The Importance of Diet for Mesothelioma Patients
Focusing on diet and nutrition after a mesothelioma diagnosis can help support your body’s natural healing as you navigate symptoms, treatment, and side effects.
Mesothelioma nutrition can influence your:
- Energy levels: Mesothelioma cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can make you feel tired, but nutrient-rich foods can help restore strength.
- Immune system: Proper mesothelioma nutrition can boost your immune system, giving your body what it needs to fight cancer and protect you against other sicknesses and infections.
- Mood: What you eat can influence your overall mood. Choosing foods that support your mood can help you better handle stress and other difficult emotions.
- Weight: It’s common for mesothelioma patients to experience weight loss, which can create challenges during recovery. A balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Learn more about nutrition tips, insights from a registered nurse, and what a mesothelioma survivor’s diet includes in our Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide.
Mesothelioma Nutrition Tips
Eating healthily before, during, and after mesothelioma treatment can help you stay stronger and feel better.
Here are 7 general mesothelioma nutrition tips:
- Eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day to give your body essential nutrients.
- Juice vegetables and fresh fruits to obtain nutrients without feeling bloated.
- Eat room-temperature foods if cooking smells bother you, if you’re struggling with nausea, or if you have digestion issues.
- Eating at regular intervals throughout the day can help prevent malnutrition and keep you energized.
- If you feel bloated, drink small amounts of liquid.
- Don’t skip snacks and meals — an empty stomach may make your nausea worse.
- Watch for signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as excessive sweating, drowsiness, muscle weakness, and nightmares.
Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) may be covered by your insurance. If you aren’t already working with a dietitian, ask your mesothelioma care team for a referral.
“Don’t discount the importance of nutrition, positive attitude, and exercise on the immune system. Your immune system does the surveillance that keeps cancer in check. The stronger that is, the better you’re going to do.“
Tips for Boosting Your Appetite
You or your loved one may struggle to maintain a healthy appetite, either as a symptom of mesothelioma cancer or due to side effects from treatment. However, eating is important to keep up your energy levels and avoid unhealthy weight loss.
Here are some tips to help stimulate your appetite:
- Create a relaxing and cheerful setting by eating with family or friends.
- Drink liquids as snacks or after meals, not during or before meals. Liquids can fill you up and decrease your appetite.
- Eat 6-8 small meals a day instead of 3 large meals.
- Eat spicy foods or suck on hard candies to increase salivary gland function, which stimulates appetite.
- Ask your doctor about appetite stimulant prescriptions, such as megestrol acetate.
- Do gentle exercises or attend physical therapy appointments.
Foods to Support Mesothelioma Treatment Recovery
Some foods have nutrients that may promote recovery alongside your mesothelioma treatment. Your oncologist (cancer care doctor) can advise you on what to eat during recovery and refer you to a nutritionist if needed.
Mesothelioma foods to eat may include:
- Fiber-rich foods like potatoes and vegetables can balance insulin levels and potentially reduce mesothelioma cell growth.
- Herbs and spices such as mint, rosemary, turmeric, and dill may offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits.
- Medicinal teas like moringa leaf and chamomile are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals attack healthy cells and change their genes, encouraging cancerous tumors to grow.
- Natural sources of coenzyme Q, which is a nutrient in trout, beef, herring, chicken, soybeans, sardines, peanuts, and lentils, can protect the heart from chemotherapy damage.
- Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can reduce inflammation and may also lower the risk of cancer coming back, according to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Working with a comprehensive medical team — including primary care physicians, oncologists, and nutritionists — can help improve your health and quality of life with mesothelioma.
Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with experienced health care providers near you.
Foods for Mesothelioma Patients to Avoid
Just as certain foods can support your body in healing, some foods can negatively impact your recovery.
Malignant mesothelioma patients may want to avoid:
- Alcoholic beverages because they can cause liver inflammation and exacerbate mouth sores
- Dry cured or smoked meats, which may still have bacteria or pathogens present
- Fried foods containing hydrogenated oil, which can increase inflammation
- Raw or undercooked meats, including red meat, eggs, or seafood
- Ultra-processed foods, like pre-packaged meals, snacks, and sweets
- Unpasteurized dairy or unwashed produce, which may come with a risk of foodborne illnesses
Make sure to work with your doctor or dietitian to determine which foods will work best for your situation.
Dietary Supplements for Mesothelioma Nutrition
Mesothelioma patients who experience side effects from cancer treatments may be able to find relief through vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Supplements come in many forms, including gummies, pills, bars, powders, and injections.
Common supplements for mesothelioma patients include:
- Amino acids
- Beta-carotene
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Protein
- Selenium
- Vitamins A, B12, D, and E
- Zinc
Talk to your mesothelioma doctor before taking dietary supplements. Certain supplements can interfere with chemotherapy drugs and other treatments, reducing their effectiveness and causing negative side effects.
For instance, high levels of vitamins E and C can interfere with radiation therapy. Similarly, garlic, St. John’s wort, and ginseng supplements may make chemotherapy drugs less effective.
How to Structure Your Mesothelioma Diet
The best diet for mesothelioma is one you’ll want to stick to. There are many ways to get enough protein, fiber, and other nutrients without forcing yourself to eat foods you don’t enjoy.
Below are some mesothelioma nutrition guidelines that you can adapt to your preferences.
1. Increase Your Calories
Calories give your body more energy to withstand mesothelioma treatments and fight cancer. Replace any low-calorie foods you’re eating with high-calorie versions.
You can also increase your calories by adding these foods to your diet:
- Avocados
- Chocolate sauce
- Cream cheese
- Drinks such as smoothies, milkshakes, and fruit nectars
- Nut butters like peanut butter
- Soft desserts like ice cream and cake topped with whipped cream
2. Get Enough Protein
Protein helps maintain and build muscle, which is important for mesothelioma patients who have problems eating and are losing weight. It’s especially helpful in the period following surgery.
Add the following to your meals to increase your protein intake:
- Beans
- Cheese
- Chicken
- Cottage cheese
- Eggs
- Fish
- Greek yogurt
- Lean beef
- Nut butters
- Nuts
- Pork
- Powdered milk
- Soy foods such as tempeh and tofu
- Spinach
“A high-protein diet has been known to be effective in helping mesothelioma patients recover after surgery.”
3. Reduce Whole Grains
Although whole grains such as cereals are considered a healthy food choice, they can be challenging to digest. They can also worsen certain treatment side effects, such as bloating and diarrhea.
Reducing whole grains can also give you more room to eat other nutrient-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and lean meat. These foods provide essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants required for immune support and overall health.
Mesothelioma Survivors Diet: Art Putt’s Story
Arthur Putt was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2018 after a persistent cough sent him to the doctor. He was told he had 6-12 months to live.
Art and his family were shocked, but he would do everything possible to fight this cancer. He underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy but experienced severe side effects. At one point, Art’s esophagus was so irritated he could barely swallow solid foods.
Desperate to help Art feel better, his wife Jan and her daughter leaned on their experience as nurses to develop a nutrient-rich blend of asparagus, beetroot powder, cottage cheese, and several oils that Art takes twice a day.
This new mesothelioma diet helped reduce inflammation and boosted Art’s immune system. He now eats solid foods at lunchtime and dinner. “At one time, doctors told me I’d never eat solid food again, but we showed them wrong,” Art says.
Read more about Art’s story and get diet and nutrition information in our Free Survivors Guide.
How Treatments Can Affect Mesothelioma Diet and Nutrition
Different mesothelioma treatments can cause side effects like appetite reduction, weight loss, and gastrointestinal issues. Learn how to combat treatment side effects with diet and nutrition.
Chemotherapy
Mesothelioma chemotherapy affects digestion and chewing because it kills cells in the mouth and digestive tract.
Chemotherapy may also change how food tastes, decrease appetite, and cause dry mouth and nausea. Changing your diet or how you eat can help you maintain a healthy body weight and get proper nutrients in spite of these changes.
Addressing Specific Chemotherapy Side Effects With Diet
- Mouth sores: If you have mouth sores, stay away from hot foods and drinks, alcoholic beverages, crunchy foods, and anything acidic. Cut food into small pieces and cook them until they are soft, tender, and easier to chew.
- Nausea: Control your nausea by eating dry foods like breadsticks and crackers. You can also eat easy-to-digest foods rather than heavy meals.
- Taste changes: Chemotherapy can cause taste changes. Try bitter, sour, sweet, and salty flavors to make food more appealing. Use wooden utensils if food tastes metallic.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy drugs boost the immune system to identify and kill mesothelioma cancer cells more effectively.
Unfortunately, like chemotherapy drugs, they can also attack normal cells and lead to side effects that impact your diet and nutrition.
Side effects of immunotherapy drugs can include:
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Vision changes
- Vomiting
If you experience these symptoms, talk to your oncology team. They may be able to prescribe medications to help you feel better and prevent your immune system from attacking healthy cells.
Radiation Therapy
Mesothelioma radiation therapy in the chest area can affect the way you chew, swallow, or digest food.
When radiation is directed to the chest, it may affect muscles and tissues involved in chewing and swallowing, which can make it harder to eat. You may experience difficulty chewing, swallowing discomfort, or feeling like food is stuck. Adjusting your diet to softer foods or smaller, more frequent meals can help ease these symptoms.
Radiation around the abdomen may cause digestive issues like bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. You can manage these side effects by eating smaller meals, avoiding fatty or spicy foods, and staying hydrated.
Surgery
If you are underweight, your mesothelioma care team may tell you to gain weight before surgery.
Being at a healthy weight for a mesothelioma surgery may help:
- Improve wound healing
- Reduce the risk of infection
- Speed up recovery
Some mesothelioma surgeries can make eating difficult. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients may receive nutrition intravenously after abdominal surgery, for example.
Once you can have solid foods again, you should eat nutritious meals to increase energy levels and replenish your blood supply.
Post-surgery pain medication may cause nausea, decrease appetite, and contribute to constipation. You can reduce constipation by drinking more water and eating more fiber.
How to Avoid Foodborne Illnesses
Mesothelioma patients are at a higher risk for foodborne illnesses (food poisoning) since their immune systems may be weakened from cancer or treatments.
Below are some steps to help you avoid foodborne illnesses.
1. Avoid Undercooked or Raw Foods
Raw or undercooked foods made from animals are the most likely to be contaminated by potentially dangerous organisms. Examples include unpasteurized milk, lightly cooked or raw eggs, undercooked poultry and meat, and raw shellfish.
2. Follow Food Safety Tips
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared these tips for avoiding foodborne illnesses:
- Wash surfaces and hands often. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap before eating and after preparing food. You should also wash your cutting boards, utensils, and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing food.
- Don’t cross-contaminate. Raw meat, eggs, and seafood can spread germs to cooked food unless you keep them separate. Use one cutting plate or board for raw seafood, eggs, and meat, and another surface for other foods that are ready to eat.
- Cook raw meat to the right temperature. Food is safe to eat only when it is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill germs. Use a food thermometer to determine whether foods have a safe internal temperature.
- Refrigerate food promptly. Bacteria can multiply rapidly when food isn’t quickly refrigerated. Keep your refrigerator set at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F or below. Additionally, remember to dispose of food before it spoils.
3. Watch for Food Recalls and Disease Outbreaks
Keeping an eye on food-related disease outbreaks and food recalls can also prevent foodborne illnesses. Once you discover that a particular type or brand of food may have problems, you should avoid eating it and throw it away.
As an example, in October 2024, the FDA found listeria monocytogenes in multiple frozen waffles sold across the country at Walmart, Target, Tops, Publix, and many other merchants. Certain strains of listeria cause symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and vomiting, and can even be fatal.
Here are other bacteria that can cause food recalls and disease outbreaks:
- E. coli is a bacteria that can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal illness. It is mostly harmless but certain strains can lead to symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
- Salmonella is a bacterial illness that may be caused by eating foods contaminated with animal feces.
- Scombroid fish poisoning happens when you eat fish contaminated with high histamine levels. Common symptoms include palpitations, rash, flushing, vomiting, sweating, and headaches.
4. Know the Symptoms of Food Poisoning
Last but not least, you should know the symptoms of food poisoning. This will help you get treatment in time and avoid future bouts of food poisoning.
Common food poisoning side effects include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Appetite loss
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Flu-like sickness
- Muscle pain and aches
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Weakness
If you think you have food poisoning, monitor your symptoms and seek medical care right away if they become severe.
Get Mesothelioma Nutrition Support
Maintaining a healthy mesothelioma diet and nutrition plan can be challenging for patients and their caregivers. But you are not alone.
Mesothelioma Hope is here to help you:
- Get nutritional resources for your situation
- Find a doctor or dietitian for a holistic health care plan
- Understand traditional and alternative treatment options
Call our team of Patient Advocates right now at (866) 608-8933 or fill out our contact form to get the help and support you deserve.
Mesothelioma Diet FAQs
What should I eat if I have mesothelioma?
The best diet plan for mesothelioma is a high-protein diet that includes:
- Cheese
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Fish
- Greek yogurt
- Lean pork and beef
- Nuts
- Peas, lentils, and beans
- Soy foods
Keep in mind, however, that certain foods may react negatively with chemotherapy, immunotherapy drugs, and other treatments.
Talk to your cancer care team to learn what to eat with mesothelioma and which dietary changes will be best for your case.
What foods should you avoid with mesothelioma?
Certain foods may worsen cancer treatment side effects and weaken your immune system.
Some foods to avoid include:
- Anything that contains raw or soft-cooked eggs
- Raw or lightly cooked fish
- Unpasteurized (raw) dairy products and cheese
- Unwashed vegetables and fruits
You should also avoid food that is hard to digest, such as red meat, highly processed cold cuts, alcohol, and sugary foods. Eating these foods during mesothelioma treatments can possibly increase cancer spread.
What is the plant-based diet for mesothelioma patients?
A plant-based diet focuses on foods primarily from plant sources, with little or no animal-based products.
A predominantly plant-based diet that is high in fiber could be a great choice for cancer patients, according to an integrative health specialist at the Mayo Clinic.
There are many sources of plant-based protein, including:
- Lentils
- Nuts and seeds
- Tempeh
- Tofu
Work with your doctor or dietitian to design your plant-based diet while ensuring you get all the nutrients your body needs to fight this cancer.
How does mesothelioma affect the digestive system?
Common side effects of mesothelioma treatment include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, changes in taste or smell, digestive issues, and fatigue.
However, it’s important to remember that side effects can vary from patient to patient based on their stage of mesothelioma and the types of treatment received.
How do you ensure proper nutrition for mesothelioma patients?
It’s important for mesothelioma cancer patients to keep up their strength and energy while undergoing treatment.
Important considerations for mesothelioma diet and nutrition include:
- Getting enough protein
- Eating fiber-rich foods
- Maintaining a healthy appetite and caloric intake
- Avoiding foodborne illnesses
Working with cancer nutrition specialists can ensure that your diet will give you the energy needed to fight mesothelioma.
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