors that do not yet have any standards. Because vitamins and other dietary supplements are regulated as food (not drugs) by the government, no standards exist for effectiveness. Various manufacturers’ brands of vitamins differ in quality and in their ability to be absorbed by the body. The wise consumer shops for the lowest priced vitamins, as there appears to be no significant difference in quality between vitamins in various price ranges.

The FDA requires that vitamins and other dietary supplements include labels similar to those found on commercial foods. The label must include nutrient information and a list of all ingredients, as well as identification of the parts of plants from which ingredients are taken. Nonetheless, evaluation of the quality of a particular supplement is not required. There is no control over what goes into a dietary supplement, and little is known about long-term effects and risks. Studies on ginseng, for example, found that some supplements did not contain any active ingredients while others varied widely in the amount they contained. The US Pharmacopoeia, an independent organization that sets standards for drugs, has implemented standards for vitamins. Consumers should look for the USP label on supplements to ensure the products adhere to these standards.

We hope you found this health article helpful!